2019 Honda’s Vezel RS Hybrid: Fun and functional until it hits traffic
Compared to its immediate rival, the Toyota CH-R Hybrid, the Vezel promises to be the ultimate blend of style and substance with half the annual income tax of a CH-R
In Bangladesh, hybrid vehicles with engine displacements of up to 1500cc benefit from the lowest import duties, making them highly popular. And for the past decade, the Honda Vezel Hybrid has been a top seller in the local reconditioned car market because of its 1500cc hybrid powertrain.
On paper, it sounds like the perfect car for the urban adventurer — a compact crossover with hybrid efficiency, sporty aesthetics, and Honda's renowned reliability. Compared to its immediate rival — the Toyota CH-R Hybrid — it promises to be the ultimate blend of style and substance, a vehicle that can seamlessly transition from the congested streets of Dhaka to the open highways with ease, with half the annual income tax (AIT) of a CH-R.
However, there are things which require considering beyond lower AIT. For this feature, we took the Vezel Hybrid RS out for a drive to Purbachal.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
The second generation Vezel in question here has been a common sight in many countries around the world ever since its launch in 2013. Globally, it is called the HR-V and is quite the looker, no doubt. However, the RS variant has received ancillary touches like a sharper front fascia with blacked-out trims.
Additionally, the larger diamond-cut 18-inch alloys further adds to the sportiness, while the slightly lower suspension and coupe-like roofline give it a planted stance. It adapts well with today's sporty crossovers.
Interestingly, the rear door handles are hidden mischievously beside the passenger window, requiring some learning for new passengers. Overall, while it might not be your two-door sports car, it still has enough curves and lines for you to look back after you have parked the car.
Inside, the Vezel RS Hybrid feels quite premium for the price, with a well-laid-out cabin that mixes functionality and flair. The RS trim features a unique half alcantara-like dashboard and door panels, along with materials that are soft to the touch. A colour matched stitching hints at the RS's sporty intentions, along with its semi-bucket seats.
Behind the leather-wrapped steering wheel is a digital instrument cluster while a 7-inch touchscreen is used for infotainment, supporting only Bluetooth connectivity in the reconditioned units.
While the cabin provides adequate headroom and legroom, it is too sporty for a family crossover. The cushioning is stiff like in a sports car and it is more noticeable when driving around. Especially in the rear, the passenger can easily feel even the slightest bumps on the roads, making for quite an unsettling experience. For any spirited driver however, this is all they wanted.
Under the bonnet, the Vezel RS Hybrid hides a 1500cc Atkinson-cycle engine. Paired with an electric motor, it delivers a maximum combined output of 150 horsepower channelled through a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT).
Driving through city streets, the Vezel fit in well. Having compact dimensions, it did not require much effort to hurdle through the traffic packed Pragati Sarani Road, aside from the harsh ride comfort. Entering the 300 Feet Expressway however, as I pressed the full throttle, my reactions changed entirely.
The Vezel RS felt quicker than many entry level sports cars. The electric motor ensures instant torque as soon as the accelerator is placed. Soon after, the engine seamlessly takes over. Combined, it makes 190 NM of maximum torque.
I reached up to 160 kmph with ease, beyond which I decided not to push the review unit.
Each gear shifts with a kick and is further enhanced by the springs' firmness. Paired with the large rims, the steering is oddly responsive for a crossover, even to the slightest changes.
Even the brakes felt sporty. The regenerative braking ensures a strong bite that is evenly distributed on all four wheels. This should be a game changer during corners and spirited drives.
With such a strong stance from the Vezel, I started to wonder why people opt for the costlier CH-R. Only an hour later did I get my answer, on my way back to return the car.
Again at Pragati Sarani's infamous traffic, as I was making my way through endless congestion, I discovered a significant flaw: after about 40 minutes of bumper-to-bumper traffic, the DCT began to overheat.
After just half an hour of crawling along at a snail's pace in the relentless summer heat, the transmission decided it had had enough. The Vezel RS Hybrid began to shudder and jerk, as if protesting against the hellish conditions of the city. A warning light appeared on the dashboard, urging us to give the car a rest before it could proceed. Not exactly what you want to see when you are stuck in traffic with no end in sight.
This overheating issue with the DCT is a known problem, particularly in hybrid variants of the Vezel, and it is a deal-breaker for anyone considering this car for daily use in Bangladesh's congested environment.
The constant start-stop action causes the transmission to heat up quickly, and without sufficient airflow for cooling in traffic, it eventually reaches a point where it can no longer function properly.
Hence, for the country with the slowest rush hour traffic pace in the world and stop-and-go driving being the norm, the hybrid Vezel turns out to be a questionable choice. To top it off, while it tries to be the best of both worlds, its suspension setup is a little too biassed towards sportiness to deliver a congenial experience. For Dhaka's streets, you might want to look elsewhere — perhaps the non-hybrid variant with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Or, be prepared for some very inconvenient pit stops!
Specifications:
Engine: 1500cc Atkinson Cycle i-VTEC
Transmission: 7-speed DCT
Power: 150 bhp at 6,600 rpm
Torque: 190 Nm at 4,600 rpm
Price: Tk34 lakh (Approx)
