Already on sale as the Vezel in Japan, the crossover will be unveiled in North American market specification at the New York International Auto Show. As yet, it is unconfirmed whether European cars will be badged HR-V, but Honda has said the Vezel name will not be used in Europe.

At 4.3 metres long, the car will be placed below the CR-V in Honda’s European model range and is likely to use the Earth Dreams Technology 1.6-litre diesel engine. The fuel tank is mounted centrally, creating space for a 453-litre boot and the same Magic Seat rear bench used in the Jazz.

North American versions will feature the carmaker’s new Sport Hybrid system, with either two or four-wheel drive, and sales are to begin this winter. However, with Honda withdrawing the CR-Z and Insight hybrids from the European market at the end of 2014, the focus is likely to be on diesel and compact petrol engines.

Regardless of badging, it fills an important and growing niche for Honda which hasn’t had a compact crossover since the last HR-V ended production in 2006.