Honda’s midsize SUV, the ZR-V, has launched into the Australian market and will be available in four variants – the hybrid e:HEV LX, and the petrol-powered VTi LX, VTi L and VTi X.
The petrol-engine variants share a 131kW/240Nm, 1.5-litre petrol turbocharged engine, with power going to the front wheels via a CVT transmission.
The range-topping e:HEV LX sports a 2-motor hybrid system with a 2-litre direct injection engine and e-CVT. This set-up delivers 135kW and 315Nm.
Honda says the ZR-V is based on an enhanced version of the company’s global architecture. The chassis includes fully independent suspension, with new MacPherson struts in front and a new multilink arrangement in the rear. The SUV is equipped with 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist.
Driving modes include Normal and Eco, with the VTi LX and e:HEV LX variants get a Sport mode which alters the drive ratios and mapping for a sportier feel.
The VTi X comes with 17-inch silver-painted alloys, while VTi L gets 18-inch alloy wheels, and the VTi LX and e:HEV LX get 18-inch two-tone black-grey alloy wheels.
On the inside, premium materials are used throughout and there are plenty of nice touches. The front centre tray ahead of the shifter is sized for even large smartphones, and on VTi LX and e:HEV LX grades it serves as a Qi-compatible charging pad.
There’s a 10.2-inch driver information interface, and a 9-inch colour touchscreen and the audio system come standard with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The 9-inch system features user-defined shortcuts at the bottom of the screen offering six programmable shortcuts. Phone calls can be made via Bluetooth connectivity. USB connectivity comes via two ports up front and two in the rear.
The Honda ZR-V comes with Honda Connect mobile application and server platform, offering 5 years free subscription with every purchase. This feature offers a suite of connected services and connectivity features.
Safety and driving features are comprehensive. Amongst them is a radar-powered Blind Spot Information (BSI) system (standard on VTi LX and e:HEV LX grades), a Driver Attention Monitor, while all grades feature four sonar parking sensors up front and four at the rear. This enables, Honda says, implementation of Low-Speed Braking Control (LSBC) and front and rear false-start prevention, to reduce the likelihood of low-speed collisions, such as in parking situations.
Honda’s suite of active safety features – known as Honda Sensing – includes functions such as Traffic Jam Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition, Collision Mitigation Braking System, Forward Collision Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow, Lane Keeping Assist, Road Departure Mitigation, and Lane Departure Warning.
Driveaway pricing for the Honda ZR-V is $40,200 for the VTi X, $43,200 for the VTi L, $48,500 for the VTi LX, and $54,900 for the e:HEV LX.
Source: Motor Trader e-Magazine (June 2023)
19 June 2023
