Western News: August 31, 2023

12
Thursday August 31 2023
ZR-V a premium passenger experience
HONDA IS looking to take the
sales fight to its many mid-sized
urban SUV rivals with its new
ZR-V, one of the most complete all
round models we’ve seen from the
company in ages, in this part of the
world.
In essence, it’s an SUV spinoff
of the thoroughly competent
Honda Civic. With that quality
DNA underpinning it, the ZR-V
is much more capable than your
typical urban SUV. It replaces
the popular HRV that ended its
successful run on our market 18
months ago. With no suitable
replacement available out of Japan
until 2025, Honda here decided to
whistle up the ZR-V as an interim
replacement. It is sold in North
America, as a larger version of the
HRV and does exceptionally well
in one of the world’s toughest new
car markets.
www.drivesouth.co.nz
Motoring with Bob Nettleton
For Honda, the ZR-V delivers
the company’s next-level hybrid
electrification technology. The
ZR-V Sport, uses a new 2.0L
e:HEV direct injection petrol
engine with two electric motors
for a collective power output of
135kW and 315Nm of torque.
If that doesn’t take your interest
there’s the option of a 1.5L direct
injection turbo that has been a
staple of the Honda range for 8
years.
The hybrid power train is
exclusive to the flagship $55,000
ZR-V Sport, but not the with
$47,000 turbo provided for this
road test. It’s the same price as the
Civic sedan but more appealing
being larger, offering on-trend
SUV styling, and more versatility
and practicality.
Punting the test vehicle
along with plenty of intent is an
Incorporating
best motorbuys
upgraded version of Honda’s
stalwart 1.5 turbo engine. It’s good
for 131kW of power and 240Nm
of torque, both decent enough
numbers for an engine of this
size. Torque comes into play from
just 1700rpm, although it’s more
about work than play as it unearths
plenty of low-speed pulling power.
In real world driving the motor
is flexible with good throttle
response. It’s quieter in the higher
rev range, to the point where you
aren’t looking to turn up the sound
system to counter engine noise. A
much-improved constant variable
transmission is shared with the
Honda Civic and features normal
and eco driving modes and a
user-selectable sport mode. It’s a
transmission that rarely puts a foot
wrong and feels a good match to
this feisty compact turbo engine.
A generously proportioned cabin
and an equally commodious rear
cargo hatch is among the best in
the compact urban SUV class. A
60-40 split rear seat quickly folds
down for more load space. Quality
is one of the lasting impressions
of the passenger compartment,
CAR CITY
EST 1973
and you can only admire the
methodical way Honda have gone
about achieving this. Much of this
is down to the generous use of
quality materials throughout the
cabin, especially on touch points.
Plenty of effort has also gone into
providing a premium look and feel
to the switchgear and controls.
ZR-V Sport and Turbo are
the first models to feature new
Honda Connect emergency
services. This alerts these services
if it detects the vehicle’s airbags
have been activated. An excellent
new single-camera system offers
better visibility. Combined with
software advances and a new, more
powerful processor, the system
is capable of more quickly and
accurately spotting hazards, along
with road lines and signs.
Well-sorted suspension and
steering are the cornerstones
of an agile and nicely balanced
urban SUV that’s right at ease
and taking charge on our roads,
with often-tricky weather and
driving conditions. The suspension
reacts decisively and is a calming
influence in steadying the car
in response to sudden and
unexpected changes in the road
surface. In around-town driving
the ride may be a bit firm for some.
I didn’t mind it at all and liked
the way it gives the test vehicle a
sportier character than most of its
Japanese and Korean competitor.
However, it’s still shaded by the
more accomplished European
offerings in this market segment.
Rating out of 10: Performance
8, handling 7 , build quality
8, comfort 8, passenger and
load space 8, Styling 6, Fuel
Economy on road test average
consumption 8.9L /100km,
Value for money 6, Safety, Five
Star ANCAP crash rating and
Clean vehicle fee $6,900
Overall points out of 10: 7.5
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