Can the new Honda ZR V improve on the way Honda looks and attract younger buyers?
Exterior – Front
So, lets start with the styling at the front and to start off with it looks quite sleek and modern. We get these sharp looking LED headlights that makes the car look strong. We also get this big grill in the middle with a nice mesh pattern on this sport model. We also get some sporty side vents and central air vents. On the normal models we do get a different grill and bumper.
Exterior – Side
Moving round to the side and the sharpness starts to get smoother. We get some creases above the gloss black wheel arches and on the side of the door, but we get bold curves going towards the back which makes this car look quite of modern.
Exterior – Rear
Moving round to the back and we get a different feel to the front. We get a smoother rear end with these curvy clear LED taillights and indents rather than creases. We also get this gloss black bumper and some real exhausts. The style is not sporty but classier. Let’s have a look at the engine range that you can have with the new Honda ZR-V.
Car and engine specs and price
So, for engine options for the new Z-RV we only get one in the UK. This is Honda’s e:Hev powertrain. This uses 2 electric motors powering the front wheels. We also get a 2-litre petrol engine that is used as a generator rather than what it would be used like in a Vauxhall Grandland for example. One motor is the main power unit whilst the second motor is used to smooth the performance out. Whilst it drives well, and it feels like the petrol engine is doing most of the work it does not feel nowhere near as good to drive as the Civic does which is a shame but is expected as this is an SUV and not a saloon style hatchback. This setup is very complex, but it does work well, and you get 181 bhp and 315 Nm of torque which is more than enough. MPG is also quite good getting above 50 mpg on the reading and that is with pushing the car to its limits.
Interior – Design
So, getting inside the new Honda ZR-V and we get a very similar setup to the Civic. The dashboard is basically the same with the same mesh pattern for the air vents as well as the same infotainment system and climate control switches. The only differences that are noticeable are the air vent toggles are rectangular rather than circle on the civic and the instrument cluster surround is slightly different. The centre console is also different as we have Honda’s gear switches and below that we get some storage. We also get a wireless charger. All the materials are very premium, and the seats are also comfy, premium but supportive. One unusual aspect with this ZR-V is that the steering wheel is circular and not flat bottomed or square like other cars. Circle steering wheels are becoming rare nowadays. Let’s have a look and see what it is like in the back of the new Honda ZR-V
Practicality
So, getting into the rear on the ZR-V and you are welcomed with some premium seats with plenty of legroom and headroom. You also get an armrest and there is no centre tunnel. The seats also fold like any other Honda too.
Boot Size
Opening the boot to the ZR-V and you are welcomed with 380 litres which is more than enough for a family. With the seats down these increases to 1,201 litres which again is very good.
Summary
So, what do I think of the new Honda ZR-V then. Well styling is unique to any other Honda that we have seen in the UK before and I am ok with that. Interior quality is good for a Honda too and it is very practical. Because it is a new car from Honda in this segment, I think people may go for a Kia Sportage or a Hyundai Tucson or even a Vauxhall Grandland as they have been in the market longer but if you are a Honda owner with a Jazz or even a Civic then this may be the car for you.
Exterior 4/5
Interior 4/5
Practicality 4/5
Total 12/15
Model | Mercedes GLC 300 AMG-Line Premium Coupe |
Engine | 2.0l Petrol 4 Cylinder, 181 bhp, Front Wheel drive |
Trnasmission | CVT Automatic |
Price | £41,745 |
On Sale | Now |
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