Honda XR-V unveiled in China

Honda has unveiled the XR-V small crossover at the Chengdu Motor Show in China. The XR-V appears to be based on the vehicle sold in Japan as the Honda Vezel, and which will come to the US as the Honda HR-V, a Fit-based crossover that will slot below the CR-V.

However, the car displayed in Chengdu wears revamped styling that is more aggressive and befitting of an SUV. All body panels save for the greenhouse appear to be new, with harder angles and blockier edges than the Vezel. The grille is well-proportioned, hearkening back to the traditionally slim openings of the early 2000s, yet is still unmistakably Honda. Behind the nose two engine options are available, 1.8- and 2.0-liter gasoline-powered units.

The bumper is of an “exposed” design, with a prominent black bar stretching across the front. Cleverly, it integrates both the driving lights and fog lamps in a design that is both rugged and clean.

Even the XR-V’s doors have been restyled, with a strong character line running across the top edge above the door handle. The lower character line kicks up towards the rear wheel, and gone are the Vezel’s criss-crossing swoops.

From the rear view, the XR-V has a slimmed down taillight bar, with squared off bezels for integrated reflectors. The rear spoiler has been remodeled as well. Overall, the design is brawnier than the softer-edged Vezel. It is unknown at this time whether this design will be exclusive to China.