Honda HR-V

Honda HR-V
Honda HR-V (RV5)
Overview
ManufacturerHonda
Also calledHonda Vezel (Japan and China, 2013–present)
Honda XR-V (China, 2014–present)
Honda ZR-V (2022–present)
Production1999–2006
2013–present
Body and chassis
ClassSubcompact crossover SUV (B)
LayoutFront-engine, front-wheel-drive
Front-engine, all-wheel-drive

The Honda HR-V is a subcompact crossover SUV (B-segment) manufactured and marketed by Honda over three generations.

The first generation HR-V was based on the Honda Logo. It was marketed from 1999 to 2006 in Europe, Japan and select Asia-Pacific markets, and featured three doors (1999–2003) or five doors (1999–2006). The two configurations were internally designated GH2 and GH4 respectively.

After a seven-year hiatus, Honda reintroduced the nameplate for the second generation HR-V, based on the third-generation Honda Fit. Production began in late 2013 for the Japanese domestic market as the Honda Vezel (Japanese: ホンダ・ヴェゼル, Hepburn: Honda Vezeru), while production started in 2015 for North America, Australia, Brazil and select Asian markets as the HR-V. Apart from Japan, the model is also sold as the Vezel in China.

For the third-generation model, the nameplate is split between two different vehicles, one for the global market (sold as the Vezel in Japan), and a larger model based on the eleventh-generation Civic destined for North America and China. The latter model is sold outside those markets as the Honda ZR-V.

According to Honda, the name "HR-V" stands for "Hi-rider Revolutionary Vehicle",[1] while the name "Vezel" is coined from "bezel", the oblique faces of a cut gem, with the "V" for "vehicle".[2]

  1. ^ "Honda | HR-V(2006年終了モデル)". Honda.co.jp. Retrieved 14 December 2014.
  2. ^ Honda News (20 December 2013). "Honda begins sales of new VEZEL and VEZEL hybrid in Japan". Green Car Congress. Retrieved 30 December 2013.