Honda's hybrid SUV range includes three models, with the ZR-V positioned between the "small" HR-V and the colossal CR-V. The question of the relevance of an intermediate model close to the HR-V had arisen, and one can wonder about the advantages and disadvantages of such a size. We traveled 1,800 kilometers at the wheel of the Honda ZR-V to answer it.
HR-V, ZR-V, CR-V, e:Ny1: Honda's SUV range in Europe is increasingly vast. When the Japanese firm announced the ZR-V, intermediate between two other models, one wondered whether it was worth it.
Why not launch a hybrid crossover instead? Why not try another vehicle format? In difficulty with its sales, Honda had decided to capitalize on the popularity of this vehicle segment. For better or for worse.
Honda ZR-V Design
Like many modern SUVs, the Honda ZR-V struggles to stand out aesthetically. Its line is classic, with a slightly cut rear, but not as exaggerated as on the HR-V. At the front, the headlights are tapered and rectangular, but the rounded corners limit the aggressive appearance. It's quite the opposite for the wide grille which sports horizontal and vertical black plastic bars. The latter offer a design that greatly highlights this part, which stands out a little too much from the rest of the model's aesthetic choices. The hood is sculpted, however the nose of the vehicle is rather rounded, which avoids the cubic appearance of some models.
Honda engineers have paid particular attention to the doors, which are rather well crafted. Following the fashion of current SUVs, the beltline is high and the glass surface limited. This is also a characteristic that is particularly felt at the wheel, with a windshield that lacks breadth.
The rear is much less original than on the HR-V. The inclined rear window and the horizontal light bar of the latter give way to a straighter window and ordinary optics. We say to ourselves that if we had to recognize this model without the Honda badge that adorns its trunk, it would certainly blend in much more with the crowd than the HR-V, with a more conventional, but also blander design.
The 18-inch rims are the standard ones on this model. At 18 inches, with five wide spokes and a two-tone black and gray, they are rather successful. Their aesthetic quality and the fact that they provide better comfort do not push us to want 19-inch wheels at all costs.
Honda ZR-V Features
Honda has not yet given in to the "all touch" trend, so the physical climate controls are nice. On the steering wheel side, we also appreciate the fact that the Japanese firm has not given in to touch. The infotainment software is presented on the same touch pad as the other Hondas. This nine-inch screen seems to come from another age, as screens have recently become colossal in cars.
But once you get over the shock of premature aging, you realize that such a screen is sufficient. The features are presented clearly and easily accessible. The small instrument screen behind the steering wheel is also sufficient to have important information. We also applaud the visual comfort of the whole thing when driving at night, and that these two displays have a night mode that softens their brightness and offers a less aggressive visual aspect.
On the other hand, we can deplore the permanent safety alerts, which cannot always be deactivated. If you can cancel the detection of white lines, all speeding is notified by the ZR-V. The problem is not only that this beep is triggered when you exceed the limit. The problem is that the system reads the signs, and takes as its counting agent absolutely any sign in its line of sight. On the motorway, the car will start to ring as soon as you cross an exit or an area with a speed limit. On national roads, the speeds indicated for trucks are perceived by the SUV as its own limitations.
It is therefore regrettable that Honda has not implemented a more efficient sign reading system, which would prevent the car from worrying about speed limits that do not concern it.
Mechanical qualities similar to other Honda SUVs
The ZR-V's engine is well known in the Honda range. Indeed, it is the same hybrid block as the one found on the Civic e:HEV and the HR-V hybrid. It consists of a 2-liter four-cylinder Atkinson cycle thermal engine and two electric motors. The whole develops a power of 184 horsepower and generates a torque of 315 Nm.
As with all Honda e:HEV engines, the thermal block essentially serves as a generator to power the main electric motor. This is used to propel the vehicle in most conditions. On the highway, the motors work together to generate more power. Everything is orchestrated by an e:CVT gearbox. As with its other models, Honda is reusing its latest generation variator gearbox. This has a gear ratio that Honda describes as “virtual”. This allows it to better manage the increases in the revs of the thermal block, and thus limit the “moped” effect of this type of transmission.
Impeccable comfort and habitability
At the wheel, everything translates into a very pleasant fluidity of use. In town, you can be content to drive quietly using almost only one pedal. The e-CVT is discreet, as long as your right foot is not too heavy. But the model's 184 horsepower means that it is not left behind when power is needed. Insertions onto motorways and expressways, as well as overtaking, are done in complete peace. Of course, the combustion engine makes a few less controlled vocalizations when you press harder. But this is not disturbing, because it is unlikely that this will happen again outside of these specific situations.
In terms of ergonomics, the interior of the hybrid SUV is that of a Honda. There is plenty of space in the front and back, and four adults of normal size can fit without anyone feeling cramped.
The space in the trunk is very satisfactory. The photo in the gallery shows the space taken up by a classic cabin suitcase in the back. The 380 liters of volume are well arranged and allow you to fit bulky objects. With the rear seats lowered, there is 1322 liters of volume.
A Honda ZR-V with surprisingly high consumption
Honda's e:HEV engine is no longer new, but surprisingly, we've already seen it much more frugal. On the Civic, which weighs 1,500 kilos but has more flattering sedan aerodynamics, we barely exceeded 6 l/100 kilometers of consumption. On the HR-V, which has an SUV profile but weighs only 1,380 kilos empty, it sailed between 6.5 and 7 l/100 km. Our ZR-V, however, has two flaws, with a high line and a weight of over 1,600 kilos.
Also, these two characteristics are paid for when testing the consumption of our test model. In urban and national consumption, it is difficult to get it to go below 6.5 liters. On the highway, it is even worse with consumption oscillating between 8.5 and 9 l/100 km. In the combined cycle, we therefore observe a consumption of 7.8 l/100 km. And even if the conditions were cold when testing the appetite of our ZR-V, such values seem far too high for a car with a hybrid engine.
Interior quality always impeccable
Like other Hondas in the current range, the ZR-V offers a well-crafted and high-quality interior. The materials have a rather flattering appearance, with many foamed plastics in the passenger compartment. The dashboard and the dashboard receive a soft textured plastic, while the central console sports a honeycomb covering with a beautiful effect. This extends to the passenger side to cleverly house the sometimes unsightly air vents. There is a bit of hard plastic around the mode selectors on the bottom of the central console. A choice that is however understandable for an area that is intended to be more functional than aesthetic.
The three-spoke steering wheel is also qualitative with a rather thick wheel and good quality leather. The rare touches of glossy black "piano" plastic are found here, but it is in small enough quantity not to risk spoiling the overall effort of the interior design.
The interior is black but the upper part, from the door and windshield pillars to the roof lining, have a beige tint that visually opens up the space.
In terms of materials, the door panels are mostly in leather, with the exception of the button and handle areas. As for the central console, these functional parts are adorned with simple hard plastic. The black leather upholstery of our test model is also successful, with white stitching that reinforces the impression of quality. We were already used to it with other recent Hondas, but on this level, we have no reproach to make to the manufacturer who accompanies its price increases with an improvement in perceived quality.
Here we are ...
After a week and nearly 2,000 kilometers behind the wheel of the Honda ZR-V, our opinion remained divided. Objectively, we have little to criticize it for. Behind a somewhat sad design — which makes us regret the brand's past flamboyance — hides a decent hybrid SUV that is average for the market.
No extravagance but an efficiency that further confirms Honda's change in philosophy. The era of an extroverted brand has well and truly ended, and the firm applies a very German rigor. From this point of view, success is there with a perceived quality that is always on the rise. But unfortunately, the black spot of this model is its efficiency. The values recorded caught our attention, because they are worthy of a thermal vehicle. In fact, this translated into a full tank of 50 liters after about 600 kilometers of highway. That is almost 100 euros of refueling for this distance traveled. But even if this characteristic can be annoying, you can relax thanks to the comfort of the ZR-V. On the highway, you can rack up the miles without feeling uncomfortable or developing pain or aches.
In the Advance finish, that is to say the top of the range, and with the optional pearlescent paint, the price of our model is 48,650 euros. A price that seems high, especially considering the consumption of the SUV. But in a market where it is very difficult to find one of its competitors under the 40,000 euro mark, we can at least salute the way in which Honda applies itself to offering a service close to premium.
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