Honda sales of the VEZEL (HR-V) in Sri Lanka is beyond impressive. In just a few months since launch, the Vezel has been popular all over the island. Honda says that the VEZEL fuses the dynamic qualities of an SUV, the elegance of a coupe, the functionality of a minivan and excellent fuel economy.
The conventional VEZEL is equipped with a 1.5L direct-injection DOHC i-VTEC engine coupled to a CVT, as is available in front-wheel and four-wheel drive versions. The VEZEL HYBRID is equipped with Honda’s next-generation SPORT HYBRID i-DCD system that combines a 130hp, 156 Nm 1.5 L direct injection engine with a 30hp, 160Nm motor. The realized maximum system output of 150hp is equivalent to that of a 2.0-liter engine.
The hybrid’s fuel economy of 27.0 km/L (3.7 l/100km) in the JC08 cycle, the highest fuel economy in its class in Japan was realized through intelligent use of three different driving modes depending on the driving situation. Moreover, the paddle shifter, which enables the driver to enjoy high output of a direct-injection engine and the direct feel of DCT, is featured as standard equipment on all hybrid models.
The VEZEL HYBRID is also be the first among all Honda hybrid models to be equipped with Honda’s original Real Time AWD, which controls torque distribution to the front and rear wheels precisely through electronic control.
With Real Time AWD, the ECU accurately detects the driving situation based on the information collected through multiple sensors, and determines the amount of torque necessary for the front and rear wheels. The system instantaneously distributes an appropriate amount of torque for the rear wheels and smoothly shifts to 4WD.
A VEZEL-exclusive setting distributes more torque to the rear wheels during cornering, enhancing the driving feeling.
All VEZEL types feature advanced technologies and functions such as Electric Parking Brake and Automatic Brake Hold as standard equipment. High-performance soundproofing materials and dampers, which are typically used for high-end sedan models, are adopted to realize outstanding quietness and driving stability.
The hybrid model is equipped with the Reactive Force Pedal that assists fuel-efficient driving by applying reactive force to the accelerator. The VEZEL HYBRID will be the first among all Honda hybrid models to be equipped with the Reactive Force Pedal.
The Reactive Force Pedal assists fuel-efficient driving through control of the reaction force of the accelerator. The system applies reactive force on the accelerator pedal when the driver steps on it excessively. The relative force also is applied when driving on slippery surfaces such as muddy or sandy roads.
An inner-frame structure and high-tensile sheet steel are adopted to approximately 20% of the overall body frame, realizing a lightweight and highly-rigid body that generates linear driving.
Passive safety is realized through the adoption of the next generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body and the Pedestrian Injury Mitigation Body. The ACE body applies Honda’s original G-Force Control Technology (G-CON) to enhance self-protection and make it less aggressive to other vehicles in the event of a collision. The Pedestrian Injury Mitigation Body structure also absorbs the impact of a collision in the front part of the body, which is at the highest risk of causing a pedestrian injury in the event of a collision.
The City-Brake Active System is also available on selected models. The City-Brake Active System supports safe driving and mitigates accidental damage from a collision or when the vehicle starts moving forward. The system is accompanied by a side curtain airbag system and a front seat i-side airbag system (variable capacity type).
(Pictures taken with the new Nokia Lumia)
