Honda XR-V – China’s HR-V/Vezel gets its own looks

Honda-XR-V

What you see above is the Honda XR-V, China’s unique version of the B-segment SUV we’ve come to know as the Vezel, and later the HR-V. To be produced locally by Dongfeng-Honda, it features completely new front and rear ends, reworked side body panels and even its own dashboard design.

Unlike the HR-V/Vezel’s rather fussy face, which closely mimics that of the Jazz (on which is it is based), the XR-V gets a much more aggressive front, with slim lights and a healthy serving of traditional SUV-style black claddings. The back end (which we don’t have a picture of, unfortunately) is interesting too, with a far sportier set of tail lamps.

The side body panels are new too. Gone is the rising character line of the original design, replaced by much more subdued (but muscular) wheelarch ‘humps’. The wheels and side mirror caps are unique to the China-only compact SUV as well. Inside, the HR-V’s square-set dashboard is replaced with a more rounded one featuring four circular air con vents.

In China, the Honda XR-V will have a choice of two petrol engines (1.5 or 1.8 litre), paired to either a manual or CVT transmission. While we await our own version of the Ford EcoSport fighter (tipped to be called the Honda HR-V), care to tell us which version you like more – this XR-V or the Vezel?

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Hafriz Shah

Preferring to drive cars rather than desks, Hafriz Shah ditched his suit and tie to join the ranks of Malaysia’s motoring hacks. A car’s technical brilliance is completely lost on him, appreciating character-making quirks more. When not writing this ego trip of a bio, he’s usually off driving about aimlessly, preferably in a car with the right combination of three foot pedals and six gears.

 

Comments

  • ape.la.. on Sep 02, 2014 at 11:36 am

    chinese design looks better. more rugged and tough.

    btw,new jazz looks good on picture..in real life its ugly..look like perut boroi. gemok tak ingat

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 40 Thumb down 15
  • Mozilla Chrome on Sep 02, 2014 at 11:42 am

    Side profile looks like a Subaru XV.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 13 Thumb down 2
  • heybadigol on Sep 02, 2014 at 11:45 am

    Yeah, the PRC version looks nicer, based on this picture. Needs more pictures though, especially the dash, as its apparently different.

    1.8 litre engine option is interesting. Should give it a bit more pep.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 12 Thumb down 1
  • Vezel Fan on Sep 02, 2014 at 12:43 pm

    Just bring it in ASAP Honda Malaysia; just put in 1.8 engine and price it right. It will sell well.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 22 Thumb down 0
  • Bubbaonstick on Sep 02, 2014 at 1:02 pm

    Looks good enough to be on my wish list if the spec & price is right.. don’t wanna get ripped off like the dugong company :)

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 0
  • Semi-Value (Member) on Sep 02, 2014 at 1:15 pm

    xr-v…because i want to be an ecosport. fail.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 7
  • Malaysian prefer cut-spec car. Welcome honda to malaysia.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 3
    • Gargantia on Sep 02, 2014 at 2:36 pm

      As a M’sian perfer cut-price spec, Bolehland CBU cars are too expensive !!!
      CKD? If CBU can drop price CKD does too.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 1
  • lavenderguy on Sep 02, 2014 at 1:58 pm

    No hybrid version for market outside Japan?
    what a let down given that petrol price hike will be going on…
    Honda Malaysia, hybrid version pleasex10000000000000 times and I will be the first one to swap my Old City for this…=)

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 1
  • Sam Loo (ori) on Sep 02, 2014 at 2:11 pm

    As long as its not a kimchi, it will have RV

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 9
  • Almighty Snack Bar on Sep 02, 2014 at 2:31 pm

    Haha..

    Another car from Honda International with hope.

    But once it reaches into Honda BS Malaysia’s hand, Honda becomes a car that is worst than Proton or any China car manufacturer.

    Honda BS Malaysia can only ride on current (unethical) success due to other car manufacturers haven’t wake up yet. Once they are awake, Honda BS Malaysia can go back to earning peanuts compare to others.

    Hidup Honda BS Malaysia! Hidup BS BQ and QC!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 14
  • Dont mind owning this mini SUV. Always need a SUV for KL city drive. Easier to see and compact.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 12 Thumb down 1
  • coolman on Sep 03, 2014 at 10:01 am

    Guys , don’t worry, Vezel is coming to MA very soon, target start production in Feb 15 , will be CKD , and the price will be attractive – maybe price around 110k . there is a hybrid version but not sure when to start production .

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 3
  • Kelvin on Jul 27, 2015 at 6:26 pm

    The XR-V and HR-V looks more or less the same to me, but I like the lady in the advertisement. She is hot :D

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
 

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