Honda at the Tokyo Motor Show, showcased a stylish new crossover utility vehicle design that will include a hybrid drivetrain option. Known as the Vezel, it will go on sale in Japan starting on December 20 for an as yet undisclosed price. There was no immediate mention of other potential markets.
The Honda Vezel hybrid version, said the automaker, is equipped with Sport Hybrid i-DCD (Intelligent Dual Clutch Drive). This system combines a 1.5-l direct injection engine with a high-output electric motor. It isn’t clear specifically how miles per gallon will showcase in this model, but an Edmunds story reports what was previously a concept model of the Vezel aimed to have a production value of 40 MPG.
There’s not much more to know on the technical side for this vehicle prior to its Japan debut, so we turn instead to its look and design philosophy. As Honda puts it,
The Vezel is a completely new model that goes beyond the boundaries of automobile categories by fusing together multifaceted values at a high level, including the dynamic qualities of an SUV, the elegance of a coupe and the functionality of a minivan.This crossover, if it were to come to the United States, could bring hybrid technology to a class of vehicle which doesn’t have a lot of green technology at the moment in models from different auto manufacturers.
The exterior design of the Vezel expresses SUV-like stability in its lower body and coupe-like styling in its upper body. These two different types of styling are fused together by the sharp character lines to create an inspiring and emotional exterior design. The interior design creates a coupe-like, high-quality personal space for the front seats and minivan-like elbowroom, comfort and functionality for the rear seats.
Source;
http://www.earthtechling.com/2013/11/honda-vezel-to-offer-a-hybrid-under-the-hood-option/
