Honda ZR-V e:HEV Sport Review: Price, Fuel Economy & Features
Honda ZR-V Review: Is This Hybrid the Toyota Killer?
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If you thought Toyota had the hybrid game all sewn up, think again. Honda beat everyone to it, launching Europe’s first petrol-electric hybrid, the Honda Insight, way back in 1999. That tiny, teardrop-shaped, two-seater quietly changed the game, slipping through the air with record-breaking aerodynamics and sipping fuel like a lawnmower. The official combined consumption figure was just 3.4 litres per 100km or 83.1mpg.
Now, Honda is back with another hybrid contender, the all-new ZR-V. But can it truly challenge Toyota’s dominance in the hybrid SUV market? We put it to the test.
First Impressions: Style and Space
The ZR-V (which stands for ‘Zero Resistance Vehicle’) certainly looks the part. It’s a handsome SUV, with a sleek, coupe-like roofline and a bold front grille. It’s a modern design that stands out without being overly aggressive.
Inside, the cabin feels spacious and well-built. Honda has always been good at maximizing interior space,and the ZR-V is no exception. There’s plenty of room for passengers in both the front and rear, and the boot is a generous 390 litres – easily enough for a family holiday.
What’s Under the Hood? The Hybrid Powertrain
The ZR-V is powered by Honda’s e:HEV (hybrid electric vehicle) powertrain. This isn’t a plug-in hybrid, so you can’t charge it from an external source. Instead, it relies on a combination of a 1.5-litre petrol engine and two electric motors to deliver power and efficiency.
Here’s how it works:
Low Speed: The car runs solely on electric power, providing a smooth and silent driving experience.
Moderate Speed: The petrol engine kicks in to generate electricity,which powers the electric motors.
High Speed: The petrol engine directly drives the wheels, assisted by the electric motors.
This system is incredibly clever and results in extraordinary fuel economy.Honda claims a combined fuel consumption of 5.8 litres per 100km (48.7mpg), and in our testing, we found that to be pretty accurate.
On the Road: How Does it drive?
The ZR-V is a pleasure to drive. The hybrid powertrain delivers plenty of power, and the car feels responsive and agile.The steering is precise, and the suspension does a good job of absorbing bumps in the road.
One of the things we particularly liked was the smoothness of the gear changes. The e:HEV system seamlessly switches between electric and petrol power,so you barely notice when the engine kicks in. It’s a very refined driving experience.The ZR-V also comes with a range of safety features, including:
Honda Sensing suite of driver assistance technologies
Adaptive Cruise Control
Lane Keeping Assist System
collision Mitigation Braking System
These features help to make driving safer and more relaxing, especially on long journeys.
Trim Levels and Pricing
The Honda ZR-V is available in three trim levels:
SE: The entry-level trim, which comes with a good level of standard equipment.
SR: Adds more features,including a larger touchscreen display and heated front seats.
Advance: The top-of-the-range trim, which includes a premium sound system and a panoramic sunroof.Pricing starts at around €38,000, making the ZR-V competitive with other hybrid SUVs in its class.
The Verdict: A Serious Contender
So, is the Honda ZR-V a Toyota killer? It’s certainly a very strong contender.It offers a stylish design, a spacious