Indian auto market is witnessing a sudden drift towards compact Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) segment. The sturdy looks, flamboyant designing and commodious interiors are main reasons for buyers to go for such cars. Currently, models like Renault Duster and Ford EcoSport are mainly in demand while, 2014 will be marking new entries of compact SUVs by global and domestic car companies. One such car that is creating constant buzz among auto aficionados is Honda Vezel. Speculations are rife that this car will be a key player for the Japanese auto maker in the respective segment. Experts, on the other hand, envision a stiff rivalry between Honda Vezel and Ford EcoSport.
Honda believes that its new design will be a unique fusion, comprising the dynamic qualities of an SUV, functionality of a minivan and elegance of a coupe. Japanese car manufacturer is expected to mark Vezel's advent in India in 2014. Believed to be based on Jazz's platform, this car is also presumed to exhibit traits of company's premium SUV, CR-V. Featuring a coupe like roofline, this car is expected to be equipped with some of the brilliant features. On the other hand, Ford EcoSport's layout follows a paradigm of compact SUVs present in the domestic market. The model of American auto maker is crude looking and follows Ford's kinetic design philosophy.
At interiors, Honda Vezel holds a capacious 5-seating arrangement. The car was recently showcased at Tokyo Motor Show and much has been drawn since then, with regards to its interiors. It exhibits unique features like touch screen multimedia system, steering mounted controls and finger touch-pad for air conditioner. Its dashboard includes small multi-usage compartments, whereas, EcoSport displays a cluster of electronic consoles mounted on the dashboard and also on the steering wheel of higher variants. Sleek looking main panel of the car is devoid of any touch display, and the same is compensated by luxurious features of cooled glovebox, finely stitched leather seats and modish dials for climate control and multimedia purpose. Rear seats can be folded to create extra luggage space and its 5-seating arrangement is much spacious.
Under the hood, Honda Vezel is speculated to come equipped with an option of company's standard 1.5-litre iVTEC petrol or 1.5 litre iDTEC engine. Interestingly in Japan, the car is offered as a petrol and a hybrid version so it will be compelling to see if the company introduces the option of an electric motor in India too. Apart form this, Ford EcoSport is available with an option of either 1.0-litre petrol or a 1.5-litre diesel engine and both versions are capable of delivering decent power outputs. This car ensures a comfortable ride on long tours and good fuel economy statistics. Top-end version of the car is packed with advanced safety features like airbags and Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS).
At present the demand of Ford EcoSport is so heavy that the company had to officially cease its bookings across all dealerships in the country. But experts are of a view that Ford will soon open the bookings and try to recapture its vast fan base, who tended to move for other options while this compact SUV saw a waiting period of 3-5 months. In conclusion, sources speculate that Honda's technology is par excellence and the demand it witnessed with recent launch of Amaze has boosted it's market presence. The upcoming year is packed with new launches from Honda and it is leaving no stone unturned to mesmerise domestic buyers with its range of designs. But Ford has been the underdog of automotive makers in India and will attempt to vanquish Honda Vezel in compact SUV segment like it did with Renault Duster. The battle is on and the final verdict will soon be out.
