Honda Australia hopes its slowing sales will receive a shot in the arm with the arrival of the ZR-V mid-size SUV later this month, available in four flavours and priced from $40,200 drive-away.
The entry-grade, known as the VTi X, will be topped by the VTi L and VTi LX grade for $43,200 and $48,500 respectively.
However, sitting atop the ZR-V tree is the e:HEV LX hybrid priced at $54,900.
For reference, the HR-V is available in two flavours, the Vi X for $36,700 and e:HEV L for $47,000, while the Civic is served up in VTi-LX form for $47,200 and e:HEV LX grade for $55,000.
The three non-hybrid grades are powered by a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine borrowed from the Civic, producing 131kW/240Nm and paired with a continuously variable transmission.
Meanwhile, the LX scores a 2.0-litre petrol engine and dual electric motors, similar to what is available on the Civic sibling, producing 135kW/315Nm.
Though equipment for the range is yet to be revealed, it is likely the ZR-V will mirror the HR-V and Civic line-ups in features given the same variant naming conventions.
Already confirmed are 17-inch wheels, LED headlights and a 9.0-inch multimedia touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto for the VTi X, but also expected is rear privacy glass, front and rear parking sensors, and a reversing camera.
Stepping up to the VTi L should add dual-zone climate control, a powered tailgate, and heated front seats and steering wheel – if the HR-V L is anything to go by.
The VTi LX should add niceties like a digital instrument cluster, cooled front seats, a surround-view monitor, 12-speaker Bose sound system, wireless smartphone charger, power-adjustable front seats, leather/suede interior and ambient lighting – if it mirrors the Civic VTi LX.
The top-spec ZR-V e:HEV LX then is left with a panoramic sunroof and leather interior, if it mirrors its Civic sibling.
Of course, all ZR-Vs will likely come with Honda’s Sensing suite of advanced safety systems that includes forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and traffic sign recognition, leaving blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert for higher grades.
Honda is positioning the ZR-V between the four-seat HR-V launched last year and the incoming new-generation CR-V that will grow in size (and likely price).
As a mid-size SUV offering, the ZR-V competes against the top-selling Mazda CX-5 (from $35,510 before on-road costs), Mitsubishi Outlander (from $37,240) and Toyota RAV4 (from $38,050).
The top-spec ZR-V hybrid meanwhile, is expected to steal sales away from the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid (from $40,550) that has an extended wait time, as well as the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (from $56,490) that uses a more plug-in hybrid system.
2023 Honda HR-V drive-away pricing
| Variant | Transmission | Price |
| VTi X | Automatic | $40,200 |
| VTi LX | Automatic | $48,500 |
| VTi L | Automatic | $43,200 |
| e:HEV LX | Automatic | $54,900 |
Keyword: Honda's hybrid hero takes aim at Toyota RAV4! 2023 Honda ZR-V prices confirmed, but what do you get for your spend?