The 'Honda XR-V' gets China specific design and powertrain changes.
The Dongfeng Honda joint venture in China (Honda has two JVs in China, the other with Guangqi) is gearing up to launch a Vezel-based compact crossover by the end of this year.
The crossover will be called XR-V in China (known as the Vezel in Japan, and HR-V in other countries where it is yet to go on sale), and was previewed at the Chengdu Motor Show in August.
These spyshots confirm that final tests are ongoing, and a market launch is expected in December this year. The Chinese media expect Honda to make an announcement regarding this at the Guangzhou Motor Show which starts on November 20.
Visually, the XR-V in comparison to the HR-V/Vezel, gets a different look for the front and the rear. The Chinese model carries more bling thanks to a larger grille with a chrome surround, a separate light cluster for the turn indicators and a more pronounced front bumper.
The rear gets differently designed taillights with LED elements, and a new tailgate. Honda have made changes to the interior as well, as the Chinese car gets circular air vents and a less premium version of the floating center tunnel seen on the Japanese model.
The XR-V is 20 mm shorter than the HR-V, but the rest of its dimensions are identical. Power for the car is reported to come from a 1.5- or a 1.8-liter four-cylinder petrol engine.
Also read: Review - Honda Mobilio Diesel
Meanwhile, the Indian market will see a Brio-based crossover which is speculated to come out in 2016.
Competitors: Peugeot 2008, Chevrolet Trax, Suzuki Vitara, Ford EcoSport
Launch Date in China: By end of 2014
[Spyshots from Auto.Ifeng]
