In a busy day for Honda (the Japanese car maker has revealed its new e:NY1 electric car and the European version of the big CR-V today too) here's one of its most important new cars for a long time: a rival to the likes of the Nissan Qashqai and Renault Austral. This is the new Honda ZR-V.
2.0-litre hybrid power
The ZR-V is sized to plug a yawning gap in the Honda model line-up, between the compact HR-V and the ever-larger CR-V. It's based on the same platform as the impressive new Honda Civic hatchback, and shares that car's one and only engine option - a 2.0-litre hybrid.
That hybrid system uses two electric motors and Honda quotes CO2 emissions of 130g/km and fuel consumption of better than 5.6 litres per 100km on average. In spite of those trim figures, Honda claims that the 181hp engine provides "punchy, responsive acceleration."
As with the Civic, Honda has worked hard on the ZR-V's chassis, fitting the steering with low-friction components, and saying that the "multi-link rear suspension and optimised bushes ensure a comfortable yet engaging drive that boosts confidence and comfort behind the wheel." If it's as sweet to drive as that new Civic, it'll be doing well.
Large cargo space
Style-wise, the ZR-V is a slightly curvier and less blocky design than the current HR-V and the new Honda CR-V, with a surprisingly small grille and a rounded-off shape to the rear of the bodywork. Inside, the dashboard is lifted more or less directly from the Civic, and so should have particularly good quality. It definitely has a clean, uncluttered layout which, thankfully, still retains a few physical buttons for major controls, as well as having a nine-inch touchscreen as standard.
Honda's also playing up the ZR-V's family-friendly practicality, pointing out the "vast array of trays and pockets, alongside a rear cargo space that features a load partition, retractable parcel cover and under floor storage, boosting the ZR-V's load-carrying versatility up to 1,291 litres."
Sporty dynamics
"The all-new Honda ZR-V has been designed and engineered to support busy, active lifestyles, and is a compelling addition to our SUV line-up" said Yutaka Kato, ZR-V Large Project Leader. "Combining day-to-day functionality, exceptional comfort levels and appealing design with sporty dynamics and our exceptional e:HEV hybrid powertrain, this is the perfect evolution of our European model range."