Honda announced the launch of a new crossover vehicle named Vezel in the Japanese market. Now, this is an important car for a couple of reasons. First, it’s a rather good-looking sort of coupe-like crossover. Second, it comes with a hybrid powertrain. And third, it’s coming to Europe in 2015.

The European version, of course, will have different specification and a different name. The car certainly won’t be called Vezel, at least not in the UK. The looks of this Honda SUV have a hint of CR-Z and Civic to it which is quite refreshing. Still, there is no getting away from the fact that it’s, in essence, a jacked-up hatchback.

You do get a fair bit of practicality with the Vezel. It comes with what Honda calls ‘magic seats’ which causes the rear seats to disappear at the touch of a button, and it has a 435 liter boot. That’s with the magic seats in place, mind you.

Honda Vezel launches in Japan with a normal petrol and engine and a SPORT HYBRID i-DCD (Intelligent Dual Clutch Drive) powertrain. It features a 1.5 liter direct injection engine and a high-output electric motor. The power output is similar to that of the 2.0 liter, but it’s much more economical. Honda’s original Real Time All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) will be available as an option for both models.

As for the features and equipment, Honda Vezel is a loaded car and also comes with some clever stuff such as an Electric Parking Brake and Automatic Brake Hold, high-performance soundproofing materials and advanced dampers. It promises the quietness and stability of a high-end saloon.