Honda to sell its Fit-based Vezel crossover as the HR-V in the US?

Honda may have decided on a North American nameplate for its new Fit-based crossover, which is sold in Japan as the Vezel.

The company has yet to officially confirm US launch details, though the Vezel was allegedly introduced to stateside dealers using the name HR-V, unnamed sources have told the Honda enthusiast site Temple of VTEC.

The Vezel name has been widely viewed as an unlikely candidate for use in the North American market, and HR-V continues the theme established nearly two decades ago by Honda’s popular CR-V crossover. The Japanese automaker has already used the HR-V branding in Europe, for another small crossover that was discontinued in 2006.

Introduced at the Tokyo Motor Show, the Vezel represents a production version of the company’s Urban SUV Concept. The compact crossover is powered by the same 1.5-liter four-cylinder that can be found in the 2015 Fit, along with a continuously-variable transmission.

Like the CR-V, the Vezel will be offered in front- or all-wheel-drive packages. The company also offers a gasoline-electric hybrid drivetrain.

The Vezel is expected to land in North America later this year as a 2015 model.