Report - A second SUV based on the Honda Jazz primed for Brazil
Reported to be larger than the Ford EcoSport.
Car and Driver Brazil has reported details on a new Honda mini SUV that will be positioned below the Vezel/HR-V. The publication was told by its sources that the new SUV is expected in Brazil by the first quarter of 2016, and that it will be based on the new Honda Jazz/Fit.
Now, the Vezel itself is based on the Jazz's platform, yet if sources are to be believed, the new SUV will have a lower price as it will come with a less powerful engine (a 1.5L i-VTEC for Brazil as compared to the Vezel's 1.8L), and will be stripped of premium features that are seen on the Vezel. Features like the floating center tunnel and the touchscreen automatic climate control would be given a miss to price the new SUV competitively.
The design of the SUV will bear little resemblance to the Vezel, as sources say it will be inspired by the Vision XS-1 which debuted at the Auto Expo this year. Component suppliers involved with the project say that the design is jointly developed by Japanese engineers inviting Brazilian inputs.
The car's primary rival will be the Ford EcoSport, and the party piece of the Honda would be its interior space. Sources said that it will be about 8 inches longer and 3 inches taller than the Ford.
Also see: Honda Amaze CNG spotted testing for the first time
For the Indian market, Honda is indeed considering a compact SUV, and has reportedly confirmed that the Vezel will not be sold here. While it has been previously reported that Honda's new compact SUV could be based on the Brio platform, the company has not confirmed the specifics of the car.
Competitors: Ford EcoSport, VW Taigun
Expected Price: INR 6-10 lakhs, ex-Showroom
Launch date: 2016 in Brazil
[Source - Car&Driver]