Could be positioned as a cheaper alternative to the HR-V.
Automobile Magazine has gotten its hands of what appears to be the leaked patent models of the Honda XR-V for Europe. The emergence of the European patent suggests that the derivative of the HR-V (Vezel in some markets) is not just confined to China but will also be marketed in the old continent.
On sale in China since last month, the XR-V's exterior styling has a sportier take than the HR-V's lines. The front fascia features a sleeker grille and a plastic clad bumper while the sides are more or less the same.
The XR-V's rear fascia can be differentiated from that of the HR-V by means of sleeker wraparound combination lights that are connected. The tailgate has exclusive contours, the license plate enclosure is lower and there is a new bumper with a silver diffuser.
Inside, the XR-V adopts conventional circular AC vents on the passenger side instead of the HR-V's wide AC slot. The cabin is trimmed with cost in mind.
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The XR-V in China is offered with 1.5-litre and 1.8-litre i-VTEC petrol engines with options of manual and automatic transmissions.
Just like in the Chinese market, the Honda XR-V could be positioned as a cheaper alternative to the HR-V in Europe. With ever growing demand of crossovers worldwide, it helps to have variety in the lineup to keep different tastes covered.
Competitors: Nissan Juke, Peugeot 2008
[Patent images from Automobile Magazine]
