New Honda ZR-V: All The highlights

Presenting the highly awaited Honda ZR-V, a recent addition to Honda's extensive range of models as a midsize SUV. Honda has once again pushed the boundaries of design and engineering with the ZR-V, crafting a car that not only meets but exceeds the expectations of modern drivers. From its eye-catching exterior to its cutting-edge technology and powerful performance, the Honda ZR-V is set to make a bold statement on the roads. Continue reading to discover more.

Honda ZR-V Exterior

The Honda ZR-V emerges as a distinctive family SUV, positioned strategically between the larger CR-V and the compact HR-V. Unlike its higher-riding counterparts, the ZR-V disrupts the conventional styling norms associated with SUVs in the Honda lineup. It breaks away from the bulkier exterior and expansive interiors commonly found in many SUVs, offering a refreshing departure with its sleek and agile design.

The ZR-V's exterior design is a testament to Honda's commitment to innovation and modernity. Standard LED headlights illuminate the road ahead, providing not only enhanced visibility but also adding a touch of sophistication to the vehicle's frontal profile. Opting for the top-tier Advance trim introduces cornering lights and an adaptive setup, further enhancing the ZR-V's lighting capabilities for a safer and more dynamic driving experience.

One of the most striking elements of the ZR-V's design is its sleek silhouette, exuding a sense of athleticism and road presence. The sporty SUV design contributes to the overall aesthetic appeal, making the Honda ZR-V stand out in its class. Each ZR-V model boasts its own uniquely designed 18” alloy wheels. For those who appreciate an open-air driving experience, select grades of the ZR-V come equipped with an opening panoramic roof. This feature not only floods the cabin with natural light but also creates an airy and spacious interior ambiance.

Honda ZR-V Interior & Technology

Stepping into the Honda ZR-V's interior is akin to entering a realm of understated elegance and ergonomic design. While drawing inspiration from the beloved Civic, the interior showcases a subtle refinement, perhaps appearing a touch more reserved than its competitors. However, any initial reservations about the visual appeal are swiftly dispelled by the impeccable build quality and attention to detail that defines the ZR-V's cabin.

Soft-touch plastics and padded surfaces adorn the dashboard, centre console, and doors, creating a tactile and plush environment. The result is a harmonious blend of comfort and sophistication, making every journey a pleasurable experience. The interior design not only prioritises aesthetics but also emphasises practicality, ensuring that the driver and passengers enjoy luxurious comfort.

At the heart of the Honda ZR-V's technology lies the user-friendly infotainment system, a familiar feature for those acquainted with the Civic. The system boasts a responsive touchscreen with large, clear graphics, ensuring seamless interaction. A 10.2” multi-info display provides essential information at a glance, keeping the driver informed without distraction. Opting for the Advance trim elevates the experience with a head-up display, enhancing visibility and contributing to an overall more immersive driving experience. Furthermore, the top-tier Advance grade gets a sophisticated 12-speaker Bose sound system optimally positioned for full surround sound. As well, all versions come equipped with a generous 9.0” touchscreen featuring sat-nav and the latest Honda CONNECT technology, along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. This ensures that drivers stay seamlessly connected, informed, and entertained on their journeys.

Another aspect to look at is practicality. While the cabin offers ample space for both the driver and front passenger, the Honda ZR-V faces some challenges in terms of outright practicality. The rear seats provide sufficient room for passengers, accompanied by generous headroom. Yet, the low seating position, unusual for an SUV, might be a distinctive feature that sets the ZR-V apart. As for boot space, some people may be disappointed. With a capacity of 380 litres, it falls short when compared to rivals in its class, such as the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage. Advance models sacrifice an additional 10 litres. However, folding down the rear seats reveals a more accommodating 1,322-litre space, offering a solution for those occasions when additional cargo room is paramount.

Honda ZR-V Driving Experience & Performance

As for driving experience and performance, the Honda ZR-V distinguishes itself with a singular yet formidable engine option. Housing the same e:HEV hybrid set-up found in the Civic, the ZR-V's engine delivers a robust 181bhp, ensuring a spirited and capable performance on the road. The ZR-V's acceleration is notable, with a 0-62mph time of around 7.8 seconds, making it more than adequate for everyday driving needs. Whether navigating city streets or merging onto the motorway, the ZR-V accelerates with confidence and minimal drama.

Despite its urban agility, the Honda ZR-V lacks a four-wheel-drive option, opting instead for a Snow drive mode designed to enhance traction in low-grip conditions. While not a performance SUV in the traditional sense, the ZR-V impressively handles a variety of driving scenarios, showcasing a well-balanced and composed demeanour on the road. Engaging with the driving modes, including Sport, Comfort, Eco, and Snow settings, offers a degree of versatility, allowing drivers to tailor the driving experience to their preferences. 

In the urban landscape, the Honda ZR-V demonstrates a quiet and composed demeanour, creating a serene environment. However, as speeds increase on the motorway, some wind noise becomes apparent. While not disruptive, these elements remind drivers that, while the ZR-V isn't positioned as a performance-focused SUV, it remains more than capable of handling diverse driving conditions. In summary, the Honda ZR-V's driving experience is defined by a potent hybrid engine, versatile driving modes, and a composed handling that prioritises everyday practicality.

Honda ZR-V Safety

The Honda ZR-V sets a high standard for safety, securing a notable 4-star (out of 5) safety rating from the Euro NCAP. This comprehensive evaluation encompassed various aspects, with a particularly commendable performance in the child occupant assessment, achieving an impressive 86% score. While the safety assist category saw a lower rating of 68%, the overall safety profile remains robust, ensuring a secure driving experience.

The ZR-V distinguishes itself in terms of safety through its integration of the cutting-edge Honda SENSING driver assistance technology as a standard offering. This advanced suite includes a variety of features designed to enhance safety on the road. Particularly notable is the traffic jam assist feature, providing valuable support in navigating congested traffic situations. The collision mitigation braking system provides an additional level of protection by automatically applying brakes when potential collisions are detected, significantly contributing to accident prevention. It also comes with lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition and lane keeping assist system, just to mention a few.

The Honda ZR-V further reinforces its commitment to passenger safety with airbags, ensuring comprehensive protection in the event of an impact. Additionally, the presence of ISOFIX points on the rear seats highlights the vehicle's family-friendly design, providing secure attachment points for child seats. For those opting for higher trims, the ZR-V offers an added safety feature with active cornering lights, enhancing visibility during turns and manoeuvres. Altogether, the Honda ZR-V exemplifies a dedication to safety through its innovative technologies and thoughtful design elements.

Honda ZR-V Price & Running Costs

The Honda ZR-V positions itself in the market with a starting price that places it slightly above competitors like the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage. The lineup is thoughtfully structured across three trim levels, with the entry-level Elegance starting at approximately £39,000. Despite its position as the base model, the Elegance doesn't compromise on features, offering a comprehensive package that includes 18” wheels, two-zone climate control, heated front seats, and adaptive cruise control, just to mention a few.

Stepping up to the Sport trim, priced at around £41,000, introduces additional enhancements to the ZR-V's aesthetic and interior. Notable upgrades include a combination of part-fabric and faux-leather upholstery, ambient lighting, and sportier exterior details. This trim level strikes a balance between performance-oriented elements and interior refinements, making it an appealing choice for those seeking an elevated driving experience.

For individuals seeking the utmost in luxury and cutting-edge features, the Advance trim, starting from around £43,000, takes the Honda ZR-V to new heights. The Advance trim includes full leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, additional ambient lighting, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel. While these upgrades undoubtedly enhance the overall driving and passenger experience, it's important to acknowledge that they come with an additional cost, contributing to a higher overall price.

It's also worth considering the ZR-V's fuel efficiency in the decision-making process. The Honda ZR-V impressively returns a decent 45.2mpg, slightly outperforming the hybrid Sportage. However, the official CO2 emissions figure of around 130g/km may not be particularly low, especially for company car drivers. In this context, plug-in hybrid alternatives such as the Ford Kuga and Hyundai Tucson may be more appealing.

Our Verdict

In conclusion, the New Honda ZR-V stands as a testament to the brand's commitment to innovation, blending style, performance, and technology in a harmonious symphony. From its sleek and distinctive design to the thoughtfully crafted interior, the ZR-V captivates with a driving experience that seamlessly marries power and efficiency. While its pricing structure offers a range of options to suit varying preferences, the Sport trim emerges as a particularly compelling choice. As Honda continues to redefine standards in the automotive landscape, the ZR-V emerges as a dynamic and sophisticated addition. Based on this, we feel the Honda ZR-V deserves a 4/5 rating from GB Vehicle Leasing.

If you'd like to learn more about a Honda ZR-V lease, please get in touch with our leasing experts. At GB Vehicle Leasing, our team is driven by a passion for providing outstanding service and exceeding expectations. Also, click here to read more of our latest news and reviews.