In the small SUV market, Honda's two models, Dongfeng Honda XR-V and GUANGQI Honda Binzhi, occupy half of the country, and the sales volume is far ahead, and it can even be said that there is no direct competitor, the two cars will sell 191,417 and 167,815 vehicles in 2021, respectively, while the third-place Geely Binyue is only 88,386 vehicles, the gap is very obvious. Honda XR-V and Binzhi are so popular, a large reason is that honda brand appeal, quality and reputation are better, but also more fuel-efficient, more in line with the needs of Chinese consumers.
Domestic cash Honda Binzhi /XR-V
The Japanese version of the new generation VEZEL
However, it is precisely because Chinese consumers pay more attention to quality and brand, Honda XR-V and Binzhi have not changed their models, and the product design is old, the configuration is low, and the level of intelligence is lagging behind. On February 18, 2021, Honda's new generation VEZEL (known as Binzhi/XR-V in China, HR-V in Europe and the United States) has made its global debut, and two months later it will be listed in the Japanese domestic market, priced at 2.2792 million yen to 3.2492 million yen (about 126.4-18.02 million yuan).
Previously predicted that the new car will appear in the Chinese market at the end of 2021, the first quarter of 2022 to be listed, now, Honda and Chinese consumers have beaten the face to buy and buy Jun, who did not expect a model that has not been replaced since its listing in 2014, it is still selling well. It is precisely for this reason that Honda has no reason to renew, in case the replacement does not sell well, it is not self-inflicted.
Recently, according to overseas media reports, the new Honda HR-V is about to be listed in the North American market, and Honda officially released a preview map of models for the US market. However, the trailer is different from the Japanese version, the North American version of HR-V size or will be larger, the shape design is more rugged, very in line with the aesthetic needs of Americans, it is understood that the North American version of HR-V will be based on the Civic platform to build.
From the trailer, the new generation of HR-V in North America adopts a new design language, and the hood shape feels like a Porsche for a moment, looking very rounded. The forward grille shape is similar to the Honda Passport, and the interior adopts a grid-like style, with a front enveloping through-type heat dissipation port, which has a strong sense of movement. Of course, the most recognizable is the headlight shape, the internal slender "L" daytime running lights with the unique small yellow lights of the US model, which looks very sharp.
On the side of the body, the more eye-catching is that the new car is equipped with large-size wheels, making the whole car look very domineering. In addition, the roof also has its own luggage rack, which is convenient for users to expand outdoor equipment. In terms of size, it is not clear, for reference, the new generation of Honda VEZEL length, width and height are 4330/1790/1580mm, and the wheelbase is still 2610mm.
In the rear part, the new generation honda VEZEL adopts the popular through-type taillight design, which looks very advanced. The North American version of hr-V will use a more traditional taillight shape, and the internal structure looks like the NIO ES6. However, in order to highlight the sense of sport, the taillight area has been blackened, and the rear rear of the tail has adopted a double-layer two-color design.
The European version of the new generation VEZEL interior
In terms of interior, the new generation of HR-V in North America has not revealed any information, but for reference, the interior style of the Japanese and European versions of the model is more similar to that of the new generation of Civic, mostly using a horizontal flat line of the center console layout, equipped with a 9-inch suspension central control screen, a traditional mechanical instrument panel, a more exquisite and stylish multi-functional steering wheel, a hidden air conditioner outlet and a thick mechanical barrier, compared to the domestic current Binzhi / XR-V interior, the improvement is very obvious.
The picture shows the interior of the current XR-V in China
Of course, it is not excluded that the North American version of HR-V will adopt a new interior design, after all, the appearance is so rough, the interior does not need to be so exquisite, and perhaps it will be designed to be more rugged and atmospheric to cater to the aesthetics of local consumers.
In terms of power, according to foreign media speculation, the North American version of the model is expected to be equipped with a 158-horsepower 2.0-liter naturally aspirated engine and an 180-horsepower 1.5T engine for users to choose from, and is expected to provide a hybrid version. Also for reference, the Japanese version of the model provides a 1.5L naturally aspirated engine and a 1.5L e:HEV hybrid two sets of powertrains, the transmission system is matched with the CVT stepless gearbox, and the minimum fuel consumption reaches 4.0 liters/100 km.
The picture shows the new generation of Civic
It is worth mentioning that Honda's official release of the trailer of the model for the US market has caused many netizens to discuss, many netizens said that the US HR-V has always followed the rhythm of the European version of the model, there is no need to build a new model. At the same time, some people also question the new car using the Civic platform to abandon the Fit platform, after all, the Civic is a model of the same level as the CR-V, if built based on the Civic platform, this will not only affect the size of the vehicle, but even change its market positioning, resulting in a situation of competition with the CR-V.
Of course, the specific how, but also have to wait for the official debut of the new car to know, at present is only a trailer release, and only for the US market, for domestic consumers is not a great reference significance. However, considering honda's layout of the two-model strategy in China, the future Binzhi replacement may adopt the Japanese version and the European version of the model, and the XR-V adopts the American version of the model style, after all, this is not a new thing, like FAW Toyota Corolla is consistent with the European version of the Corolla, while GAC Toyota Leiling adopts the North American version of the Corolla model. Finally, which version of the look do you prefer?