Mon, April 24, 2023
- The new mid-size ZR-V sits between the CR-V and HR-V in Honda’s SUV lineup
- Gasoline-electric hybrid power
- Front wheel drive and all wheel drive options
- Starting price around £30,000
- For sale before the end of 2023
This latest hybrid-only model sits between the larger CR-V and the smaller HR-V, although it will likely replace the CR-V in Honda’s UK line-up as a new, larger version is planned of this model. With a mid-size electric SUV based on the e:NY1 concept car also in the works, customers will have plenty of Honda-badged options in a very popular area of the car market.
The ZR-V’s rivals will include cars like the Nissan Qashqai, Kia Sportage and Toyota RAV4. It’s already on sale in Japan and was launched in the US last year but under the name HR-V.
2023 Honda ZR-V Prices and Release Date
Honda has yet to announce pricing and details for the HR-V’s UK launch, but we expect it to go on sale before the end of the year, with prices starting from £30,000. By comparison, the Honda CR-V starts at £32,950 OTR and the HR-V starts at £31,115.
2023 Honda ZR-V style, interior and technology
The ZR-V is based on the same mechanical underpinnings as the latest Civic hatchback. It sports a new-look grille and slim headlights in front of a long hood, and designers have tried to give it a sporty look. Shades of the current Civic are evident in the body styling, with wide wheel arches helping to give it a determined look, bolstered by twin tailpipes and a spoiler on the top of the bonnet. from the trunk
UK specs have yet to be released, but in other markets the ZR-V comes with a 10.2-inch digital display in front of the driver, which works alongside a nine-inch screen in the center of the dash. The overall interior design is relatively simple and uncluttered, but Honda promises a variety of storage spaces and a “high deck center console” between the front seats. The seats, by the way, are mounted relatively low in the car to help give a more dynamic feel to the driving experience.
Using Japanese car specs as a guide, we can expect to see options including a 12-speaker Bose sound system and a range of pearl and metallic paint colors. The latest active safety systems are also likely to be available.
2023 Honda ZR-V Engines, Performance and Fuel Economy
A ‘Sport e:HEV’ hybrid powertrain is lined up for the UK market ZR-V. The 2.0-litre four-cylinder setup, also found in the Civic, produces 184bhp and 315Nm. Instead of using a transmission in the traditional sense, it will be mated to a two-motor hybrid system that Honda calls an e-CVT.
A 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a more recognizable CVT is also available in other markets, but it remains unclear whether it will be available in the UK. Most models will be front-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive will be available as an option.
No details have been released on the Honda ZR-V’s UK performance and fuel economy, but based on other market specs, we expect an official figure of around 62mpg for the hybrid model.
Before you step into a showroom, read our in-depth guide to all the new cars arriving in the next 12 months and beyond; some are worth the wait.
Is the new Honda ZR-V fun to drive?
We haven’t yet tested the UK-spec ZR-V at the time of writing, but the car has been launched in other countries and feedback is positive for those who enjoy driving it. Honda has deliberately given the ZR-V a sporty demeanor, and thanks to its Civic-based engineering, we expect to see nimble handling for a car of this type.
How fast is the new Honda ZR-V?
Official figures for a UK ZR-V model have not been released. However, we do know that the car will feature a 2.0-liter petrol-electric hybrid system with 184 hp, which should give it decent acceleration thanks to two electric motors.
How big is the new Honda ZR-V?
The ZR-V launched in other markets is 4.5 meters long and just over 1.8 meters wide. This makes it a shade shorter and narrower than the existing CR-V, which is 4.6m long and 1.9m wide (not including mirrors).
Ask HJ
Does the Honda CR-V 2.0L VTEC have an oil leak problem?
I have seen a 2018 Honda CR-V for sale for £21,995 and after doing some inquiries I read that some models had engine oil leaks. Is that something you are aware of? Do you also think it’s a good buy? Mileage is only 3600 with a previous owner.
We’ve seen a few reports of oil leaks in the Honda CR-V, but those have been on the 1.5-liter VTEC engine rather than the 2.0-liter version you’re looking at. Still, if you’re concerned about a particular problem with a used car, there’s no harm in giving it some extra attention. Look closely at the service history, particularly any invoices that may show that work has been done in this area, and check the under-hood area from above and below. Or for added peace of mind, you can book a full vehicle inspection that will look for any signs of oil leaks. We think the Honda CR-V is a good choice, with a refined driving experience and a great cabin. If this example has only 3600 miles, which is exceptionally low for a five-year-old car, we would therefore recommend that you take a close look at the service and MoT history to ensure that the mileage is accurate.
Answered by David Ross
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