Honda_XR-V

What you see above is the Honda XR-V, China's unique version of the B-segment SUV we've come to know as the Vezel, and later the HR-V. To be produced locally by Dongfeng-Honda, it features completely new front and rear ends, reworked side body panels and even its own dashboard design.

Unlike the HR-V/Vezel's rather fussy face, which closely mimics that of the Jazz (on which is it is based), the XR-V gets a much more aggressive front, with slim lights and a healthy serving of traditional SUV-style black claddings. The back end (which we don't have a picture of, unfortunately) is interesting too, with a far sportier set of tail lamps.

The side body panels are new too. Gone is the rising character line of the original design, replaced by much more subdued (but muscular) wheelarch 'humps'. The wheels and side mirror caps are unique to the China-only compact SUV as well. Inside, the HR-V's square-set dashboard is replaced with a more rounded one featuring four circular air con vents.

In China, the Honda XR-V will have a choice of two petrol engines (1.5 or 1.8 litre), paired to either a manual or CVT transmission. While we await our own version of the Ford EcoSport fighter (tipped to be called the Honda HR-V), care to tell us which version you like more – this XR-V or the Vezel below?

Japanese-market Honda Vezel at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show