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“The previous generation “”Vezel”” has undergone a unique evolution, emphasizing the black color! Honda’s New VE-1 Magic Night SUV Specification Unveiled in China!

　On September 1, 2022, Honda’s Chinese joint venture, Guangqi Honda Automobile, announced the 2023 VE-1 SUV. The “”Magic Night Edition”” and “”Magic Night Deluxe Edition”” special editions are said to be available, but what kind of model is it?

Even the emblem is black! New VE-1 Magic Night Edition SUV in 29 images

The VE-1 Magic Night Edition was unveiled by Guangqi Honda Automobile Co.

　The VE-1 is an SUV-type EV jointly developed by Honda R&D (China) Co. and Guangqi Honda Automobile Co.

　The exterior design is based on the design of Honda’s first-generation “”Vezel”” and incorporates unique design features in the front and rear, including a front bumper with a powerful design that stretches from side to side.

　The new “”VE-1 TA”” model launched this time has an extended cruising range on a single charge. The new “”VE-1 TA”” extends the range of the latest model in the VE-1 series, the “”VE-1+,”” from 470 km to 480 km, while consuming less than 14 kWh of energy per 100 km.

　The specifications of the on-board motor are maximum output of 120 kW (approx. 163 ps) and maximum torque of 280 Nm. Four driving modes are available: Comfort mode, Sports mode, Regenerative Strong mode + Comfort mode, and Regenerative Strong mode + Sports mode, which can be selected according to driving conditions.

　The interior is newly equipped with a 12.3-inch LCD display that allows the driver to check the charging status as well as navigation and multimedia functions. In addition, red and blue ambient lights with nine levels of brightness adjustment are available.

　Tires with excellent rolling performance and quietness have been adopted to enhance the quietness of the cabin.

　In addition, it is compatible with WOW STATION, an online service linked to smartphones. The application allows users to check the vehicle status and remotely control the air conditioning.

　As for body and interior colors, white and emerald green have been added as new colors, as well as yellow and blue leather accents for the interior.

　The price of the new VE-1 TA will be set at 174,800-184,800 yuan (about 3.02-3.19 million Japanese yen).”

“Honda to Unveil “”New SUV”” Soon? Pre-announcement of Derivative Vehicle to Finally Introduce the Second-Generation Vezel to the Chinese Market

The second generation of the Vezel, the original family of the Vezel, is finally being introduced in China.
　Honda’s popular compact SUV “”Vezel””, the second generation of which was announced in Japan in February 2021.

Honda to Introduce the New Vezel in China: A Look Ahead at Its Actual Vehicle
　The first generation model, which is the predecessor of the original model is still being sold in China, except for its sister models and electric vehicles, and is now expected to finally undergo a full model change.

Will the original “”2nd generation Vezel”” finally be introduced to the Chinese market? (Image source: Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of the People’s Republic of China, commonly known as the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology)

　The first-generation Vezel was first introduced in Japan in 2013.

　Based on the third-generation Fit, the body was developed with the concept of appealing the usability of an SUV while still being sporty, and has been developed as Honda’s global strategic SUV along with the CR-V, which is one generation above it.

　In Japan, it is called the “”Vezel,”” but in North America and Europe, it is sold under the name “”HR-V.”” The “”Vezel”” was once known as the “”HR-V,”” but it is now called the “”Vezel.

　Speaking of the HR-V, there was once a car called the “”HR-V”” in Japan in 1998, which ended its sales after only one generation.

　This was an SUV with a rather strange shape that used the platform of Honda’s compact car “”Logo”” (the successor to the Fit), and although the design may have been too new, it was discontinued in 2006 as an unpopular car in Japan.

　The second-generation HR-V in North America became a popular model with sales of approximately 150,000 units (U.S. + Canada) in 2021, and sales were terminated.

　The third-generation HR-V announced in the US in April 2022 is the same model as the Civic-based ZR-V (Japanese name).

　On the other hand, the Vezel has been developed in the Chinese market with a strategy different from the aforementioned.

　In China, the Vezel has been deployed not only as the sister model “”XR-V”” based on the Vezel, the “”VE-1″” of the China exclusive brand “”Ideon”” and the “”X-NV”” and “”M-NV”” electric vehicles of another China exclusive brand “”Simei”” but also as the “”CDX”” of the Acura brand, etc. The Vezel itself has a high level of versatility. The second-generation Vezel will be launched in the Chinese market in 2021.

　The second-generation Vezel was launched in Japan in February 2021 and is also sold in Europe and Southeast Asia. In China, the e:NS1 and e:NP1 were announced in October 2021, ahead of the full model change of the original Vezel.

　The e:NS1 and e:NS1 will be manufactured and sold by Dongfeng Honda Automobile, a joint venture with Dongfeng Motor, and Guangqi Honda Automobile, a joint venture with Guangzhou Automobile, respectively.

　It is common for automakers with multiple joint ventures in China, such as Honda and Toyota, to release the same car in a sister-car relationship, giving each company a different design and name.

　In addition to these models, the Chinese market also includes the Inspire/Accord, Civic/Integra, Envix/Clyder, CR-V/Breeze, UR-V/Avancia, Life/Fit, and Elysion/Odyssey, which are marketed by Dongfeng Honda Motor and Guangqi Honda Motor, respectively. Dongfeng Honda Automobile and Guangqi Honda Automobile, respectively.

　In other words, before the full model change of the original Vezel, which Guangqi Honda Automobile is in charge of, and the sister model XR-V, which Dongfeng Honda Automobile is in charge of, pure electric models using the same body were rolled out by both joint venture companies first.

　Then, on August 28, 2022, the second generation model of the XR-V, sister to the Vezel, officially went on sale in China.

　The front grille has a honeycomb mesh grille with chrome decorations, giving it a sportier look.

　The chrome grille is an original XR-V grille that differs from the chrome grille available as an option on the Vezel for the Japanese market. The horizontal lower grille has wavelength-style decorations on some parts, giving it a playful atmosphere.

Honda will soon unveil a “”new SUV”” or a derivative vehicle first, finally introducing the second-generation Vezel to the Chinese market.

Finally the original Vezel is introduced to the Chinese market? What specifications will it have?
　In China, the Vezel and its derivatives have been sold independently, but now there is a move to introduce the second-generation Vezel, the original Vezel, to the Chinese market.

　This information was revealed on the website of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of the People’s Republic of China (commonly known as the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology).

The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MITI) is an agency that handles the business of Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC), and in China, automobile manufacturers are required to submit information on new models to MITI before manufacturing and selling them.

The information released to the public includes photos of the vehicle and detailed specifications.

　The exterior is basically identical to the second-generation Vezel sold in Japan, with the only difference being the “”Guangqi Honda”” emblem on the back.

The “”Guangqi Honda”” emblem is mounted on the rear (image source: Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of the People’s Republic of China, commonly known as the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology).

　It can also be seen that the two-tone body color, which is only available on the e:HEV PLaY grade in the Japanese version, and the panoramic roof that covers the entire roof surface are also available as options for the Chinese version.

　While the exterior appearance is almost identical to that of the second-generation model in Japan, the powertrain differs from that in Japan.

While this version offers both a gasoline model and a hybrid “”e:HEV”” model, the Chinese version does not have a hybrid model, but only a gasoline model powered by an L15C 1.5-liter inline 4-cylinder engine manufactured by Guangqi Honda Automobile.

　By leaving the role of the eco-friendly model to the e:NP1 electric vehicle already on sale in China, and leaving the Bezzel as a gasoline-only model, the position of each model will become clearer.

　In this context, the China-specification model of the new Vezel revealed this time is expected to be unveiled by the end of 2022.

　The author’s (Hiroto Kato) prediction is that some sort of announcement will be made at the “”Guangzhou Motor Show”” to be held in November 2022 in the home territory of Guangqi Honda Automobile.

* * *

　Honda sells a wide variety of SUVs in the Chinese market.

　In addition to the XR-V and the Vezel, the new CR-V and its sister model, the Breeze, and the ZR-V, which carries the middle ground.

　In addition, the company will have a presence in the increasingly competitive SUV market by offering many choices of gasoline-powered vehicles, pure electric models, and PHEVs.”

“Fusing with the factory interior without feeling out of place…Honda Vezel Part 2 .
Blending with the factory interior without any sense of incongruity…Honda Vezel Part 2 [Installation Review]

Mr. Uno chose the Vezel as a suitable vehicle for audio installation, taking into consideration the luggage space and other factors. The simple and compact front door outer baffle is a favorite of the owner, and the RS Stream 165-3 midbass was installed. The red coloring,
which was also used effectively in the luggage compartment, was used around the speakers to increase their impact. The color is also highly consistent with the interior.

The large midrange was cleverly installed built-in on the A-pillar. The press lines on the A-pillar are also beautifully processed. The midrange is smartly installed by creating a flat surface. The RS Stream 165-3 tweeters are mounted behind the door mirrors using a one-off mounting bracket. In the cockpit, the front 3-way is beautifully installed. The doors are colored red, and other unique touches were added in various places.
Mr. Uno chose RS Audio speakers, a brand he had used in his previous car. In the pursuit of a rich sound, he decided to go with a 3-way system. The cockpit was designed by custom&car Audio Parada in Fukui prefecture.

The outer baffles of the doors are designed with red as a color accent.
Mr. Uno chose the Vezel as the most suitable vehicle for the audio installation, considering the luggage space.
The simple and compact front door outer baffles are a favorite of the owner, who installed RS Stream 165-3 midbass.

The red coloring, which was also used effectively in the luggage, was used around the speakers to increase their impact. The color is also highly consistent with the interior.
The red coloring that was also used effectively in the luggage compartment was used around the speakers to increase their impact. The red coloring is also highly consistent with the interior design.
Mr. Uno’s experience with audio systems has grown considerably through his experience with multiple systems in the past. The theme for the sound of his car this time was “”richness of sound. He chose RS Audio’s RS Stream 165-3, a front three-way model called the Baby Master because it is the second model of the company’s super high-end RS Master.

Uno, who has always had a good impression of RS Audio’s speakers, saying, “”The rich sound is unbelievable,”” had a high degree of confidence in the Baby Master. He was confident that the Baby Master would be able to deliver the richness of his vocals.

The highlight of the installation was the door midbass. The red theme color used for the entire luggage floor panel is used for the grille of the speakers, creating a striking design. Red is always used so effectively in the interior coloring that it is known as “”Uno Red”” by audio friends who frequent the store. The baffle treatment was beautifully done using the stock door design of the Vezel, and the door installation was completed to the owner’s satisfaction.

◆Large diameter midrange built into the pillar
Clever design treatment shows the sense of installation.
The large midrange was installed built-in to the A-pillar. The tweeter is also laid out in close proximity.
The press lines on the A-pillar are beautifully processed. By creating a flat surface, the midrange is smartly installed.
The A-pillar’s press line is beautifully processed. The mid-range is smartly installed by creating a flat surface.
RS Stream 165-3 tweeters are installed with one-off mounting brackets behind the door mirrors.
RS Stream 165-3 tweeters are installed behind the door mirrors with one-off mounting brackets.
The RS Stream 165-3 midrange is a very large unit with a 96mm diameter mounting bracket. When the owner first saw it, he had the impression that it was so large that it scared him.

The original A-pillar press lines were further clarified to create a flat surface at the top position. The midrange is blended into this surface, which is also a good idea.

The tweeter, on the other hand, is installed behind the door mirror with a one-off mounting bracket, and is placed in close proximity to the midrange on the A-pillar, bringing out the cohesiveness of the sound in the mid and high frequencies. From a design standpoint, another highlight of the project was the beautiful combination created by the proximity of the two units.

For the speaker cables, the SN-MS7500III from M&M Design, which is highly regarded as a high-level cable, was selected, and the focus was on bringing out the speaker sound of the RS Audio system. The result is a “”thrilling and pleasing sound. The owner of the car is also satisfied with the car’s well-balanced low to high frequency range, which allows the driver to experience a sound of a different dimension.

Front 3-way speakers are beautifully installed in the cockpit. The red coloring on the doors and other unique touches were added in various places.
A front 3-way is beautifully installed in the cockpit. The doors are decorated in red and other unique touches are applied in key areas.
The Helix’s dial indicators are mounted on top of the front window as shown here. Visibility is excellent.

The AK380 is used as the DAP. The potential of the entire system is brought out by using a well-established high-quality sound DAP.
AK380 is used for DAP. The potential of the entire system is brought out by using an established high-quality sound DAP.
A Strada car navigation system is used as the in-vehicle device. In addition to its large screen, it is ideal for everyday use because of its ease of operation, which is unique to in-vehicle equipment.

Mr. Uno has already reached the realm of a seasoned veteran. He has his own criteria for sound and enjoys upgrading his system in his own way.
The Helix DSP PRO Mk2 processor is mounted on top of the front window to improve operability and visibility. In addition to the A&K AK380 DAP, a Panasonic Strada car navigation system is also used as an audio source. The use of both the high-quality sound DAP and the easy-to-use in-car navigation system covers a wide range of audio quality from everyday use to the most important moments.

RS Audio speakers were used in the previous car and fell in love with the sound. This time, we took the richness of the sound one or two steps higher by making them 3-way speakers. In terms of design, the owner’s satisfaction reached its peak with the simplicity of the door installation and the impact of the built-in midrange on the A-pillar, which exceeded his expectations.

Mr. Uno has gained experience and established his own sound preferences. This time, he did his best to choose a car that would be suitable for the audio system, even the base car. He says he enjoys spending blissful moments every day in a space enveloped by the sound he loves.

Yasuhiro Tsuchida, Writer
After working as a digital audio engineer, he became an editor at a publishing company. He worked in the editorial departments of motorcycle and 4WD magazines. After becoming independent, he has been involved in writing for car audio, cars, wristwatches, mono-related, interior, and outdoor-related magazines, and was also contracted to serve as editor-in-chief of a car audio magazine. Currently, he is still active in writing mainly for car audio magazines.”

“From Car Selection to Installation…Honda Vezel Part 1 April 30, 2022 (Sat.) 16:30

I switched to the Vezel with the luggage compartment installation design in mind. The car selection was completely aimed at an audio car. The luggage compartment is brightly decorated with a vivid red audio board. The neatly laid out units are neatly housed. The luggage is slightly raised compared to the stock luggage, and the DSP and power amp are installed in the lower part, and a large number of units and luggage are stored in the luggage. Mosconi’s AS200.2 power amplifier is laid out on the panel. A heavy system of AS200.4 and AS300.2 are installed under the floor.

The subwoofers are unified by RS Audio, the keyword in this system, and the use of 8-inch RS A8 SVCs is also unique. Power regulators are laid out on either side of the power amplifiers. The symmetrical unit layout that completes the design of the luggage is beautiful. Looking at the rear end portion of the luggage, you can see how it is raised from the factory floor. However, the slanted edges of the luggage space do not appear to be raised from the factory floor.
Mr. Uno decided to remake the audio system when he switched to a Honda Vezel. The flat installation that uses the entire luggage space and the vivid red design are very attractive. The custom treatment by custom&car Audio PARADA in Fukui Prefecture is beautiful.

Mr. Uno has driven several audio cars over the years. Since he is already a veteran in the field of car audio, he made his choice with audio installation in mind right from the car selection stage. He chose the Vezel because of its spacious luggage space for a car in this class. Assuming that an amplifier, two subwoofers, and two power regulators would be built into a flat panel, a certain amount of space was needed in the luggage area.

The keyword in the design is the effective use of red in the coloring. The owner’s goal was to unify the image of the interior by bringing the vivid red treatment used in the front stage, which will be introduced in the second part, to the luggage area as well. The owner requested the store to create a “”clean finish”” with a symmetrical layout and a simple, smart unit layout.

The luggage area was raised from the factory level to create more space under the flat surface, and two Mosconi power amplifiers and a Helix DSP PRO MkII unit were installed under the floor. The design of the system is compatible with the installation of a large number of units.

Mosconi’s power amplifiers are the centerpiece of the luggage design in addition to the sound aspect.
Mosconi power amplifiers play a central role not only in terms of sound, but also in the design of the luggage compartment.
Mosconi’s AS200.2 power amplifier is placed above the panel. The AS200.4 and AS300.2 are installed under the floor in a heavy system.
Mosconi’s AS200.2 power amplifier is laid out on the panel. A heavy system with AS200.4 and AS300.2 installed under the floor.
The subwoofers are unified by RS Audio, the keyword in this system, and the use of 8-inch RS A8 SVCs is also unique.
The subwoofers are all RS Audio, the key word in this system, and the use of 8-inch RS A8 SVCs is also unique.
Power regulators are placed on either side of the power amplifiers. The symmetrical layout of the units completes the design of the luggage compartment.
Power regulators are placed on the left and right of the power amplifier. The symmetrical layout of the units completes the luggage design.
The units lined up in the luggage are all Uno’s favorite products. The Mosconi AS200.2 power amplifier installed in the center is the centerpiece of the car in terms of both design and sound. Mr. Uno has a strong attachment to the Mosconi power amplifiers, especially the AS series, which he has been using with great care, and so he chose a red base panel and white power amplifier for the luggage area.

In addition, RS Audio’s RS A8 SVC subwoofers were installed in the rear of the luggage area, and two 8-inch models of the brand’s high-end subwoofers were installed to provide both speedy low frequencies and ample volume. The RS Audio subwoofers were selected for the front speakers as well, so they could not be left out in terms of sound unification.

Audio-Technica power regulators are installed on both sides of the power amplifiers. The power regulators were installed on both sides of the power amplifiers to enhance the drive capability of the power amplifiers. This is the kind of attention to detail that is typical of a veteran owner.

The luggage space is raised without any sense of discomfort.
Blending in with the factory interior while at the same time making a strong statement
Looking at the rear end of the luggage area, you can see how much the luggage has been raised from the factory floor. However, the edge is slanted so that no difference can be felt.
The rear edge of the luggage compartment shows how much the floor is raised from the factory floor. However, the edge of the floor is slanted to avoid the appearance of bumps.
The peripheral area is finished with leather, while the center part is made of red artificial suede. The vivid color combination makes a strong impact when the luggage compartment is opened.
The peripheral area is finished with leather, and the center part is made of red artificial suede. The vivid color combination makes a strong impact when the luggage compartment is opened.
The luggage compartment can be put to practical use by covering it with a protection board. Holes have been drilled for sound ventilation to ensure sound quality.
The luggage compartment can be used with the protection board in place. Holes have been drilled for sound deadening and sound quality is also excellent.
Although the entire luggage area has been raised, the amount is very small. When you open the rear hatch and look at the rear end, you can see that the floor surface is different from the factory one. Furthermore, the surrounding panels are appropriately slanted to blend in with the factory interior, so they are beautifully finished and fit in without any sense of discomfort.

The perimeter of the audio board that touches the factory wall surface is treated with leather, while the space in the center where the audio unit is built in is treated with red artificial suede. The strong contrast between black and red is a showcase for the luggage compartment. Another key point is that the audio board is shaped to drop at an angle around the power amplifier and power regulator to match their shapes. The installer was particular about bringing out the three-dimensionality of the panel surface without making it look flat. Of course, it can also be used for everyday purposes by covering it with a protection board. The top of the subwoofer has a hole drilled in the protection board to allow sound to escape.

The owner is satisfied with the high-quality and clean layout of the luggage compartment. The owner also wanted the cover to open and close for a more appealing installation. In the next installment of this series, we will take a look at the front end of the car.

Yasuhiro Tsuchida, Writer
After working as a digital audio engineer, Tsuchida became an editor at a publishing company. He worked in the editorial departments of motorcycle and 4WD magazines. After becoming independent, he has been involved in writing for car audio, cars, wristwatches, mono-related, interior, and outdoor-related magazines, and was also contracted to serve as editor-in-chief of a car audio magazine. Currently, he is still active in writing mainly for car audio magazines.”