- Olga Kokorina
- Translated by Olga Apetenok
- Ru Fr He
Honda ZR-V. 1st generation 2022
The Honda ZR-V is a compact affordable SUV, the first generation of which has been produced since 2022. Its appearance was preceded by the Honda SUV RS concept car, which was presented in November 2021 at the GIIAS 2021 Motor Show in Tangerang, Indonesia. A small vehicle with a length of just over 4.5 m, built on the platform of the popular latest generation Honda Civic Hatchback, has a corporate design and good equipment. It is likely to become a future worldwide bestseller. At least it has everything for that, which we talked about earlier.
The Israeli market offers the 10th generation Honda Civic hatchback restyled in 2018. The cost of the entry-level version starts from 136,701 shekels (including registration fees, data for 2022). You can find more information about it here.
The ZR-V is made in China at GAC-Honda factories. The manufacturer plans to sell the SUV in Europe, Japan and the United States (in America the model is already known as HR-V). We may see it in Israel. In China, sales of the ZR-V began on August 30, 2022, where modifications are offered only with a gasoline engine and front-wheel drive. The new ZR-V is expected to be one of Honda’s most affordable SUVs in China. In other markets, the vehicle will appear from April 2023, and there will already be hybrid and all-wheel drive versions.
Portrait of the model
The new Honda ZR-V was developed as a model that combines practicality, safety, style and driving pleasure. In the company’s model range, the compact vehicle sits between the Honda HR-V and Honda CR-V SUVs (by the way, both are available in Israel): the length of the novelty is 4,568 mm, width is 1,840 mm, height is 1,621 mm. The wheelbase is 2,655mm. The model is distinguished by a frameless hexagonal grille, the pattern of which depends on the market. Of special note are the beautiful LED headlights with running lights and 17 or 18 inch wheels.
Along with the Civic’s platform, the vehicle also received a similar front panel structure with fan deflectors combined into a single line. But the vehicle’s central tunnel is original, two-story, and the USB connectors are located on the sides. The SUV received a dashboard with a diagonal of 10.2 inches and a multimedia system screen of the same size. The level of equipment corresponds to a vehicle of a higher class: a panoramic roof, electric front seats, adaptive cruise control and a descent assistance system. Options include versatile cameras, premium BOSE sound system, heated steering wheel and all seats.
Differences between versions for different markets
Let’s start with the exterior. In Japan and Europe, the 2022/2023 Honda ZR-V has a different bumper and grille with vertical stripes. In China, the model is equipped with a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine producing 182 hp and 240 Nm, and only the front wheels can be driven. On the North American continent, the vehicle can be optionally all-wheel drive, and the SUV’s engine, which is called the HR-V there, is bigger and simpler: a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated engine produces 160 horsepower and 187 Nm and is paired with a CVT.
In Europe and Japan, the SUV will also be offered with an e: HEV hybrid system. The new ZR-V will be the first Honda SUV to feature the Sport e: HEV2 powertrain, based on a 2.0-liter direct-injected engine (which debuted on the hybrid version Honda Civic e: HEV). A 141 hp and 182 Nm gasoline engine is combined with a 135 kW (184 hp and 315 Nm) electric motor. This powertrain features excellent fuel economy, low emissions, excellent dynamics and quiet operation compared to the previous e: HEV version. The all-wheel-drive system optimizes the distribution of thrust between the front and rear axles, ensuring good grip in difficult conditions. The SUV has a multi-link rear suspension.
There is no information about safety options for European versions yet. In Japan, the 2022/2023 Honda ZR-V comes with an automatic braking system, lane keeping assist system, traffic sign recognition system, blind spot monitoring system, running lights automatic road and a pedestrian avoidance system, capable of modifying the trajectory of its movement.
Unlike most automakers, Honda isn't obsessed with electrifying its models. The first SUV with an electric platform inside, the Honda Prologue, will not be released until in 2024.
