Review: Honda ZR-V

The Honda ZR-V is a mid-sized hybrid SUV that has been on the market since 2023.

It slots in nicely between the HR-V and CR-V and is powered by Honda’s e: HEV hybrid engine with twin electric motors as standard.

The motors work together with a two-litre petrol engine and a regenerative braking system that cleverly returns waste energy to top up the battery.

Honda has said there are plans to launch a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version.

There are three autonomous drive modes: full electric (although this is for short journeys only), hybrid, which comes into play for general driving, and engine drive for high-speed cruising.

The driver can also choose from three selectable modes depending on driving style and road conditions: Normal, Sport or Eco. There’s also Snow mode for wintry conditions, and though no one is going to pretend this is an off-roader, it also has hill descent control, which is designed to automatically manage vehicle speed during a steep or slippery downhill descent.

The ZR-V delivers a nippy drive with good handling, particularly through corners, though the payback is that it does compromise comfort over rough road surfaces.

Around town and thus at low speeds, the ZR-V is quiet, and there is no undue noise from the single-speed gearbox.

At motorway speeds, quite a bit of road and wind noise finds its way into the cabin. The latter is due to the large wing mirrors, but to be honest, that’s something I’m prepared to put up with for better rearward visibility.

Parking does not pose a problem, as all versions get front and rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera.

While we’re on visibility, though it’s an SUV, the driving position is quite a bit lower than rivals and doesn’t give a particularly commanding view of the road.

I had to have the seat cranked up to its highest setting, but was pleased to find that there is plenty of adjustment on the steering wheel, so in the end it wasn’t too much of a problem.

The interior is classy with plenty of soft-touch materials. I’m particularly pleased that Honda has seen fit to include physical knobs for the climate control. Far safer than trying to access the screen to make adjustments when you’re alone in the car.

Our Advance spec had a smallish head-up display with all versions having a nine-inch touchscreen for the entertainment system, wired Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay.

Plenty of USB ports scattered around the cabin should keep all occupants happy, and storage space is rather good, too.

Driver and front passenger get plenty of room to stretch out, although the large centre console and dashboard do intrude more than necessary.

Rear seat passengers, providing they are no more than 6ft or so, should have no trouble getting comfy, although three-up is a bit cosy, especially in our Advance, which has the panoramic roof.

Specification

Honda ZR-V e:HEV

Price: £39,495

Engine: two-litre petrol hybrid

Power: 141bhp

Torque: 137lb/ft

Transmission: Automatic

Top speed: 108mph

0-62mph: 8 seconds

Economy: 48.7mpg

CO 2 emissions:132g/km