The all-new Honda HR-V, which is known in Japan as the Vezel, will soon go on sale there on 23-April. Dealers have already been given an early preview of the sub-compact SUV and their response has been very positive.

The highest specifications Vezel e:HEV Play variant, which spots a two-tone colour interior, is said to be trimmed in materials that feel more expensive than a Toyota Harrier. That’s quite some high praise.

Sounds like mere dealer talk? Maybe, but the person behind Japanese publication Creative Trend, who also owns the current generation TNGA platform Toyota Harrier, concurs. He has declared that he himself has placed an order for the latest Vezel, but for the lower range e:HEV Z variant.

The simple reason is because demand for the highest range e:HEV Play has been overwhelming and the waiting list has stretched until January 2022.

Lower range variants can be delivered within this year, starting August 2021.

The delay for the e:HEV Play is related to parts supply shortage for its unique panoramic roof and the more complex production required for the 2-tone colour e:HEV Play. Shortage in supply of semiconductors, some specific only to the e:HEV Play variant, is also complicating matters.

The Honda Vezel will soon be joined by the Toyota Corolla Cross, which will also go on sale in Japan in Q3 this year. Toyota has yet to confirm if the Japanese market Corolla Cross will be made in Japan or imported from Thailand.

Also read: Toyota Corolla Cross is heading to Japan in Q3 2021, to rival Honda HR-V

In any case, the Vezel is clearly a more upmarket, more sophisticated product than the more utilitarian-like Corolla Cross, targeting a different group of users.

Closer to home, the all-new 2021 Honda HR-V has already been spotted in Thailand, in full camo of course. The model is expected to make its debut ASEAN region by late-2021/early 2022, probably at November's Thailand International Motor Expo.

Also read: Spied: All-new 2021 Honda HR-V spotted in Thailand

When it does make its way to Malaysia, don’t expect it to be cheap. The premium looking interior costs a lot to make and remember how our taxes work – a small RM 3,000 increase ex-factory wholesale price can suddenly balloon to RM 5,000 after tax. Increase in costs are amplified.

While the outgoing Honda HR-V is currently priced between RM 104k to RM 119k, don't expect the next-generation Honda HR-V to be priced this low. For reference, the bigger Honda CR-V is priced between RM 140k to RM 163k.

Also read: All-new 2021 Honda HR-V gets more expensive in Japan; Malaysia to follow

Also read: All-new 2021 Honda HR-V, what's new?

It’s also why there are rumours that a new model will be introduced, slotting below the HR-V, to fill the gap that will soon be left behind by the outgoing HR-V.

The WR-V nameplate has been suggested, according to our sources, but don’t mistake this for the Honda WR-V that’s currently on sale in Brazil and India. The next WR-V will be a totally different model.