The XR-V will join the Vezel in China, but will be sold by another JV.
Last month, Guangzhou Honda, one of Honda's joint ventures in China, launched the Vezel pricing it between 128,800 yuan (INR 12.92 lakhs) to 189,800 yuan (INR 19.04 lakhs). Even so, Honda's second joint venture, Dognfeng Honda, will launch the XR-V compact SUV on November 18, just before the start of the 2014 Guangzhou Motor Show.
The XR-V and the Vezel are reported to share their underpinnings and running gear, but the exterior and interior see many changes. The XR-V gets a larger grille with a chrome lining, a more beefier looking bonnet and separate light enclosures for the turn indicators.
The rear sees LED taillights of a new design, and what seems to be like reflectors (or brake lights) running along the width of the bootlid. Hence, even the bootlid gets a redesign.
The Chinese Vezel gets a dual-tone black-and-orange interior, yet its overall layout is similar to the Japanese model. However, for the XR-V, Dongfeng Honda have changed certain parts like the center console, AC vents and even the center tunnel of the car. The XR-V with these Chinese specific touches could be cheaper than the Vezel thanks to increased localization. The XR-V is also 24 mm shorter than the Vezel.
Also read: Honda Grace Hybrid (City) revealed in Japan
Competitors: Peugeot 2008, Chevrolet Trax, Suzuki Vitara, Ford EcoSport
Expected Price: Between an Indian equivalent of INR 12-20 lakhs
Launch Date in China: November 18
[Spyshots from Auto.Ifeng]
