We tested the new Honda ZR-V, a large fuel-efficient family SUV

The Honda ZR-V, simply the SUV derived from the Honda Civic, offers a compact sedan with many qualities. With its spacious interior and reduced fuel consumption, it met with unexpected success, taking the Japanese manufacturer by surprise when faced with an electronic chip crisis.

Logically, the ZR-V should have the same advantages as its compact version. We had the opportunity to test it briefly to find out more.

Cosmetically, the ZR-V draws inspiration from the Civic by adopting pointed headlights and a slightly rearward-sloping roofline, although without achieving the extravagance of the Renault Arkana. However, adapting the Civic's sleek design to an SUV format doesn't work as seamlessly as one might think.

The aesthetics of the new ZR-V are neither unpleasant nor genuinely captivating. While the HR-V and CR-V display a strong personality and distinctive design, the ZR-V seeks to please everyone and ends up being almost bland.

Despite respecting all the usual design codes and tricks, such as the honeycomb grille for the Sport finish, the sloping front, the pointed headlights, the double (fake) rear exhausts and some well-balanced volumes , the ZR-V fails to stand out.

However, similar to the Civic, the exterior styling of the ZR-V has some differences depending on the trim level, Sport or Advance. The Sport version is distinguished by a honeycomb grille and some elements added to the front bumper that frame the side air intakes.

These side air intakes are also functional, generating a curtain of air in front of the wheels which cancels out the potential turbulence they could cause. One of the strengths of the ZR-V lies in its pursuit of maximum efficiency, just like the Civic.

The Honda ZR-V is positioned between the Honda HR-V and the CR-V in Honda's current lineup. It is 4.57 meters long, 2 cm longer than the compact model, but it is 20 cm higher, with a height of 1.61 meters. The ZR-V is introduced in a very competitive market where it will face competitors such as the Peugeot 3008 (4.45 meters), the Renault Arkana (4.57 meters) and the Austral (4.51 meters), as well as the Kia Sportage (4.52 meters) and the Hyundai Tucson (4.50 meters).

Dimensions Honda ZR-V

In the Honda ZR-V, control the electric motor

The ZR-V shares several elements with the Civic, including part of its chassis (mostly at the front), while the rest of its platform is shared with the HR-V. In addition, it benefits from the e:HEV hybrid mechanism, which allows it to carry the ECO label.

This hybrid mechanics includes a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine with direct injection, generating 143 HP. This motor primarily acts as an electricity generator to power two electric motors. One of these motors is a generator, while the other is the traction motor, delivering 184 HP and 315 Nm of torque.

The system incorporates a 1.05 kWh battery weighing 36 kg, which serves as an energy reserve or allows the gasoline engine to operate in its optimum performance range. For example, at low speeds, the system requires battery charging to maintain its optimal speed.

The electric motor is responsible for propelling the wheels, with specific assistance from the gasoline engine in situations requiring intense acceleration. The system lacks a conventional gearbox, or even a continuously variable transmission (CVT). It uses a single-speed transmission. However, during the acceleration phases, the system simulates a change in speed, including at the level of engine noise, despite an acceleration that is practically linear in reality.

A spacious and well-finished interior

As expected, there are also similarities inside the car, with the Civic. The dashboard is the same, as are the 9-inch touchscreen positioned at the top of the center console, the steering wheel and the dashboard. The Sport trim features a partially digital display, with an analog speedometer, while the Advance trim gets a full 10.2-inch digital display. In addition, the Advance version is equipped with a head-up display system, a feature absent on the Civic.

Overall build quality is excellent, with a high perceived quality feel and the use of quality materials. Parts of the dashboard, center tunnel and door panels are coated with a thin layer of crystals, adding a subtle pearlescent touch. The live effect is even more impressive than what can be seen in the photos, contributing to the car's near-premium appearance.

As far as roominess is concerned, an important aspect for a family SUV, space in the rear seats remains quite satisfactory for two adults. Although not the best in class, it is in the upper part of the average. Even with a 1.90m tall driver in the front, there's plenty of legroom in the back and the backrest is reclined at an ideal angle, avoiding being too upright or too reclined. You can travel very comfortably in the back.

However, unlike a Renault Austral, for example, the rear seats are not adjustable by sliding, and the seatbacks cannot recline like in a Honda CR-V.

The trunk of this car could be improved, given its external dimensions. We expected it to be more spacious, but at just 390 liters (380 liters on the Advance version due to the presence of the Bose audio equipment subwoofer) it is almost disappointing. In comparison, a Renault Austral offers 500 liters of capacity and a SEAT Ateca, which is 4.38 meters long, offers 510 liters.

At the wheel, comfort and low fuel consumption

If we present this ZR-V as the SUV version of the Civic, we expect a quality driving experience. We expect from the ZR-V a certain dynamism while offering good driving comfort. It is difficult to reach a compromise where the car excels on both aspects, especially without the presence of controlled dampers.

Yet she succeeds. The ZR-V demonstrates great confidence and masters body movements perfectly, virtually reducing body roll when cornering. With sufficiently fast and light steering, driving becomes very pleasant.

The car gives off an impression of stability and solidity. The handling of the ZR-V is firm, but it still manages to offer some comfort. It smooths out road imperfections, and in low-speed urban driving it doesn't exhibit the harsh rebounds and harshness that can spoil the comfort of other SUVs. Overall, the ZR-V is comfortable.

It offers three driving modes (Normal, Eco and Sport) which influence engine management and steering response. On the highway, the hybrid system is designed to avoid excessive engine noise when accelerating at legal speeds, and it does that job well. On the other hand, on winding roads and at a more sustained pace, you can feel the presence of the engine, but it is still pleasant.

The gearshift commands are carried out via buttons, which avoids accidental activations of reverse gear (a strong point in terms of ergonomics). However, the aluminum paddles (same as the Honda NSX, by the way) aren't for changing gears, but rather for adjusting regenerative braking.

When the maximum regenerative braking is activated, you should not expect a powerful deceleration when the accelerator is released, unlike some electric cars. In reality, regenerative braking is barely noticeable, and there are gas-powered cars that offer more pronounced engine braking. Still, it helps make driving more enjoyable, as using the left-hand paddle feels like downshifting, like in a conventional gasoline car.

Rolling noise becomes noticeable from around 110 km/h, but it is not excessively loud. However, it is noticeable. What is ironic is that despite this, the mechanical part of the car is sonically very well designed. Even when the engine is heard, it's muffled, giving the impression that it's coming from afar.

With regard to consumption, the new ZR-V stands out particularly. Honda announces an average approved consumption of 5.8 l/100 km. In our brief experience with the vehicle, and driving fairly aggressively (some might say overly aggressive, but more in tune with average highway speeds), we achieved an average of 6.2L/100km .

With more relaxed driving, it is possible to drop below 5.5 l/100 km of consumption. Although six liters per hundred may seem high, you have to keep in mind that this is an SUV measuring 4.57 meters long and weighing 1,639 kg. Compared to other SUVs on the market, this is relatively low consumption.

Honda ZR-V prices and equipment

The prices of the new Honda ZR-V have not yet been revealed by Honda. However, during the month of July, we will discover them gradually. Since this model is positioned between the Honda HR-V and the CR-V, and is considered the SUV version of the Honda Civic, the final price should be between 36,000 and 38,000 euros. What really impressed us was the level of standard equipment, which is typical of Honda products.

The car will be fitted as standard with the Honda Sensing driver aids package, including automatic emergency braking, active lane keeping assistant, active cruise control, alert and automatic braking for the rear cross traffic, blind spot assist and reversing camera.

In addition, the Honda ZR-V will come standard with an electric and automatic tailgate, a 9-inch touchscreen, compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless mobile charger, two USB-A ports and two USB-C ports on the front, as well as two USB-C ports on the back. The Bose sound system will also be included with 8 speakers in the Sport version and 12 speakers in the Advance version. This latest version will also have leatherette upholstery and a passable sunroof.

Honda ZR-V, our assessment

Honda presents once again an exceptional model, made with great finesse. The interior is spacious and extremely comfortable, without compromising dynamic performance. It's also virtually fully equipped as standard, making it a complete choice. Although the trunk might feel a bit small for the size of the car, and road noise is noticeable on the highway, the BOSE team manages to mask it remarkably well.

So where is the problem? Perhaps in its design, which is nice and elegant, but perhaps too conventional. It won't bother anyone, but it won't arouse passion either. In our market, which crowned the Hyundai Tucson as the best-selling car in 2022, design remains an important element to consider.