By Bruce Newton, carsales.com.au
A new Honda model doesn’t come along all that often. In fact, the Japanese car maker has deleted more cars from its Australian range over the last 20 years than it has introduced, trimming its line-up of interesting models to focus on volume-selling family favourites like the HR-V and CR-V SUVs, Civic hatchback and Accord sedan.
But recently it introduced the ZR-V – the first new nameplate in 20 years – to slot in between the new-generation HR-V and CR-V to create a freshly-overhauled SUV line-up.
Here we’re testing the entry-level VTi X, which is pitched competitively into the maelstrom that is the affordable end of the popular mid-size SUV segment. It takes a lot to gain cut-through and attention here, and trying to figure out how the ZR-V will do it is a challenge.
How much does the Honda ZR-V cost?
The Honda ZR-V is offered in four model grades with prices starting at $40,200 drive away for the entry-level VTi X, and rising to $43,200 and $48,500 respectively for the mid-grade VTi L and VTi LX.
These three share the same mechanical configuration, with a 1.5-litre turbo petrol four-cylinder that drives the front wheels through a continuously variable transmission (CVT), whereas the flagship e:HEV LX that costs $54,900 has a petrol-electric hybrid powertrain.
The ZR-V is part of an overhauled Honda SUV line-up, positioned between the smaller HR-V launched in 2022 and larger – and excellent – sixth-generation CR-V that recently arrived in local showrooms.
The ZR-V measures 4508mm long, which is 67mm shorter than a Mazda CX-5 but 83mm longer than a Nissan QASHQAI, so it’s in a bit of a compact-medium space of its own.
Because they are drive-away, ZR-V prices seem a bit steep compared to logical five-seat small SUV opposition such as the QASHQAI (from $33,890 plus ORCs) and Toyota Corolla Cross (from $33,980 plus ORCs) but when you add on-road costs to the others it levels out somewhat.
What equipment comes with the Honda ZR-V?
The 2024 Honda ZR-V VTi X is differentiated from its siblings as the only model with 17-inch alloy wheels – the rest have 18s. The spare wheel is a space-saver.
Drill in a bit deeper and you’ll find it’s also the only one without a hands-free power tailgate and privacy glass. Along with the VTi L, it misses out on dual tailpipe finishers and body-coloured bumpers, making do with basic black.
The interior is accessed by keyless entry and start is via push-button while standard features include dual-zone climate control with rear vents (but without the air purifying offered further up the range), an electric park brake and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob.
The interior trim is black fabric, and the front seats have only basic manual adjustment with no lumbar, let alone heating or ventilation.
The ZR-V is covered by a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty with five years of roadside assistance. The service intervals are 12 months or a short 10,000km and are price-capped at just $199 for the first five workshop visits.
What is the Honda ZR-V like inside?
Despite its compact exterior, the 2024 Honda ZR-V VTi X sets a new benchmark among compact SUV for the interior space it generates within its 4508mm length and 1840mm width.
There is generous headroom, legroom and foot space for tall (180cm) people in the rear seat sitting behind a similarly sized driver or front passenger. It would be an excellent space for smaller kids, making this a viable family car.
Up front there are two generously sized bucket seats that provide excellent comfort and support and securing a good driving position is aided by reach- and rake-adjust steering.
Storage for drinks, phones and other accessories is quite generous up front, where a flying bridge centre console releases a bit more space than the norm. The door bins are quite small, though.
In the rear, there’s fewer options for small items with just two seatback pockets, cup holders in the doors and a fold-down arm rest.
All that attention on passenger space and comfort does, however, compromise the ZR-V’s cargo carrying capacity with a 380L boot that is a tad underwhelming. Stow the split-folding rear seat down and there’s a more appealing 1312 litres available.
That load space is nice and flat, too, thanks to the way the seat base slides down into position when the seatback is folded. It’s a welcome touch.
The VTi X does come across as the base model because of the way it presents and the equipment that’s missing, such as embedded sat nav. That means the touch screen, with its basic yet legible graphics, simply becomes an interface for smartphone mirroring for Apple or Android devices. The bad news is we struck some lag and a couple of times the screen just stopped responding.
The good news is Honda has retained some dials and buttons for often-used functions rather than buried them in the screen. Hard controls are also retained for the climate-control system.
Meanwhile, you can retune the instrument cluster to turn the dials into digits and push the numerals to the outer edge of the screen. But you can only do that when stationary. It seems a ridiculous restriction when so many other adjustments in the car are available on the move.
Trim materials have a moderately soft feel in the commonly touched places, but the overall presentation is pretty dark and conservative, and a little cheap.
What technology does the Honda ZR-V feature?
The 2024 Honda ZR-V VTi X embraces the digital age with a twin digital set-up that comprises a 10.2-inch LED instrument display and a 9.0-inch infotainment touch screen that sits on top of the dashboard.
Features operated out of the infotainment system include wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto, which is handy because there’s no embedded satellite navigation at this level, as well as Bluetooth connectivity and an eight-speaker audio system.
The VTi X misses out wireless phone charging that is standard in all other models, but has four USB connections (one USB-A and one USB-C port feature up front and two USB-C ports in the rear) to keep mobile devices topped up.
The tuneable 10.2-inch instrument display has a default tacho and speedo dial that look traditional but are digital. Various functions including a trip computer are incorporated into the screen.
Purchasing a ZR-V brings with it a five-year subscription to the Honda Connect smartphone app and its services including climate control pre-prep, remote activation for the headlights and door locks and emergency notification sent to customer care if a collision is detected.
How safe is the Honda ZR-V?
The 2024 Honda ZR-V has not yet been given an independent crash-test rating from ANCAP as the testing authority is waiting on information from Honda.
It has, however, gained four stars under virtually identical Euro NCAP testing protocols, missing out on the maximum five stars because crash and active safety test results were just below the required performance threshold.
The list of standard safety features in the ‘Honda Sensing’ suite of driving assist functions includes autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian and cyclist detection, adaptive cruise control with low speed following assistance, lane keeping assist and lane departure warning, traffic jam assist and speed sign recognition.
Driver attention monitoring, front and rear parking sensors, a reversing camera, rear outboard ISOFIX and three child seat top tether strap points are also included, and occupants are protected by 10 airbags.
The higher grade VTi LX and e:HEV models feature additional functions like blind spot motoring, rear cross traffic alert and a tilting passenger-side exterior mirror to help when reversing.
What powers the Honda ZR-V?
The 2024 Honda ZR-V VTi X is powered by a direct-injection 1.5-litre turbo-petrol version of Honda’s familiar L-series four-cylinder engine.
Key details include an aluminium cylinder block and head, double overhead cams, 16 valves and a timing chain rather than belt. Variable timing control is applied to both exhaust and intake valves.
In this form the engine makes 131kW at 6000rpm and 240Nm between 1700 and 4500rpm. It drives the front wheels via a CVT, which attempts to disguise its origins with a distinct set of ‘gear’ steps during acceleration. However, there is no way for the driver to select these artificial steps, as the VTi X is the only ZR-V model without steering wheel paddles.
The VTi X also misses out on Econ, Normal and Sport powertrain modes, instead making do with an Economy on-off switch and a Sport function for the CVT.
How fuel efficient is the Honda ZR-V?
Honda claims the ZR-V VTi X consumes an average of 7.0L/100km on the ADR test cycle. It achieves that on the cheapest 91 RON fuel and without fuel-saving aids such as idle-stop or cylinder deactivation.
During our 1000km of testing, which encompassed a wide variety of conditions, the ZR-V averaged 7.7L/100km, which is reasonable for a 1470kg SUV without a hybrid system.
With a 57-litre fuel tank, you’re looking at a comfortable 600km-plus between refills.
What is the Honda ZR-V like to drive?
The basic character of the 2024 Honda HR-V makes this an ideal family runabout for city dwellers.
It doesn’t carry any pretensions that it could take you off the beaten track but nails the ability to tackle the urban jungle.
The engine is zippy and responsive, and the CVT is at its best in this environment: the short, sharp throttle inputs required to keep up with traffic ensures the engine remains in its sweet spot and there’s no sign of drone that’s more evident out on the open road.
The electrically assisted power steering is darty and light and the car is happy to zip between lanes, through tight bends and fit into tight car parking spaces that anyone driving a dual-cab ute or large SUV would have to avoid.
All that doesn’t mean the ZR-V isn’t suitable for life beyond the city limits. Its combination of rigid body construction and independent suspension creates a dynamic character that has controlled comfort over most road surfaces, only becoming intrusive on nasty sharp-edged stuff.
It’s also pretty quiet when cruising, except for an annoying level of road roar on coarse surfaces from the Yokohama rubber.
The performance level of the engine is also decent enough to be unfazed by climbs and sharp overtaking.
Where the ZR-V becomes annoying is in the tuning of its driver assist system and warnings.
The lane keeping insisted on overly sharp reactions if it judged the car was wandering, accompanied by an incredibly annoying audio alert. And, of course, this stuff had to be switched off every time the car was turned on.
The adaptive cruise control system also issued a chime every time a car came into its range or exited it. I couldn’t figure out how to switch this one off. Very annoying!
More misleading is the ZR-V’s classification as an SUV. Like many of its two-wheel drive rivals this is not an off-roader. It’s a small passenger wagon with a tiny bit more ground clearance.
Should I buy a Honda ZR-V?
Like so many other middle-of-the-road SUVs, the 2024 Honda ZR-V VTi X risks being lost in a massive carpark of competitors.
It takes something truly special to stand out and the ZR-V doesn’t reset any benchmarks in this class on the basis of price – apart from the headline servicing costs, of course –equipment, performance or style (yes, that last point is subjective).
What it has got is a fundamental set of positive driving behaviours compromised by interfering drive assist systems, and a generously sized cabin hampered by a small boot.
The bottom line is that the entry-level Honda ZR-V is a great car, but not a brilliant one. And there are better alternatives for less money if you’re on a budget, and for around the same price if you want more character or technology.
2024 Honda ZR-V VTi X at a glance:
Editor’s Rating: 7.3/10
| Price: Price: $40,200 (drive-away) |
Transmission: Continuously variable automatic |
| Available: Now |
Fuel: 7.0L/100km (ADR Combined) |
| Engine: 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol |
CO2: 172g/km (ADR Combined) |
| Output: 131kW/240Nm |
Safety Rating: Not tested |
Disclaimer: Images supplied by carsales.
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