An SUV with modern, sporty lines, suitable for the city but spacious enough for long journeys, and above all with an electrified and environmentally friendly engine. With the new ZR-V e:HEV Honda continues its strategy towards reducing emissions and equips the latest model from the Japanese company with e:HEV hybrid technology which combines 'almost' electric mobility with freedom from the plug.
ANSA Motori has extensively tested the new arrival from the Japanese company which is halfway between the HR-V, a small one with a sporty look, and the CR-V, the great classic suitable for families and long journeys. The glance is remarkable, and represents a decisive change of direction compared to the typical design of the brand. The surfaces are linear, without edges, and the lines are soft. The thin front light clusters, together with the large stylized grille, give a distinguishable and elegant profile, identified by the line of the bumper which extends to the rear, where there is space for light clusters integrated into the tailgate. On board, the passenger compartment is spacious and above all modern, capable of integrating latest generation aesthetics and functionality: from the many support points to the USB charging slots. Extensive use of high quality materials, with soft touch surfaces and detailed finishes and particular lighting.
Photo story Honda ZR-V e:HEV
The powertrain - the same as the Civic - is made up of two electric motors, with a total power of 135 kW and 315 Nm of torque which guarantee acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.8 seconds. Consumption, a constant for cars with this type of engine, varies a lot: if in the city, in fact, you go almost exclusively electric, on fast roads it is the thermal that takes over. In the WLTP cycle, CO2 emissions stop at 130 g/km, with declared consumption of 5.7 l/100 km in the combined WLTP, while the results of our test are around 7 l/100 km. The full hybrid powertrain combines a high power density lithium-ion battery and two powerful compact electric motors, combined with a newly developed 2.0-litre direct injection petrol engine with Atkinson cycle, capable of switching between the various driving modes. EV, Hybrid and Engine Drive without driver intervention. The result? In urban environments the vehicle moves mainly in electric mode, with zero emissions, while on fast roads, or if necessary, by pressing more on the accelerator the car switches to Hybrid Drive mode to give the wheels the thrust of the supported electric motor from the heat engine. On the motorway, however, the Engine Drive system is activated, with the car powered directly by the combustion engine, assisted when needed by the electric motor. For maximum acceleration, the system reverts to hybrid mode to fully exploit the power of the two engines.
The sensations behind the wheel of the ZR-V are very reminiscent of the sporty ones of the Civic, although less accentuated. The persistent and fluid acceleration, the safe road holding, and the driving position which is an excellent compromise between the very high typical of SUVs and the low of racing cars, combined with the absence of noise, make the journey pleasant and relaxing at every stage. Making it even safer are the numerous ADAS with which the test vehicle is equipped: from adaptive cruise control to lane keeping, to parking aids and 360° cameras. Specifically, it is the Advance trim level, equipped with leather and fabric interiors finished with contrasting silver accents. Leather covers the backrest and seat along the sides, while fabric covers the cushions to last over time.
The price list for the ZR-V e:HEV starts at 42,300 euros, which becomes 48,600 for the example being tested.
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