A Refined Experience in Design, Performance, and Interior Ambiance—Test Drive of the New Honda Vezel | HONDA
A Formidable Rival for the Yaris Cross and Kicks?
Honda's acclaimed two-motor hybrid system, "e:HEV," combines a 1.5-liter water-cooled inline 4-cylinder DOHC engine producing 106ps (78kW) at 6,000–6,400rpm and 127Nm of torque at 4,500–5,000rpm, with a drive motor generating 131ps (96kW) at 4,000–8,000rpm and 253Nm of torque from 0–3,500rpm, along with a generator motor. While the system is similar to that of the Fit compact hatchback, the engine and motor outputs have been increased to match the larger SUV body.
Equipped with the e:HEV two-motor hybrid system
The 1.5-liter gasoline engine in the G grade
The other model, a pure gasoline version, is powered by a 1.5-liter inline 4-cylinder port-injection i-VTEC engine. It produces 118ps (87kW) at 6,600rpm and 142Nm of torque at 4,300rpm. While the power is 11ps and 9Nm lower than the previous generation, the engine itself is quieter, and the driving performance is enhanced by a lower final gear ratio of 5.436. The transmission is a CVT with step-down shifting.
Our first drive was in the top-tier "PLaY" model (¥3,298,000) equipped with the e:HEV system. This model featured a two-tone finish with a white body and black roof. The interior boasts combination seats and door panels upholstered in a greige fabric and white Prime Smooth (synthetic leather), creating an elegant and sophisticated ambiance compared to the all-black interiors of the Z and X grades. Despite the rainy test drive day, the cabin felt remarkably bright, thanks to the panoramic roof with its wide opening. This roof, exclusive to the PLaY, uses Low-E coated privacy glass with high-performance IR cut (heat shielding) and UV cut functions.
New Vezel e:HEV PLaY
Features a frameless grille
The top-tier model's tires were 18-inch Michelins.
The FF PLaY drives primarily on motor power, offering a remarkably quiet and smooth experience. Although the engine primarily generates electricity, the energy flow meter indicates it operates frequently, with the engine sound occasionally entering the cabin. When merging onto highways, a bit more power would be desirable, but once cruising, the engine power directly drives the wheels for efficient travel.
The suspension is significantly smoother compared to the slightly firm ride of the first generation. It corners gracefully through medium-speed turns with minimal body roll. This improvement is attributed to the body's increased rigidity, achieved through extensive use of high-tensile steel, and enhancements to suspension and steering mounting points, allowing for reduced friction in the suspension and increased damper stroke.
The PLaY's digital meter. The energy flow displayed on the left indicates motor operation.
We also tested the gasoline model, an AWD version (¥2,559,700), which drives the rear wheels via a propeller shaft. Unlike the 18-inch tires on the higher grades, this model features taller 16-inch tires and a softer suspension setting, resulting in a very comfortable ride. The four-wheel drive provides confidence even on heavily wet roads. The overall power delivery feels somewhat subdued.
Beyond driving performance, the Vezel is packed with the latest features, including "premium audio" custom-tuned by Honda for optimal sound quality, automatic map updates via "Honda Connect," a digital key, and in-car Wi-Fi.
The gasoline G model, 4WD
The interior is black on grades other than the PLaY.
The cockpit of the G grade
Furthermore, accessing the Honda App Center reveals a variety of useful apps, such as "radiko" for listening to radio anywhere, "Yotteko" with its excellent navigation features, and the music streaming service "AWA." In this era of the "new normal" shaped by the pandemic, where travel by car to avoid crowded places has become more common, in-car entertainment is gaining even greater importance.
The new Vezel, with its refined design, performance, and interior ambiance, presents a formidable challenge to rivals like the Toyota Yaris Cross and Nissan Kicks, which have been leading the compact SUV segment.
