Honda bets big on small Vezel crossover, eyes turbo for U.S.

The Vezel is about 9 inches shorter than the CR-V, currently the smallest crossover in Honda's U.S. lineup.

by Hans Greimel of www.autonews.com

WAKO, Japan -- Honda Motor Co. is ready to take a run at one of the U.S. auto industry’s fastest-growing segments: compact, sporty crossovers.

The Vezel -- a small crossover based on Honda’s redesigned Fit subcompact -- goes on sale in Japan on Dec. 20 and in the United States in the second half of 2014.

It will compete in an increasingly crowded segment of small utility vehicles that includes such rivals as the Mazda CX-5, Nissan Juke and Subaru XV Crosstrek.

It will be slotted below the CR-V, one of Honda’s top-selling U.S. models with annual sales projected to top 300,000 units for the first time in 2013.

Vezel is the car’s Japan-market name. The U.S. name will be announced later, Honda said today.

In the United States, Juke sales have climbed 4 percent this year and Mazda CX-5 demand has surged 95 percent. Sales of the new Subaru XV Crosstrek have totaled 48,216, while Buick Encore sales are 29,195.

CR-V vs. Vezel
The Vezel is about 9 inches shorter than the CR-V, currently the smallest crossover in Honda’s U.S. lineup, as well as 1 inch narrower and 1 inch lower. The wheelbase is also about 1 inch less. The vehicle is 7 inches longer than the current Fit hatchback.

In Japan, the hybrid version of the Honda Vezel is expected to account for 90 percent of sales. Not so in the United States.

Honda won’t even offer the hybrid variant in U.S. showrooms initially. When U.S. sales begin, the Vezel will have a standard gasoline engine.

Down the road, the Vezel will get a turbocharged version to improve fuel economy and boost power, Yoshiharu Itai, the crossover’s chief engineer, says.

Turbo timing unclear
Timing of the turbo debut hasn’t been decided, but Itai said he expects to use the new line of small turbo engines Honda introduced last month before the Tokyo Motor Show. He is considering the 1.5-liter turbo, which Honda showed in an Acura ILX sedan.

“We haven’t decided yet what model year it will be, but we have that in our plan,” Itai said of a turbocharged Vezel at a recent briefing outside Tokyo. “We are creating a package so that turbocharging could be installed with this model.”

A hybrid version may come to the United States, but no decision has been made.

The front-wheel-drive Vezel weighs about 680 pounds less than the front-wheel drive CR-V. The Vezel comes in a front-wheel or all-wheel-drive layout.

The Vezel’s hybrid drivetrain is the same newly developed one-motor, dual-clutch lithium ion battery system used in the third-generation Fit hatchback that debuted this year in Japan.

Engine combos
The hybrid system combines a 1.5-liter direct-injection Earth Dreams engine with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and 22-kilowatt electric motor. The standard gasoline version teams the 1.5-liter engine with a continuously variable transmission.

The current U.S. Fit hatchback uses a 1.5-liter engine. The CR-V has a 2.4-liter engine.

Honda has not divulged the U.S. drivetrain configuration for the Vezel.

The 1.5-liter turbocharged engine Honda has developed is seen as a replacement for 1.8-liter powerplants. Compared with a 1.8-liter naturally aspirated engine, Honda says, the 1.5-liter turbo provides 15 percent better fuel economy and 45 percent better torque.

That engine is expected to hit the market in early 2016.

Mexico plant
Honda is waiting on a hybrid for the United States, partly because demand doesn’t warrant importing it from Japan. Honda plans to source all U.S. Vezels from its new plant in Mexico, Itai said. Honda built the plant as a hedge against exchange rate losses on imports and as a low-cost manufacturing center that could deliver better margins on entry-level cars.

A spokesman said Honda wants to establish the gasoline version in the market before deciding on whether to add a hybrid option to the lineup.

The crossover is key to Honda President Takanobu Ito’s push to boost global sales to 6 million vehicles in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2017, from 4.01 million in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2013.

By 2016, the Fit hatchback and its Vezel crossover and City sedan variants will account for worldwide sales of 1.6 million units, Ito says.

U.S. sales surge
Honda is also banking on the vehicle to fuel a big surge in U.S. sales. Honda built the new plant in Mexico with capacity of 200,000 units just to make the crossover and the Fit hatchback. More than half of the plant’s capacity will be devoted to the crossover, says Ito.

That incremental volume would bring Honda a big step closer to its ambitious North American sales goal of 2 million in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2016. Honda sold 1.7 million units in the last fiscal year and expects to sell close to 1.8 million in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2014.

Itai said the company ideally wants to keep the name standardized because it is a global strategic vehicle. But Honda officials say it may be tweaked to suit local markets.

The Japan name comes from the word “bezel,” the mounting for gemstones. But it gets a befuddling Japanese twist in swapping the “b” for a “v,” two sounds often indistinguishable to the Japanese ear.


Source;
http://www.autonews.com/article/20131219/OEM04/131219844/honda-bets-big-on-small-vezel-crossover-eyes-turbo-for-u-s#

Honda Vezel (Urban Concept SUV) by Mugen Revealed in a Brochure Leak

With minor changes

A brochure scan has revealed Mugen plans to apply its know-how on the recently introduced Honda Vezel which is essentially a production version of the Urban SUV concept.

It was only last month at Tokyo Motor Show when Honda introduced the Vezel and now it seems Mugen has prepared to spice up the model. The standard version will go on sale on December 20 while the Mugen package will probably be available shortly after when it will bring a lowered ride height.

We also notice the grey accents on the chin spoiler, front radiator slat, roof spoiler, alloys, rear apron, exhaust pipes and side skirts. The model featured in the brochure is the 4WD version equipped with a direct-injection 1.5-liter gasoline engine which can also be had in a hybrid setup with a high-output motor and a SPORT HYBRID i-DCD (Intelligent Dual Clutch Drive).

According to Japanese media there is a three-month waiting list for the Vezel, a model which is being described by Honda as offering the elegance of a coupe, the functionality of a minivan and the qualities of an SUV.

 

Source: ameblo.jp via indianautosblog.com

http://www.worldcarfans.com/113121667542/honda-vezel-by-mugen-revealed-via-brochure-scan

Honda's Urban SUV Concept Videos

Honda Compact Urban SUV spied for the first time

A prototype of Honda’s upcoming Urban SUV has been spied for the very first time wearing heavy camouflage, suggesting that a debut is imminent. Shown as a concept for the first time at this year’s Detroit Auto Show, the Urban SUV is scheduled to launch in Japan by the end of 2013.

A YouTube user has managed to capture it on video in which the heavily camouflaged prototype is seen being driven on Germany’s autobahn.

The Urban SUV is said to be based on the same platform that also underpins the all-new 2014 Jazz. Honda will do away with the Urban SUV nameplate and give this upcoming model a new name.

Given that it is based on the all-new Jazz platform, the Urban SUV will make use of Honda’s new ‘Earth Dreams Technology’ line of engines, which include highly efficient petrol and diesel units. The diesel model could be powered by the same 1.5-litre i-DTEC unit that currently powers the Amaze sedan.

The Urban SUV will go on sale in Japan by end-2013 and we expect Honda India to launch it here next year. When launched, the SUV will take on the likes of Renault Duster, Ford EcoSport and the upcoming Nissan Terrano.

Source;
http://www.oncars.in/Car-News-Detail/video-honda-urban-suv-spied-for-the-first-time-to-compete-with-ecosport/4661

Honda's Future Plans 2014, 2015, 2016

by Mark Rechtin of www.autonews.com

Honda Division is entering a somewhat fallow period for new products, since its four big-volume vehicles -- the Civic, Accord, CR-V and Odyssey -- have recently been redesigned.

But there will be plenty of changes to other models, especially light trucks, as well as variants to those four nameplates. And the Fit subcompact platform will become much more prominent in Honda's North American growth plans.

As vehicle redesigns occur, Honda will install its new-generation Earth Dreams engines, which have direct injection and double-overhead cams. Compared to Honda's current four-cylinder engines, the new design will bring at least a 10 percent fuel economy advantage.

Also, Honda is going big with continuously variable transmissions. Performance models and off-road vehicles will retain geared transmissions, but mainstream street-going cars will feature CVTs. A plant opening in Mexico will add up to 700,000 units of CVT capacity by 2017.

Here is a look at Honda's future product plans:

Fit: The redesigned subcompact coming in the summer of 2014 will be built at Honda's new plant in Celaya, Mexico. Honda will install the Earth Dreams 1.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine with 127 hp and 111 pounds-feet of torque, as well as a CVT. Although built locally, expect the new Fit to stick to the global platform.

Fit EV: The next Fit will have a different suspension module for hybrid and EV versions. It likely won't arrive until spring 2016.

Fit crossover: A concept crossover based on the Fit platform, called the Urban SUV, was unveiled at the 2013 Detroit auto show. It is 169.3 inches long, about 9 inches shorter than the Honda CR-V compact crossover. The production version, coming in the summer of 2014, will have the same Earth Dreams engine as the Fit, but could get an added turbocharger for upmarket models. Limited cargo capacity will be counteracted with Fit's fold-flat "Magic Seats" and by stashing the fuel tank under the front seats rather than behind the rear suspension.

Insight: Honda Motor CEO Takanobu Ito is noncommittal about whether Honda will produce a next-generation Insight to go head-to-head with the Toyota Prius. But Honda recently unveiled its next-generation single-motor IMA hybrid system with a lithium ion battery. It is connected to an Atkinson-cycle engine and combined with a new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. More may be revealed at the Tokyo Motor Show in November.

Civic: Contrary to press reports, the Civic will not receive an Earth Dreams engine until its redesign in spring 2016.

Civic Hybrid: When the Civic is redesigned, the hybrid version will move from its one-motor IMA system to a two-motor system that allows extensive electric-only driving. One motor powers the wheels; the other recharges the batteries. It will be a cheaper version of the same system that is in the Accord Hybrid.

CR-Z: The possibility of a gasoline-powered version of the hybrid coupe is being studied for the next generation arriving in summer 2015.

Accord: After being redesigned last fall, a two-motor hybrid version arrives this summer. The hybrid will team a 124-kilowatt electric motor with a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle engine for a projected 49 mpg. Expect the next redesign in the second half of 2017.

Crosstour: Balky styling has hindered customer acceptance. Designers are looking at something more akin to an Audi Allroad for the next generation, arriving in spring 2015.

FCX Clarity: Honda's hydrogen fuel cell vehicle will be redesigned in mid-2015. The vehicle likely will be shown at the Tokyo Motor Show in November. Honda recently signed a technology-sharing deal with General Motors to develop the next-generation fuel cell for 2020, but insisted that there will be no badge engineering.

CR-V: Redesigned for the 2013 model year; the next one is expected in the first half of 2017.

Element: There will be no new Element. The CR-V and Fit-based crossover will fill that space.

Pilot: The wheelbase for the recently redesigned Acura MDX, which was increased by 3 inches, will be carried over to the redesigned Pilot when it arrives this fall. But because the MDX has an expensive suspension system, expect some minor cost-shaving changes to suspension components to hit the Pilot's price point. Sheet metal should move away from the "angry robot" look. It likely will get a 3.5-liter Earth Dreams V-6 that generates around 310 hp and 265 pounds-feet of torque.

Odyssey: A freshened version, with an optional built-in vacuum cleaner, goes on sale this summer.
The next generation arrives in fall 2016 on the Acura MDX platform, although expect a lower-cost suspension -- possibly an air-spring setup -- to hit a lower price point. When redesigned, the Odyssey will receive the 3.5-liter Earth Dreams V-6.

Ridgeline: Honda sources insist the company needs to keep a unibody pickup offering, but its styling, fuel economy and sticker price are arguments against it. The current platform runs until fall 2014, but there are no signs of a replacement.


Source;
http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130729/OEM04/307299985#ixzz2aXDq2rBj

Honda offers glimpse of new small SUV; concept version is slightly shorter than popular CR-V

Takanobu Ito, Honda Motor Co. President and CEO, speaks at media previews for the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Monday, Jan. 14, 2013. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

DETROIT - After scoring a hit with its CR-V compact SUV, Honda on Monday offered a glimpse at what the automaker's new, even smaller SUV might look like when it hits streets.

The "Urban SUV Concept" made its debut during press previews at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Honda Motor Co. plans to launch a small SUV based on that concept vehicle in Japan by the end of the year and in the U.S. in 2014.

The concept SUV is 9 inches (22.86 centimetres) shorter than the CR-V, and hidden rear door handles give it a smooth, coupe-like presence. When it goes on sale in the U.S. it's expected to be priced below the existing CR-V, which starts around $22,700 for a 2013 model.

"We believe there is a good market potential for this vehicle," Tetsuo Iwamura, president and chief operating officer of Honda's North American Regional Operations, said in an interview with reporters at the show.

The new SUV is expected to fill a place in Honda's lineup between the subcompact Fit and the CR-V, and Iwamura said he anticipates it will draw new buyers — not poach sales from Honda's existing vehicles. He said the concept for the new SUV is "completely different" than its existing offerings.

Honda's new SUV is part of a segment of smaller vehicles that are becoming more readily available in the U.S. market with higher-end features such as heated seats and navigation, noted IHS Automotive analyst Rebecca Lindland. Other upcoming small SUVs, such as the Toyota RAV4, fit the bill as well.

"In every other part of the world, those are considered midsize if not larger, and we have them as compact SUVs. As they move up, there's room underneath," she said. "We're getting room at the bottom."

Last year, Honda's U.S. vehicle sales rose 24 per cent, led by strong sales of its Civic and Accord sedans as well as the Odyssey minivan. But Honda sees an opportunity to increase sales of its smaller vehicles as well. Last year, for example, CR-V sales rose 29 per cent to more than 281,000.

Honda hasn't released a forecast for 2013 global sales, but it's shooting for its biggest sales year ever in the U.S., Iwamura said. The company sold 1.55 million vehicles in the U.S. in 2007, and "our challenge for this year," he said, is to top that.

Honda is opening a plant near Celaya, Guanajuato, north of Mexico City. It plans to build the new SUV there as well as the Fit. With the addition of the plant, Honda said about 95 per cent of its production for North America will be in North America, up from its current level of about 90 per cent.

"That is a symbol of the kind of localization that we've done in North America," Honda President and CEO Takanobu Ito said in an interview with reporters at the show.

Here is a rendering of what the Urban Concept SUV may look like in production form.

Source;
http://www.timescolonist.com/life/honda-offers-glimpse-of-new-small-suv-concept-version-is-slightly-shorter-than-popular-cr-v-1.47424