Honda Vezel hitting stateside next year, Europe in 2015

Honda has recently made an announcement that the Vezel compact crossover will enter the U.S. market in 2014, followed by a European launch in 2015.

The Honda Vezel represents a production version of the Urban SUV concept and was showcased for the first time at Tokyo Motor Show in November this year. The JDM variant is already up for sale and now we have come to known from Honda that the U.S.-spec model is scheduled to come out in the second half of 2014.

The crossover will further enter the European market in 2015 where it will have to face competition coming from models like Nissan Juke, Renault Captur and Peugeot 2008. Details about what will power the U.S. and Euro-spec versions of the Vezel have not been announced yet by the company, but Honda did state that the hybrid version which has a 1.5-liter gasoline engine, 22 kW electric motor and 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox will not leave Japanese territory.

Honda Vezel’s chief engineer, Yoshiharu Itai, said that the car will likely retain its moniker since it’s a global strategic vehicle but according to Honda officials it may receive several tweaks to better suit local markets.