2014 Honda Vezel Review
The Honda Vezel is making an entry into the Kenyan market and there's a growing excitement around this car. On paper, it offers compelling features such as a commanding SUV posture, excellent fuel economy, striking design and a reasonable price point. Is this enough to upstage the competition? It's going up against the Mitsubishi RVR, Nissan Dualis/Qashqai, Subaru XV, Toyota Rush and Peugeot 2008.
Detailed Review
The Honda Vezel is a five seater compact SUV that has been in production from 2013 to present. It is known as the Honda HR-V in other markets outside Japan. It boasts of high safety ratings and it offers all round protection for both passengers and pedestrians.
It’s offered with 2 engine options; these are a 1.5 Litre DOHC i-VTEC petrol engine and a 1.5 Litre DOHC i-VTEC i-DCD Hybrid petrol engine. These are linked to either a CVT transmission or a 7-speed DCT transmission for the hybrid versions and are available in both 2WD and 4WD.
2014 Honda Vezel Grades
- Honda Vezel G – This is the entry level grade that comes with the 1.5L normal engine, 2WD/4WD and black fabric or optional leather seats(4WD only)
- Honda Vezel X – This is an intermediate grade that comes with the 1.5L normal or 1.5L Hybrid engines, 2WD and 4WD(Hybrid only) and black fabric or optional leather seats.
- Honda Vezel S – This is a sports grade that comes only with the 1.5L normal engine, paddle shifters and passion black combination seats or optional leather seats
- Honda Vezel HYBRID – This is the entry level grade for the Hybrid that comes with the 1.5L Hybrid engine, 2WD/4WD and black fabric or optional leather seats.
- Honda Vezel HYBRID Z – This is a sports grade for the Hybrid version that comes with the 1.5L Hybrid engine, 2WD, paddle shifters and passion black combination seats or jazz brown combination seats or optional leather seats.
- Honda Vezel HYBRID XL Package – This is a luxury Hybrid version that comes with the 1.5L Hybrid engine, 4WD, paddle shifters and passion black combination seats or optional leather seats.
Interior & Exterior
The interior is top notch made of a fusion of soft plastic and leather materials. The instrument panel is made of crystal clear LCD displays and soft touch buttons.
At the first row, the legroom is excellent and the seats can adjust to fit any desirable seating position. At the second row, the legroom is similarly impressive and tall people will find it comfortable.
On the outside, the Vezel looks similar to the CR-V but with sharper crystal headlights and a flatter grille. All grades come with alloy rims and fog lights.
Cabin Storage
There are several storage compartments in the cabin that are useful for storing items such as smartphones, beverages, goggles, handbags etc. At the first row there are 2 cup-holders, door panel storage, a glovebox and the center-box. For the second row, there are 2 cupholders, front seat jacket pockets and door pockets.
2014 Honda Vezel Boot Space
The boot is not as big but its enough to carry luggage for a family of five. When extra space is required, the second row seats can be folded in a split configuration to free up a sizable amount of space.
Other Extras: USB Charging Ports, rear cameras.
Safety Features: SRS Airbags, Curtain airbags, EBD with TCS, ABS, City Brake Active Sytem, Rear Torque Distribution.
2014 Honda Vezel Fuel Consumption
2014 Honda Vezel 1.5L fuel consumption: 20.6 Km/L
2014 Honda Vezel 1.5L Hybrid fuel consumption: 27.0 Km/L
2014 Honda Vezel Acceleration
2014 Honda Vezel 1.5L accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 12.0 sec.
2014 Honda Vezel 1.5L Hybrid accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 11.5 sec.
2014 Honda Vezel Fuel Tank Capacity: 40 Litres
2014 Honda Vezel Stability and Handling
The Honda Vezel is a smooth car that drives and handles the bends very well. The only drawback is the lazy 1.5L engine that takes slightly long to accelerate.
Service Intervals
Minor Service: At 10,000 km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, and Engine Oil
Major Service: At 15,000km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, Fuel Filter, ATF Filter, Cabin Filter, Plugs, Front Brake Pads, Rear Brake Pads, ATF Oil, and Engine Oil
Spare Parts Availability, Cost & Where to buy
Service parts are available and fairly priced in Kenya. Body parts on the other hand are expensive and not as easily available.
2014 Honda Vezel Reliability
The Honda Vezel is a new car in the Kenyan market and early reports indicate problems with the DCT gearbox that comes with the Hybrid version and so you might want to avoid the Hybrid for now. For a detailed analysis on the reliability of the Honda Vezel and a useful guide for first time buyers, buy a copy of the Honda Vezel Buyer’s Guide here.
Resale Value – Average
2014 Honda Vezel Competitors: Subaru XV, Nissan Dualis, Nissan Juke, Mitsubishi RVR,
Cost of Ownership
See Latest Honda Vezel Prices here
What we like about the 2014 Honda Vezel
1. Fuel Efficient
2. Comfortable
What we don’t
1. Expensive parts
Conclusion
The Honda Vezel is a compact SUV that is a cut above the rest in terms of fuel efficiency and interior space.
Where to Buy the 2014 Honda Vezel in Kenya
If you are looking to either import or buy the Honda Vezel locally, we can help you with this process. Over the years, we have developed a network of trusted dealers both in Kenya and UK who supply us with exceptional cars. Simply call us or send us a message through our contacts below and we’ll get you the right car at the right price.
If you are planning to own the Honda Vezel or you already own it, it’s vital that you read the Owner’s Manual. Download the English Version of the Owners Manual here
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