American Honda evasive on HR-V crossover release date

Introduced to Japan back in late 2013, Vezel stirred more than a bit of excitement in the automotive press. Torque News reported that the 2015 Fit platform based almost “mini” crossover would fill a niche abandoned by Kia and Suzuki in North American markets. Our readers responded with exuberant enthusiasm as to the advent of a micro-SUV like crossover that returned ease of handling in an urbane setting and did so while sipping fuel.

Weighing in at under 2700 lbs and approaching the size of the original CR-V, Vezel has been rebranded HR-V for North American markets. The next big thing for American Honda Motors may be a mini-crossover with the handling attributes of a sport coupe. At least, that’s how HR-V was promoted by Honda at the New York International Auto Show way back in April 2014.

All good things take time

In corresponding with our soon to be best friend Chris Martin of Honda Public Relations, we forwarded a reader’s question as to the release date of the 2015 Fit platformed HR-V. Chris, hog tied by corporate protocol and Mexican production uncertainty, held the line on Honda’s original estimate of dealership arrival; “ Late winter 2014,” is Chris’s best guess. He’s closer to the mother company than we are; we’ll take Chris for his word.

Throwing caution to the wind

While we’re speculating, let’s entertain the idea of North America receiving a gift from the hallowed halls of Honda. Imagine if you will an exceptionally sporty automotive transformer a bit larger than your neighbor’s Mini Cooper. Toss into the mix a coupe-like interior, an all wheel drive option, 40 + mpg highway and the city park-ability of a meter-maid's 3 wheeler.

And then there's Honda’s state of the art personal connectivity and accident prevention technology. Much of which is becoming standard equipment across the line. We anticipate HR-V to be equipped with “Lane Watch,” rear camera with steering animated distance lines and frontal collision avoidance. Also, look to Honda to step up its game in full access(multiple O.S.) and brand personal communication connectivity.

Will we see a HR-V Hybrid?

While we don’t anticipate a gasoline hybrid offering coming out of Ciello, Mexico, we do look to the all new 2015 HR-V to offer an “ Earth Dreams” near zero emissions gasoline engine married to Honda’s state of the art CVT. That is the component that triggered the Vezel recall in Japan. We’re confident that that bug’s been ironed out.