More details have emerged about the vital new Honda ZR-V, ahead of its Australian launch in the first half of next year.
Yep, that’s right. Honda’s answer to the Mazda CX-5, Toyota RAV4, Toyota Corolla Cross and Kia Seltos should go on sale just weeks after its Japanese debut on April 21, 2023 – all things going to plan.
Though Honda Australia has not yet divulged any information about the ZR-V, we understand that the model we’re getting will be based on the Japanese version that’s just been unveiled in its home market, and will also be sourced from there.
This means it should feature the new bolder front-end design, with its vertical straked grille and reshaped air intake, compared to the North American model that, confusingly, wears the HR-V badge and is built in Mexico.
Note the latter is unrelated to the recently-launched third-generation four-seater-only HR-V sold in Australia.
Speaking of which, the resolutely five-seater ZR-V will slot in comfortably between Honda’s smallest SUV (for now) and the well-established CR-V, which grows significantly in its coming sixth-gen redesign to accommodate the available three-row seven-seater version that will again be offered. That’s happening later in 2023.
This will give the ZR-V breathing space to take on everything from the Seltos to the Subaru Forester, with pricing starting somewhere in the high-$40,000 bracket based on today’s closely-related Civic hatchback series.
Like the latter, it will be offered with two powertrains, leading with a modified version of the 131kW/240Nm 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine, driving either the front or all four wheels via a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
The ZR-V features minimalist dashboard design.
Additionally, expect a version of the 135kW/315Nm 2.0-litre Atkinson-cycle petrol engine found in this month’s new Civic e:HEV hybrid. Paired to a lithium-ion battery, two electric motors and a CVT, this model is claimed by Honda to offer 3.0-litre V6 levels of performance, and should also be sold in front-drive as well as AWD configurations – a first for this technology in the company’s local vehicle portfolio. That should be one to get excited over.
Whether the ZR-V Hybrid approaches the Civic e:HEV’s 4.2 litres per 100 kilometres remains to be seen, but in the small car’s case, it saves over 2.0L/100km on the combined average cycle.
In Japan, Honda is keen to spruik its new SUV’s relaxed car-like driving position, elegant and minimalist horizontal dashboard design and practical family-friendly packaging, particularly in the rear. However, being Civic-based, it will miss out on the Australian HR-V’s so-called ‘Magic Seats’, as that’s based on the Jazz/Fit supermini that is sadly no longer available here.
The ZR-V will slot in-between the HR-V and CR-V.
Finally, the ZR-V will offer a full suite of safety systems, including autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitor, lane-assist tech and rear cross-traffic alerts. Whether it also follows the Civic e:HEV in Australia with a front-centre airbag to join the front, side and curtain items is not yet known.
Whatever transpires, the ZR-V is Honda’s best chance of reversing falling sales in Australia, which are down 16.4 per cent compared to last year, to a decades-low 12,179 registrations to the end of October.
Walking a fine line between a sleek crossover and practical SUV, while offering advanced hybrid efficiency options as well as strong performance to boot, should give Honda’s next SUV proposition a sturdy foothold in a growing segment in Australia.
Keyword: Honda ZR-V to launch in Australia sooner than expected!