Road tested by Hugh Maguire
The new Honda ZR-V is a compact self charging hybrid SUV that aims to be a tempting rival to the likes of the Kia Sportage, Skoda Karoq or Nissan Qashqai for example.
All models are self charging hybrids using a petrol engine, a small battery and electric motor. Three trim levels are available, Elegance, Sport and Advance. The model on test here this week is the top of the range Anvance version. Prices for the new ZR-V start at €54,995. Honda claim it is “our sportiest ever hybrid SUV” So does it live up to that brave claim?
So Has it got street cred?
I do like the style, though its by no means groundbreaking within this segment. Frankly some of its rivals from Korea for example do look a bit more dramatic. Nevertheless the ZR-V has a style all of its own that I found appealing. Conservative yes but attractive too.
What’s it like inside?
The new ZR-V really does feel top quality with high-grade materials and leather upholstery in evidence throughout the car.
The Advance model comes standard with very smart two tone alloys, and a host of goodies including a panoramic glass roof, Bose sound system, heated front seats, heated rear seats, auto dim rear view mirror, and a host of safety kit from Honda Sensing.
I really like the analogue style digital instrumentation which is an example of how a really good digital instrument display should look.
The central touchscreen is perched rather high which spoils the lines of an otherwise lovely dashboard but thankfully there are plenty of beautifully styled knurled chrome knobs and switches for the main functions. The graphics on the central screen are not as good as some rivals but the whole system works very well. Once you first pair your phone with the ZR-V it remembers it and it is immediately paired before you can hit the start button on your next trip. Very nice! Apple car play and Android auto with wireless charging is standard.
There is bags of room inside for up to five adults and a great big load area too.
Overall then a very impressive high quality, roomy interior.
What is under the bonnet?
A 2.0 litre petrol unit and a small 1.04 kWh battery with electric motor developing some 181 bhp. The system switches seamlessly from petrol power to pure EV when conditions permit. There are also a variety of drive modes including Sport but you really won’t use them. It will drive at low speeds in EV mode and the battery gets a lot of re charge from braking or by using the re-gen paddles. In short I found it an excellent self charging hybrid that really does work well. Over my weeks road test it burned just 6.1 litres of petrol per 100km and road tax is €210.00
What’s it like to drive?
The new ZR-V certainly delivers a more sporty drive than its larger sibling the CR-V. Its nimble and surefooted with little body roll in corners. It’s only vice is that it does lack traction off the line on damp roads spinning the front wheels quite easily. The suspension set-up seems to soak-up all road imperfections with ease making the new ZR-V a very comfortable car in which to travel. It proves quiet and refined with very low levels of road, wind or engine noise however on more coarse tarmac there is a bit more road noise than I would have expected.
So to the Verdict.
I really like the new ZR-V. No plugging in, practical, well built and a real feeling of quality and class. But at a price. The Advance model tested costs €59,995.