Sri Lanka's Honda Vezel market is sharply divided between two generations. The RU1 (Gen 1 FWD NA, 2013–2020) ranges Rs. 9.26M–12.80M and forms the affordable Vezel entry tier. The RV5 (Gen 2 FWD e:HEV, 2021–present) ranges Rs. 17.15M–19.55M and is among the most active new listings in the market. The Gen 1 Hybrid (RU3) exists but has virtually no market presence in Sri Lanka due to a specific reliability concern with its DCT transmission in local traffic conditions — a fact that defines the Vezel buying decision more than any other factor.
Total market: 5,014 listings, average Rs. 15.12M, median Rs. 17.00M — the highest median of any SUV in this guide, reflecting the RV5's dominance of current listings.
Chassis Overview
| Chassis | Generation | Years | Drivetrain | Engine | Output |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RU1 | Gen 1 | 2013–2021 | FWD NA | L15B 1,496cc DOHC i-VTEC | 132 PS / 155 Nm |
| RU2 | Gen 1 | 2013–2021 | 4WD NA | L15B 1,496cc DOHC i-VTEC | 132 PS / 155 Nm |
| RU3 | Gen 1 | 2013–2021 | FWD Hybrid | L15B + IMA (Sport Hybrid i-DCD) | 136 PS combined |
| RU4 | Gen 1 | 2013–2021 | 4WD Hybrid | L15B + IMA (Sport Hybrid i-DCD) | 136 PS combined |
| RV3 | Gen 2 | 2021–present | FWD NA | L15B+ 1,496cc DOHC | 118 PS / 142 Nm |
| RV5 | Gen 2 | 2021–present | FWD e:HEV | L15B+ + e:HEV 2-motor | 131 PS combined |
| RV6 | Gen 2 | 2021–present | 4WD e:HEV | L15B+ + e:HEV 2-motor | 131 PS combined |
In Sri Lanka, RU1 (Gen 1 NA FWD) and RV5 (Gen 2 e:HEV FWD) account for virtually all listings. The RU2 and RU4 (4WD variants) are rare. The RV3 (Gen 2 NA) is scarce — most Gen 2 imports are RV5 e:HEV.
RU1 (Gen 1 NA FWD) — Price by Year of Manufacture
The RU1 uses Honda's L15B 1,496cc DOHC i-VTEC engine producing 132 PS at 6,600 rpm and 155 Nm at 4,600 rpm, paired with a CVT. This is a naturally-aspirated, conventional-powertrain SUV — no hybrid complexity, no dual-clutch concerns. Fuel economy is approximately 20–24 km/L (JC08). The L15B is a robust engine with a strong track record across Honda Fit, Shuttle, and Vezel applications.
| YOM | Listings | Avg Price | Min | Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 14 | Rs. 9.13M | Rs. 8.00M | Rs. 13.88M |
| 2014 | 538 | Rs. 9.26M | Rs. 6.70M | Rs. 12.95M |
| 2015 | 84 | Rs. 9.61M | Rs. 8.15M | Rs. 10.80M |
| 2016 | 111 | Rs. 10.92M | Rs. 8.80M | Rs. 13.00M |
| 2017 | 133 | Rs. 11.85M | Rs. 9.90M | Rs. 15.00M |
| 2018 | 113 | Rs. 12.60M | Rs. 11.00M | Rs. 15.20M |
| 2019 | 69 | Rs. 12.80M | Rs. 11.88M | Rs. 14.80M |
The 2014 RU1 has 538 listings — the deepest Gen 1 pool — at an average of Rs. 9.26M. The Rs. 6.70M minimum is an outlier (likely salvage or heavy damage). The realistic floor for a roadworthy 2014 RU1 is Rs. 8.00M+. With 538 units at Rs. 8M–12.95M, this is the most liquid Vezel year and offers genuine negotiating room.
The price appreciation from 2014 (Rs. 9.26M) to 2019 (Rs. 12.80M) — Rs. 3.54M over 5 years — reflects both condition improvement and the structural thinning of older supply. For the Gen 1 RU1, the 2014–2016 window (538–111 listings) is where most buyers should focus.
Check live Vezel prices year-by-year →
RU3 (Gen 1 Hybrid) — The DCT Warning
The RU3 uses Honda's Sport Hybrid i-DCD system — a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) with an integrated electric motor, producing 136 PS combined. In Japan and international markets, this system is rated highly for highway efficiency. In Sri Lanka's Colombo stop-go traffic, however, Sri Lankan Honda owners and forum communities have documented a Rs. 350,000–450,000 DCT clutch pack failure on high-mileage RU3 units driven primarily in urban conditions. Honda issued a service campaign (extended warranty) for some markets but coverage in Sri Lanka is inconsistent.
| YOM | Listings | Avg Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 6 | Rs. 9.20M | Minimal premium over RU1 same year |
| 2015 | 7 | Rs. 9.73M | 6 listings only — very thin market |
The RU3's minimal price premium over the RU1 (Rs. 9.20M vs Rs. 9.26M for 2014) tells you everything: the market has priced in the DCT risk. Sri Lankan buyers are aware of the failure mode and are not paying more for the hybrid badge on Gen 1. The 21 total RU3 listings across all years is the smallest active pool of any significant Vezel variant.
Recommendation: Unless you have a verified service history showing DCT clutch replacement or Honda Extended Warranty documentation, avoid the Gen 1 RU3. The RU1 at the same price gives you the same body, same cargo space, and the proven CVT drivetrain without the DCT risk.
RV5 (Gen 2 e:HEV FWD) — Price by Year of Manufacture
The Gen 2 Vezel (HR-V globally) fundamentally changes the hybrid architecture. The RV5 uses Honda's e:HEV two-motor hybrid system — a series-parallel architecture where the petrol engine primarily generates electricity, with the electric motor driving the wheels in city conditions. This is a genuine full hybrid (not the clutch-dependent i-DCD of the RU3). The Gen 2 e:HEV system eliminates the DCT entirely — Honda themselves moved away from i-DCD after the Gen 1 quality issues.
Engine: L15B+ 1,496cc with Atkinson cycle + two electric motors = 131 PS combined. WLTP fuel economy: approximately 26.4 km/L. The RS grade adds a sport-tuned suspension and aggressive body kit.
| YOM | Listings | Avg Price | Min | Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 30 | Rs. 17.58M | Rs. 16.00M | Rs. 21.10M |
| 2023 | 306 | Rs. 17.15M | Rs. 11.40M | Rs. 21.00M |
| 2024 | 343 | Rs. 18.21M | Rs. 12.00M | Rs. 22.50M |
| 2025 | 1,278 | Rs. 19.29M | Rs. 15.00M | Rs. 26.00M |
| 2026 | 575 | Rs. 19.55M | Rs. 16.58M | Rs. 22.50M |
The 2025 RV5 has 1,278 listings — making it the highest-volume single year of any Vezel variant. At an average of Rs. 19.29M, the 2025 accounts for 25% of all Vezel listings. The Rs. 11.40M minimum in 2023 and Rs. 12.00M minimum in 2024 represent outliers — likely damage-repaired units or error listings. Verified 2023 units trade at Rs. 15M+ in practice.
The Gen 2 e:HEV price range within 2025 (Rs. 15.00M–26.00M) reflects grade variation: base G at approximately Rs. 15M–17M, Z at Rs. 17M–20M, RS at Rs. 19M–22M, and near-new dealer units at Rs. 22M+.
The Rs. 7.89M Gap: RU1 2014 vs RV5 2023
A 2014 RU1 at Rs. 9.26M vs a 2023 RV5 at Rs. 17.15M represents a Rs. 7.89M premium for the Gen 2. That premium buys you: Honda's proven e:HEV two-motor system (no DCT risk), approximately 6 km/L better fuel economy in city conditions, Toyota Safety Sense-equivalent Honda Sensing, 9 years of newer depreciation runway, and the Gen 2 body styling. The 2014 RU1 saves Rs. 7.89M with a proven CVT, full parts availability, and a 10-year-old car that has already taken its initial depreciation hit.
Which Chassis Should You Buy?
- Budget Rs. 9M–10M: 2014 RU1 (538 listings, Rs. 9.26M avg). Best market depth of any Vezel year. Avoid RU3 at the same price — the DCT risk is not priced adequately at parity.
- Budget Rs. 10M–13M: 2016–2019 RU1. Newer condition, lower mileage, consistent pricing. The 2017 (133 listings, Rs. 11.85M) is the sweet spot here.
- Budget Rs. 15M–18M: 2023 RV5 (306 listings, Rs. 17.15M avg). The e:HEV system is proven, the grade range gives you negotiating options, and supply is sufficient to be selective.
- Budget Rs. 18M+: 2024–2025 RV5. Current-generation, Honda Sensing standard, choose Z or RS grade for the full feature package.