Honda’s pretty, practical and pricey new SUV

Honda has steadily expanded its SUV line-up, and the 2024 Honda ZR-V marks the latest addition to their growing list of offerings. Positioned between the larger CR-V and the smaller HR-V, the ZR-V aims to blend the best of both worlds, offering a sophisticated mix of design, performance, and practicality.

Honda’s approach with the ZR-V is refreshingly minimalist yet stylish, its design language is not all that dissimilar to the beautiful Porsche Macan. The crossover sports a distinctive front fascia with slim LED headlights and a vertically slatted piano-black grille, giving it a bold and modern appearance. The high-gloss elements on the apron, side cladding, and diffuser add a sporty touch that enhances its visual appeal.

My test car came in a platinum white pearl finish; now white wouldn’t be a colour I’d normally choose, but this particular shade complements the ZR-V’s lines perfectly. At the rear, the ZR-V departs from Honda’s traditional design with horizontally aligned tinted LED tail lights, lending a sleek and contemporary look.

Stepping inside the ZR-V, one is immediately struck by the premium feel of the cabin. Leather upholstery extends across the seats and dashboard, complemented by soft-touch materials and a panoramic roof that floods the interior with natural light. The centre console is spacious and versatile, featuring USB-A and USB-C ports conveniently located below the automatic gear selector and handbrake. Higher-spec models also offer wireless charging.

The ZR-V is equipped with dual digital displays: a 10.2-inch driver’s display packed with information and a nine-inch central touchscreen for the infotainment system. Honda wisely retains physical buttons and dials for essential functions like climate control and volume, ensuring ease of use. Ambient lighting with customisable colours and honeycomb detailing between the air vents further elevate the cabin’s ambience. If it wasn’t for the logo on the steering wheel; you could very easily mistake it for the cockpit of a luxury German brand.

Passenger space is generous and even with my bulky 6-foot frame, I found the rear seats to be more than comfortable. I could happily sit in the back for a long journey, and that’s not a statement I can often make. The trade-off is that the boot space is somewhat limited. At 370 litres, this is smaller than many competitors, roughly 100 litres less than a Qashqai.

Under the hood, the ZR-V features Honda’s e:HEV powertrain, which is essentially a 2.0L 143bhp petrol engine paired with two electric motors that drive the front wheels. Honda’s hybrid system is notably complex and similar in ways to Nissan’s e-power setup. Unlike the more traditional hybrid system found in other rivals, the engine in the ZR-V acts more like a generator, producing the electricity that powers the vehicle. Despite this complexity, the system works seamlessly, with every journey starting in tranquil EV mode.

On the road, the ZR-V impresses with its low driving position which enhances handling and cornering stability. The 184bhp powertrain (engine and battery combined) provides sufficient power, achieving 0-100km/h in 7.9 seconds, which is commendable for a vehicle weighing 1.6 tonnes. The ZR-V cruises comfortably at higher speeds, although road noise can be noticeable, particularly with the larger wheels found on higher trim levels.

The ZR-V is well-equipped across its three trims: Elegance, Sport, and Advance. Standard features include 18-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, adaptive cruise control, parking sensors, and a comprehensive suite of Honda Sensing safety technologies. This ensures a high level of comfort, convenience, and safety, even in the base model.

My primary concern with the ZR-V is its starting price, which begins at €54,995 (it’s another €5k for the Advance spec of the test car). This places it in a competitive segment where buyers have plenty of alternatives including Ford’s Kuga, Renault’s Astral, Hyundai’s Tucson and of course the Nissan Qashqai. However, the ZR-V’s premium interior, advanced hybrid technology, and engaging driving experience may justify the cost for those seeking a high-quality crossover.

In conclusion, the 2024 Honda ZR-V does stand out in the crowded SUV market. It offers a premium blend of style, comfort, and performance that will appeal to buyers with deeper pockets. Despite its higher price and limited boot space, the ZR-V’s luxurious interior, efficient hybrid system, and enjoyable driving dynamics make it a strong contender in its class.