The new Honda ZR-V has been officially presented in Japan. Honda’s new compact SUV bursts onto the scene with the aim of upping the ante for SUVs in a key segment. It will be available in a self-charging hybrid version and will also be sold in Europe.
In the distant and exotic Japan, the new Honda SUV has debuted. has been presented on Honda ZR-V, an SUV of compact dimensions to which we must pay a lot of attention, since it will end up reaching the Old Continent. This new model is called to play a leading role since it will deal in the competitive segment C SUV. A category in which there are authentic best sellers of the stature of the Peugeot 3008 and the Nissan Qashqai.
The new ZR-V is part of the product offensive that Sling has launched for Europe. However, before seeing it in the European territory, he will attack the Japanese dealers. With a length of 4.45 meters, it will be positioned as the “little brother” of the recently renewed Honda CR-V. Let’s go into detail and review all the keys.
The keys to the new Honda ZR-V
Just take a quick look at the published images to realize that the ZR-V is closely related to the rest of the models that make up the Honda SUV range. In addition to the aforementioned CR-V, we must also take into account the HR-V. The front stands out for thin optical groups with LED technology pointing towards a grill of generous dimensions.
The bumper and front air intakes have characteristic shapes. The same goes for the hood. The side view reveals the natural essence of this new model. By the way, we must not lose sight of the line and fall that the roof draws towards the rear. And ending our tour of the exterior at the rear, we must highlight such important elements as the taillights, the roof spoiler and the exhaust system.
Leaving aside the outside, if we go into the interior of the new ZR-V we will quickly be enveloped by an elegant, minimalist and comfortable environment. As with the exterior, the cabin is clearly influenced by the company’s latest releases. The ventilation system outlets are perfectly integrated and crowning the center console is a touch screen. A key component to drive the infotainment system.
The touch screen is combined with a fully digital instrument cluster. Also striking is the absence of a conventional gear lever. Honda has opted instead for a button system, which saves quite a bit of space.
The engines of the new Honda ZR-V
Regarding the mechanical section, if we take a look under the hood of the ZR-V we can find one or another type of engine. Honda will allow Japanese customers to configure their new SUV with a gasoline engine conventional or in self-charging hybrid version (HEV).
The conventional gasoline engine is a block of 1.5 liter turbo associated with a CVT-type automatic gearbox. For its part, the hybrid version has a propulsion system made up of a 2.0-liter gasoline engine and two small electric motors. The electrified mechanics are handled by an automatic e-CVT transmission.
Regardless of the engine chosen, the powertrain boasts a all wheel drive. It is not ruled out that in other markets the ZR-V is also offered in a front-wheel drive configuration.
Launch date of the new Honda ZR-V and arrival in Europe
When will it hit the market? Honda has confirmed that the pre-launch of the new ZR-V in Japan will take place in the middle of next August while the reservation book will be open in September. It will be in the fall when the first units are ready to attack Japanese dealers. As for its arrival in Europe, the brand has not commented on anything new.
The commercial launch of the ZR-V in Europe will take place sometime in the year 2023. It is important to emphasize that only the hybrid version will arrive in the Old Continent. There will be no conventional mechanics in the range.
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