HONDA ZR-V ESTATE 2.0 eHEV Sport 5dr CVT

Honda's eleventh generation Civic family hatch embraces full-Hybrid tech. Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Ten Second Review

Honda at last has a really serious entry in the volume part of the mid-sized family SUV segment with this car, the ZR-V. This Civic-based crossover only comes as a self-charging full-Hybrid and claims sporty drive dynamics and premium quality. If you like the looks, need efficiency, don't really want to plug in and aren't hung up on a posh brand, it could be worth a look.

Background

It's about time that Honda had a properly market-focused C-segment 'Qashqai'-class family SUV. Original turn-of-the-century versions of the company's CR-V were targeted in that way, but later CR-Vs were sized and targeted at the upper mid-sized crossover class above; and the latest sixth generation design in the CR-V model line has been pushed even further up-market. But that's left space in the range for a Civic-based SUV to slot in above the brand's compact HR-V. And this is it, the ZR-V. It's basically a crossover version of the eleventh generation Civic hatch. The dashboard is much the same, as is the full-Hybrid e:HEV petrol engine, the only powertrain on offer. This car is called the 'HR-V' in the US, but it's quite a lot bigger than the supermini-based HR-V model we know here. Honda says it wants to target younger family customers, folk who'll approve of the ZR-V's role in the company's ambitious electrification strategy which aims to see the brand become completely carbon neutral by 2050.

Driving Experience

Honda wants the ZR-V to be seen as 'sporty' by family SUV standards. Which would make it fairly unusual in the Qashqai class. And unusual too for a full-Hybrid, a 2.0-litre non-plug-in four cylinder normally aspirated petrol engine that sort being the only one available, powered in this case by a 181hp electric motor. Still, 'sportiness' is a trick the Civic e:HEV somehow manages to pull off and the ZR-V e:HEV has all the same underpinnings and engineering. Which means that, like that Civic model, this crossover is a curious confection: an EV - but not an EV. The main role of the engine we mentioned isn't to drive the wheels but to generate energy for a little 1.05kWh lithium-ion battery that drives two electric motors. Unlike Toyota or Hyundai full-Hybrids, this one has no gearbox between the powertrain and the wheels. Instead, the e:HEV system itself shifts seamlessly between 'EV', 'Hybrid' and 'Engine' drive phases as you move along. 'EV' drive propels you from start off and at low speeds and 'Hybrid' drive cuts in when extra acceleration is called for. Only at steady high speeds does 'Engine' drive kick in, but that happens only briefly because as you approach top speed and the required drive energy becomes higher again, the system switches back into the 'Hybrid' phase to re-unleash the full output of the electric motors. All of this happens without driver input but, as in the Civic, the e:HEV system does also offers various selectable driving modes - 'Eco', 'Normal', 'Sport' and 'Snow'.

Design and Build

It's to Honda's credit that the ZR-V looks like a bespoke design rather than a Civic on steroids, though that's essentially what it is. With a length of 4,568mm and a width of 1,840mm, it's well clear of the brand's smaller HR-V crossover. Instead, the dimensions are similar to those of the old fifth generation CR-V. The ZR-V is a sportier-looking thing than the MK6 CR-V - the roofline is 54mm lower. The front features a long bonnet flowing into a narrow grille flanked by slim LED headlights. The rear C-pillars are narrow too and there are the usual big wheels with black arch cladding. It's much more recognisable as a Civic-derived model inside, the ZR-V adopting that car's 'horizontal' interior design language, with features like a hidden air vent spanning the width of the cabin. But there's a more open approach to the fascia architecture, shedding the Civic's high centre console and adopting a taller driving position to suit the crossover body. The screens are Civic-derived of course - a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster that will be either 7-inches or 10.2-inches in size, depending on spec; and a 9.0-inch central infotainment display. The dashboard is set quite low, so there's a good view ahead, but the substantial rear pillars affect your rearward vision somewhat, so you'll be needing the standard rear view camera and all-round parking sensors. There's quite a premium vibe behind the wheel - lots of soft-touch surfaces and doors that 'clunk' shut with a solid feel. One of the reasons you'd choose a ZR-V over a Civic would presumably be to get more back seat space, but the tapering rear roofline robs the car of at least an inch of headroom at the back. Your expectations in boot space need to be managed too: there's 380-litres of it, around 20% more cargo capacity than you'd get in the smaller HR-V, but quite a way off the class standard. With the back seat folded, that rises to 1,312-litres.

Market and Model

Expect your ZR-V e:HEV to start from around the £40,000 mark and you won't be too far out. That base figure gets you entry-level 'Elegance' trim. Above that, there's a mid-level 'Sport' grade and top 'Advance'-spec requires a £43,000 budget. At least you get plenty of kit for across the range. All variants come with LED headlights featuring a High beam Support System, plus there's auto headlamps and wipers, rear privacy glass, all-round parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, a security alarm system and 'smart entry and start' keyless entry. There's also a really high standard of 'Honda SENSING' camera safety kit, which is fitted right across the range. Inside, all versions get dual auto air conditioning, a reversing camera, heated front seats and a 7-inch 'Multi Info' instrument display screen (upgraded to 10.2-inches with top 'Advance'-spec). Across the line-up, there are metal paddles for control of regenerative braking and deceleration. Infotainment connectivity is taken care of by a Honda CONNECT' 9-inch touchscreen, which incorporates navigation, 'Apple CarPlay' and 'Android Auto' smartphone-mirroring, live traffic information and an 8-speaker DAB audio system with front tweeters. Plus you get over-the-air updates and a voice command system. With this car, Honda is also offering the latest version of its Honda+ smartphone app, which includes remote vehicle locking and unlocking, plus 'intelligent geofencing', which alerts an owner if the vehicle breaches a pre-set 'geofence' zone. Plus there's the ability to send journey information from the app to the car's navigation system.

Cost of Ownership

As with this Hybrid engine in the Civic, the efficiency figures here aren't class leading, but Honda claims that they're more achievable. Expect similar stats to those you'd get in the brand's smaller 1.5-litre HR-V Hybrid crossover, which means up to 48.7mpg on the combined cycle and up to 130g/km of CO2. That's a fraction above the class average, as are residuals. To get the 'real world' returns that Honda promises, you'll obviously need to do your bit as a driver. Which means regularly engaging the most frugal of the four drive settings ('Econ'). You'll also need to maximise regenerative braking via the steering wheel paddles; and keep an eye on the instrument binnacle's left hand Power Meter. The car does its bit to help out too, contributing with a 'Predictive Eco Assist' system, which optimises the battery state of charge based on the road information and traffic conditions of the selected route. And the centre monitor has a selectable 'Powerflow' option which has mpg and drive range meters flanking an Energy Monitor that shows you at any given time what's being powered by what. The three year, 90,000-mile warranty is better than the package you get from some competitors. In addition, surface corrosion is covered for three years, exhaust corrosion is covered for five years, chassis corrosion is covered for ten years and structural corrosion for twelve years. Honda rightfully has a very good reputation for reliability. The brand makes it possible to budget ahead for scheduled maintenance with a fixed-price scheme called 'Five' that covers servicing for a total of five years.

Summary

The ZR-V has arrived about a decade too late to establish Honda as a major player in the 'Qashqai'-class SUV C-segment, a role the brand's CR-V has increasingly been too large and expensive to fulfil. Even now we have it, the ZR-V's impact will be limited to niche player status by punchy pricing and the single Hybrid engine option. But if you were looking at eco-minded non-plug-in electrified models in this sector like front-driven full-Hybrid versions of the Kia Sportage, the Hyundai Tucson or the Ford Kuga, then the ZR-V needs factoring into your deliberations. You're likely to find it sharper to drive and, at the wheel, more ergonomically pleasing than its rivals. It's based on engineering of enviable quality. And it's a Honda with Civic design genes going back half a century. Potentially then, lots to like.

Body Glass

Auto wipers

Front and rear electric windows

Privacy glass

Rain sensor

Rear wiper

Brakes

Anti-lock Brake System and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution

Brake assist function

Brake hold function

Collision mitigation braking system

Electronic parking brake with auto hold

Front and rear collision mitigation throttle control

Hill descent control

Hill start assist

Low speed brake system

Chassis/Suspension

Vehicle stability assist

Communication

Bluetooth hands free telephone connection

E-call

Wireless apple carplay

Wireless charging

Driver Aids

Handfree power tailgate with kick sensor and walk away close

Power meter

Driver Convenience

4 x front and 4 x rear parking sensors

Adaptive cruise control

Adjustable speed limiter

Agile handling assist

Drive mode (Econ, Normal, Snow, Sport)

Electric power steering

Emergency stop signalling system

Forward collision warning

HEV mode

Idle stop

Intelligent speed limiter

Lane departure warning system

Lane keep assist system

Low speed following

Rear view camera

Road departure mitigation

Traffic sign recognition

Driver Information

10.2" Multi information display

Honda CONNECT with Navigation 9" touchscreen, AM/FM/DAB, Apple Carplay and Android Auto, live traffic info

Traffic jam assist

Driving Mirrors

Automatic dimming rear view mirror

Black door mirror caps

Electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors

Electrically folding door mirrors

Exterior mirror tilt for reverse

Embellishment Trims

Synthetic soft pad leather interior panels with silver painted ornament

Entertainment

1X USB (A/2.5A) and 1x Charger (C/3A) on Front

8 Speakers

Front tweeters

Rear USB 2x Charger (C/3A)

Steering wheel audio remote control

Exterior Body Features

Black paint honeycomb design grille

Black painting side sill/fender garnish

Black Shark-fin antenna

Body colour door handles

Body colour spoiler

Bumper skid garnish painting dark gun metallic

Exhaust tailpipe finisher

Front and rear lower bumper in painting black

High gloss black window garnish

Rear bumper build in finisher

Rear side wing doors

Sport front bumper

Exterior Lights

Auto headlights

Front LED Indicator lights

Headlight auto on/off timer

High beam assist

LED daytime running lights

LED Headlights

LED rear lights

Third brake light

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Air conditioning - Rear vent

Dual zone automatic climate control

Interior Features

Accessory sockets in Front & Trunk

Cargo net hooks

Door and central instrument panel garnish

Door lining armrest with stich and pearl

Driver and front passenger seat armrests

Fabric/synthetic leather upholstery

Front console garnish

Luggage floor box

Metal paddle shift

Painting outlet knob

Platinum chrome interior door handles

Rear centre armrest

Smooth leather steering wheel

Sport pedals

Sunglasses Box

Tilt/telescopic adjustable steering wheel

Tonneau cover

Interior Lights

Ambient lighting on front driver/passenger footwell

Ambient lighting on front roof line

Courtesy lights

Front map lights

Rear reading lights

Trunk light

Safety

5 x 3 point seatbelts

Deflation warning system

Driver airbag

Driver knee airbag

Driver SRS airbag (single stage inflation)

Front and rear curtain airbags

Front and rear seat belts with emergency locking retractor (ELR)

Front centre airbag

Front passenger airbag

Front side airbags

Manual child lock in rear doors

Passenger knee airbag

Passenger SRS airbag with cut off switch

Rear side airbags

Whiplash lessening front headrests

Seats

3 seat bench in 2nd row

4 way electrically adjustable passenger seat

60/40 split one touch flat folding rear seats

8 way electrically adjustable drivers seat

Driver's seat electric height adjustment

Driver/passenger front seatback pockets

Heated front seats

I-Size ISO Fix Points

Rear headrests

Single front passenger seat

Security

Honda super locks

Immobiliser

Mirrors and windows key fob operation

Remote central locking with 2 key fobs

Security alarm

Selectable door unlock

Smart entry + Smart start

Tilt sensors

Ultrasonic security sensor

Vanity Mirrors

Driver/passenger sunvisors with illuminated vanity mirrors

Wheels - Spare

Flat tyre solution temper tyre/repair kit

Electric Vehicle Data

Battery Capacity in kWh: 1.04

Battery Type: Lithium-ion

Emissions - ICE

CO: 0.144

HC: 0.014

HC+NOx: 0.012

Noise Level dB(A): 67

NOx: 0.009

Particles: 0.0001

Standard Emissions: EURO 6

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 131

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High: 164

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High: 120

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low: 109

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium: 103

Engine and Drive Train

Camshaft: DOHC

Catalytic Convertor: No

CC: 1993

Compression Ratio: 13.9:1

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Cylinders: 4

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 81

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 96.7

Fuel Delivery: INJECTION

Gears: 1 SPEED

Number of Valves: 16

Transmission: AUTO

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Combined (mpg): 58.9

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

EC Extra Urban (mpg): 45.6

EC Urban (mpg): N

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 5.8

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High: 7.3

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High: 5.3

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low: 4.8

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium: 4.5

WLTP - MPG - Comb: 48.7

WLTP - MPG - Extra High: 38.7

WLTP - MPG - High: 53.3

WLTP - MPG - Low: 58.9

WLTP - MPG - Medium: 62.8

General

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Badge Engine CC: 2.0

Badge Power: 184

Based On ID: N

Coin Description: eHEV

Coin Series: Sport

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Generation Mark: 1

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 35E

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 79

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 86

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 4

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 81

NCAP Safety Assist %: 68

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 12

Service Interval Mileage: 12500

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 90000

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months: N

Timing Belt Interval Mileage: N

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Performance

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

0 to 62 mph (secs): 7.9

Engine Power - BHP: 184

Engine Power - KW: 135

Engine Power - PS: No

Engine Power - RPM: 6000

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 370

Engine Torque - MKG: 32.1

Engine Torque - NM: 315

Engine Torque - RPM: 4500

Top Speed: 108

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Tyre Size Front: 225/55 R18

Tyre Size Rear: 225/55 R18

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Style: MATT BLACK

Wheel Type: 18" ALLOY

Vehicle Dimensions

Height: 1620

Length: 4568

Wheelbase: 2657

Width: 1840

Width (including mirrors): 2093

Weight and Capacities

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 57

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2130

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1312

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 380

Max. Loading Weight: 526

Max. Roof Load: 65

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 750

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 700

Minimum Kerbweight: 1604

No. of Seats: 5

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 11.3

Exterior Body Features

Premium paint

Premium plus paint

Packs

Black emblem pack - ZR-V

Illumination pack - ZR-V

Interior illumination pack - ZR-V

Premium pack - ZR-V

Robust pack - ZR-V

Paint - Pearlescent

Pearlscent - Twinkle black

Paint - Special

Premium - Denim blue

Premium - Nordic forrest

Premium - Platinum white

Premium - Urban grey

Premium plus - Diamond dust pearl

Towing

Fixed towbar with 13 pin wiring

Retractable towbar with 13 pin harness

Trim - Cloth

Fabric/synthetic leather - Black

Wheels - Alloy

18" Alloy wheels ZR1801 with black cap nuts, diamond cut, shiny clear coat surface and gunpowder black windows

18" Alloy wheels ZR1802 with black cap nuts in full paint jet black finish