The previous Honda Vezel is a sharp-looking urban crossover that feels so engaging to drive but it's got a lot of issues in store, probably because those who bought the hybrid variant are experiencing some upsets with the gearbox despite the fact that it's more engaging than a CVT-powered hybrid vehicle. As compact crossovers are getting a lot of love in Japan, the Honda Vezel (known in the world market as the HR-V) is now on its second generation and it uses the same bits and bobs as last year's Honda Fit, including the controversially new e:HEV dual-motor hybrid powertrain. Let's observe.
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| 2022 Honda Vezel |
The all-new, second-generation Vezel, starting at 2,279,200 Japanese Yen, has arrived with its friendly new design, minimalist interior, the e:HEV hybrid powertrain, and the added tech that promises to a step above from the previous model, well sort of because with the new model features the same bits and bobs as today's Honda Fit, it feels like it eschews its fun-to-drive character in favour of a simpler, nice guy attitude that feels a bit above average.
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| 2022 Honda Vezel |
First, let's get to know the styling of the new Vezel and this new design is no longer sharper than the previous model it replaces because the designers behind it wanted the new Vezel to be more friendly to the people's eyes, in tune with the times, and more importantly, as quintessentially Japanese as possible. Come to think of it, while the new design is a step through the simpler times, it can be downright mistaken for a Mazda CX-30 with the back of a Cupra Formentor, if you know what I mean.
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| 2022 Honda Vezel interior |
Come inside and you will be greeted by its new minimalist interior that still works just like every other car should. On the driver's side, it feels somewhat driver-focused compared to the previous model but with the touch-screen sat-nav with Honda CONNECT onboard, you might spend a few minutes toying around with its apps, especially when you let your smartphone be part of it and toy around for more. Also, there are knobs for climate control, the steering wheel with lots of buttons to learn, the available paddle shifters for those who want something engaging, and more. That's something.
On the passenger side, the new interior's nicer to live with than the old Vezel and it's got slightly improved dimensions as well. With the rear seats present, you can store as many as four big suitcases on the back but with them folded, you can store as much as you want. That's practicality in a nutshell.
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| 2022 Honda Vezel |
The new Vezel features two powertrains to choose from such as the conventional 1.5L L15Z petrol engine with 118PS of power, 142Nm of torque, mated to a CVT, and a fuel economy of up to 17kmpl based on WLTC Mode standards, and the 1.5L e:HEV powertrain.
The 1.5L e:HEV powertrain consists of a 106PS 1.5L petrol engine bolted to Honda's dual-motor hybrid system that churns out 96kW of power and a Li-ion battery. Mated to a CVT, which makes the new Vezel more boring to drive than the previous model it replaces, fuel economy has been jumped to 25kmpl based on WLTC mode standards. At such a rate, it's more efficient than the previous Vezel Hybrid.
Like the new Fit, the Vezel jettisons its fun-to-drive attitude in favour of a simpler and nicer way to drive from home to whatever destination you've set to. Even the addition of paddle shifters and setting the car to a more engaging Sport Mode wouldn't help. Probably because despite being a new model, the new Vezel still runs on a normal suspension setup consists of front McPherson struts, front torsion bar stabilizers, and an independent rear suspension for FWD or De Dion for 4WD models, as well as ventilated disc brakes, and Rack and Pinion Electric Power Steering. It might feel regular but being regular is what the new Vezel does best.
Speaking of regular, the new Vezel comes with Honda Sensing for the first time, featuring a wide range of safety features Pedestrian Collision Mitigation Steering System, Collision Mitigation Brake System, Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Information, Cross Traffic Monitor, and more. Again, that's something.
Love it or hate it, the new Honda Vezel is a coupe crossover that prefers to go regular rather than most fancy compact crossovers do. Yes, the e:HEV powertrain with CVT really feels like a demotion from the previous hybrid model but the simpler design, interior, and tech really mean business and whether you want one or not, the new Vezel could be the first car for those who got a driver's license for the first time. Thank you, Honda.
Photo: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
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