Last year Honda launched the ZR-V in Australia, and while that might not sound like a big deal, it actually was. In fact, the ZR-V is Honda’s first all-new model range to be introduced locally in the last two decades. It sits between the smaller HR-V and the larger CR-V and is neck and neck with the Toyota RAV4.
But let’s start with the basics. For North American readers who may find the ZR-V a mystery, Honda has taken a multi-pronged approach to the subcompact SUV segment. It offers two models in overseas markets including Europe, Japan and Australia: the ZR-V, seen here and sold as the HR-V in America and Canada, and the international market HR-V, which is a standalone model . The latter is known as Vezel in Japan.
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Now that we’ve sorted that out and are excited to see what Australia’s new ZR-V feels like, we got behind the wheel for a week earlier this month. We tested the small SUV in its flagship e:HEV LX guise, a hybrid variant priced at AU$54,900 (~$35,700).
Fast facts
The local setup for the ZR-V is quite simple. It consists of the entry-level VTi With the exception of the hybrid model, all ZR-V models are sold exclusively with a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 131 kW (176 hp) at 6,000 rpm and 240 Nm (177 lb-ft). ft) of torque between 1,700 rpm and 4,500 rpm delivers rpm.
Then there is the e:HEV LX. The 1.5-liter engine is replaced by a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder, complemented by two small electric motors and a CVT. It produces 135 kW (181 hp) and 315 Nm (232 lb-ft), while sending all power to the front wheels. All-wheel drive would have been nice, but unfortunately it’s not available.
Anyone who wants to get the key to a new ZR-V e:HEV LX can either have it painted in Premium Crystal Garnet, Premium Crystal Blue, Platinum Grey, Platinum White and Crystal Black, with our test car dipped in Premium Crystal Garnet, a deep burgundy tone that looks better in the flesh than in photos.
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We really like Honda’s current design philosophy. A few years ago, most Honda models looked too boxy and a little too unusual. The second-generation HR-V, fifth-generation CR-V, and 10th-generation Civic are all perfect examples. However, with the latest versions of these three models, Honda has regained its mojo and opted for a slightly more refined and less absurd design. The ZR-V is no different.
From some angles it looks like a Civic that has been given growth hormones. This makes sense since both use the same platform. The front section is characterized by an elegant black radiator grille and attractive headlights with LED daytime running lights. The subtle blue ring around the Honda emblem at the front indicates that the e:HEV LX is a hybrid. The SUV’s lines are soft and the body has just the right number of curves.
A modern cabin.
The interior of the ZR-V is a highlight. Like the 11thThThe first-generation Civic feels modern, but still has lots of physical buttons, switches and buttons, which can’t be said about many other new cars currently on the market.
In the center of the dashboard is a large 9.0-inch infotainment display that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Although Honda’s current operating system is neither the best nor the most advanced, it is easy to understand and superbly designed. Whether buyers are familiar with other Honda products or not, the system is intuitive.
Photos Brad Anderson / Carscoops
The ZR-V also comes with a large 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster. It doesn’t offer much scope for personalization, but at least it’s clear. Another highlight is the honeycomb grille of the air vents.
Otherwise, the cabin, including the seats and steering wheel, is trimmed in soft black leather. The addition of a wireless smartphone charger is a welcome addition, while the center console’s floating design looks good and gives you a nice place to store your phone when it’s connected to either the USB-A or USB-C port. Individual buttons are used to select gears. We also applaud Honda for not bathing the interior in piano black plastic.
The seating position at the front is good and there is plenty of headroom. The situation is similar in the second row, where the two outer seats offer plenty of space. The middle seat is small, but that’s the case with most cars. There are two USB-C ports on the back. With the second row of seats, the ZR-V offers 370 liters (13 cubic feet) of cargo space. That’s pretty small and significantly less than the RAV4’s 542 liters (19.1 cubic feet).
An efficient and refined powertrain.
Since I hadn’t experienced Honda’s modern hybrid powertrain before driving the ZR-V, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised that the ZR-V e:HEV LX system is an excellent all-rounder.
When starting off and at low speeds, the SUV drives primarily electrically and only fires the 2.0-liter engine when necessary and at speeds from around 40 km/h. Many other hybrid cars operate this way, but the ZR-V’s system is one of the smoothest we’ve ever experienced. In fact, I often had to glance at the instrument cluster to see whether the engine was on or not since it operates so quietly.
For many driving enthusiasts, CVTs are unholy. In the case of the ZR-V, it feels comfortable and ensures the SUV rides smoothly regardless of speed. Honda even included a pair of paddle shifters, but we rarely used them, preferring to let the system do the work for us.
The ZR-V isn’t fast, but it’s not slow either. The instant power and torque provided by the two electric motors make it feel faster on the track than it is. These engines also help with overtaking, ensuring you get up to speed quickly without feeling like you have to rev the engine. Even when you step on the accelerator, the engine isn’t annoyingly loud. This is also helped by the fact that Honda has equipped the ZR-V with an acoustic windshield to block out ambient noise.
Fuel efficiency is a key advantage of the hybrid over other ZR-V models. Honda claims fuel consumption of just 5.0L/100km (47 US MPG) on the combined cycle. During our time we averaged 5.6L/100km (42 US MPG).
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Not everything is perfect. The electric motors have a habit of overtaxing the front wheels in wet conditions, even when the traction and stability control systems are engaged. Therefore, you have to be careful how hard you press the accelerator pedal, otherwise the wheels will spin every time you drive off in the rain. We would have liked to see all-wheel drive as an option, especially in situations like this.
Honda engineers have also done a good job when it comes to handling and comfort. The ZR-V overcomes bumps flawlessly at both low and high speeds. If you drive it more aggressively, it will also thrive in this environment and remain stable and planted.
Honda Sensing driver assistance features are standard on the ZR-V e:HEV LX. It includes lane departure warning, forward collision warning, collision mitigation braking system, adaptive cruise control and traffic sign recognition. The lane departure warning system worked well, but it had a habit of slowing down going up and down between lane markings rather than keeping us in the middle of the lane as it should.
Verdict
Honda has developed a very convincing option with the ZR-V e:HEV LX. It compares favorably to rivals like the Toyota RAV Hybrid and the larger (and more expensive) Nissan X-Trail Ti e-Power, looking smart and well-equipped. It proves that Honda has regained its potential and is worth considering.