Honda Vezel 1.5 Hybrid Z

While many would associate Toyota with being at the forefront of vehicle hybrid technology, its Japanese counterpart, Honda, is not slouch in this field either. Honda first showed off their proprietary Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid powertrain with the Honda J-VX Concept back in 1997. By 1999, this car soon evolved into the Insight three-door hatchback, spearheading Honda's first foray into the hybrid car market. Today, the marque's family of hybrid vehicles ranges from the compact Fit Hybrid, to the range-topping new Honda Legend Sport Hybrid.

And recently, one of the latest members in Honda's hybrid family - the Vezel Hybrid – arrived on local shores. Featuring Honda's latest “sport hybrid” technology, the Vezel Hybrid promises a “sportier driving feel than regular hybrids, yet delivering impressive fuel economy” according to Honda's press releases. So how is the Vezel Hybrid really like on our roads? How different is it from the highly-accomplished Vezel with a regular drivetrain we tested weeks earlier? We take one out for a test drive to find out.


While Toyota likes to differentiate its hybrid models with special 3D-look Toyota badges in blue and different front fascias, Honda has done little to differentiate the Vezel Hybrid. Other than Hybrid badges on the front fenders and on the boot door, there's little else that sets the Hybrid apart from its sibling with a conventional powertrain. This approach of minimal differentiation actually makes good sense - you can have a hybrid without letting the whole world know you drive one, and of course, less customisation keeps costs of production (and hence prices) low.

The Vezel Hybrid comes in X and Z trim. In either trims, the plastic body cladding around the car is painted in the body colour, whereas in on lower-end models the cladding comes unpainted. The door handles on the front doors are finished in a classy matte-finish chrome too, while the regular versions adopt a shiny chrome finish. The Vezel Hybrid's front is almost identical to the regular Vezel's, fog lights and daytime-running lights (DRLs) are standard equipment. Around the rear, the regular rear lights are swapped out for snazzy LED units with DRLs.

The hidden door handles on the C-pillars still remain, and coupe-like side profile above the waistline is a treat to look at. Honda has really done a great job in designing the Vezel, the crisp styling is some especially refreshing in today's crowded market where cars tend to look too over-styled in a bid to look attractive.


Despite sporting little differences on the outside against the Vezel, the case isn't true for their cabins. While the sea of quality soft-touch plastic along with a quality leather dash is unchanged, a classy blue hue dominates the new space age-mimicking gear knob and its surrounding frame.

The centre console is also lathed with an elegant and shiny plastic finish, instead of the plain black plastic found on lower-end models. Yes, the shiny plastic finish may be a fingerprint magnet, but it helps lifts the atmosphere of the cabin considerably too. Also unique to the Hybrid is the presence of a curious little button marked “SPORT” on the centre console – more on the joys about this button later on.

Being a hybrid model, the car's rev counter on the left is replaced by a digital screen that shows the driver whether the batteries are being charged or used to move the car, while the screen to the right shows a visual of the where the engine and battery power are being used at the moment, as well as miscellaneous information such as mileage and fuel tank capacity.

The touchscreen air conditioning, stitching on the leather dash, and clutter-free futuristic styling on the centre console on the Vezel are not niceties one would expect from a car within this price bracket. The half leather seats, and the impressively versatile “magic seats” also found in the Fit works wonders in providing an immensely practical interior. Compared to the Fit, the Vezel is quieter too. Honda mentions of “high-performance soundproofing” being used on press materials.

While the regular Vezel has a premium interior that many other pricier competitors can't match, the Hybrid ups the ante further and blows the competition away with ease.


Powered by a 130bhp 1.5-litre i-VTEC engine similar to that of regular Vezels, the Hybrid benefits from having an additional electric motor rated at 29bhp. The get-up-and-go is ample, especially with the generous amounts of torque on offer from the extra electrical wizardry

The Vezel Hybrid also benefits from having an advanced seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox in place of a CVT 'box, eliminating the slightly irritable CVT drone and lack of responsiveness that some drivers loathe.

To drive, the lively and organic steering consumes curves with ease. The Vezel Hybrid is no different to handle from the regular Vezels. The Hybrid delivers the same enjoyable, satisfying drive as the Vezel. The firm ride helps the Hybrid stay flat during aggressive cornering, but never offensively so. On local roads, the ride is extremely well-sorted.

Give the Sport button a push, and the car becomes more rev happy. It's leagues more responsive and moves with an urgency you wouldn't expect from a crossover. The electric steering rack does not see noticeable increase in weight, but nonetheless it feels as much fun to drive as its funky exterior styling suggests.

Overall, the Vezel comes across sprightly, agile, and fun. It is akin to the engaging behind-the-wheel experience of the Fit, just with better brakes (disk brakes all-round instead of rear drums) and a quieter, nicer cabin.


The Vezel Hybrid is deserving of being the range-topper in the Vezel family. Not only does this model build on the strengths of the Vezel, the robust and responsive hybrid drivetrain is a joy to behold, while considerably stretching its abilities and performance. It is one crossover that is almost impossible to not fall in love with.

Coupled to the attractive pricing, the Vezel Hybrid is without doubt one of our top crossovers on the market at the moment.

This article is sponsored by:

Credits: