PREVIEW
The name rhymes with "bezel," but don't grow attached to it. Honda will give the 2015 Honda Vezel a distinct new moniker for American buyers when it arrives late this year or in early 2015. Think "Fit Life," "Fit Active" or another imaginative way to connect the Vezel's lineage with the popular Honda subcompact on which it's based.
The Fit itself is redesigned for 2015: slightly shorter, wider and roomier, particularly for those in the rear seats. The Vezel should extend the Fit's improvements with an added 7 inches of overall length, a taller ride height and a low tailgate opening that spans more than 40 inches. The new crossover will also incorporate the Fit's interior flexibility, with rear seatbacks that fold flat and seat cushions that can fold up from the floor. The passenger seat can also lay nearly flat, creating a cargo channel from the tailgate to the dash.
The Vezel will likely share the new Fit's 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, rated at 130 horsepower and matched to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) driving the front wheels. A sportier, turbocharged version should follow the launch of the standard model. A hybrid version for the U.S. is possible if initial Vezel sales are strong, as is an all-wheel-drive option.
The Vezel will slot between the new Fit and the larger CR-V crossover. At 9 inches shorter, 1 inch lower and about 700 pounds lighter than the CR-V, the Vezel should offer a unique choice for those who need space for passengers and gear without the family-sized CR-V footprint. The Vezel's size and probable all-wheel-drive option make it a prime contender against other sporty small crossovers like the Nissan Juke, Subaru XV Crosstrek and even the Mazda CX-5.
The 2015 Honda Vezel should arrive late this fall or in early 2015. Check back for a full review of the 2015 Honda Vezel, including specs, driving impressions and buying advice as it becomes available.
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