Honda’s latest dream – actually a fully-fledged reality – the ZR-V has already found favour with buyers, and while it seems a little odd to inject an SUV in between two existing ones, it’s working.

Honda has always marched to the beat of a different drum in just about every respect of its business in New Zealand, so injecting a third vehicle which is so close – in appearance anyway – between two existing and successful ones is a typically Honda ‘surprise!’ approach.

It is however, fair to say the ZR-V is more revolution than evolution – especially since the hero model is the first e:HEV integration with a large SUV, in the Sport model shown here at least.

Quick refresh for those who didn’t get a straight A on the last test: e:HEV is Honda’s hybrid solution which – in the Sport model tested (a turbo model is also available) – uses a two-litre petrol engine to generate power for the battery, which is subsequently distributed to the two electric motors.

The combined e:HEV drive system seems a little backwards compared to other hybrids but in Honda fashion, it works and it works well, delivering very impressive and obtainable fuel figures.

Additionally, the e:HEV system contributes to all other aspects of the SUV; handling, driving refinement, chassis dynamics, passenger comfort and yes, even design – an element which really defines the ZR-V.

It also, to a degree, defines Honda or at the very least, defines the new direction Honda is taking.

See the new shape of the ZR-V is a new one for Honda which has until now, been a little less than adventurous.

Taking an SUV and giving it both a sporty look with a distinctly European flavour is quite a step for a brand known for its traditional values and yet, this is precisely what Honda has done – oh, and included its very latest in hybrid engine tech of course.

It’s not all about the look of the new SUV – although that IS a seismic shift for Honda – it is also about the multi-generational appeal of the ZR-V, the recombination of Honda’s DNA for the consumer/drivers of today and the reaffirmation of value-for-money proposition, which legendary Hondas of days gone by are known for.

Next to the easily achievable 5.5 litres per 100km figure – gained without any Nana or feather-foot driving – The ZR-V Sport offers extreme levels f comfort with seats which, while not the “Magic” seats of the Honda Jazz, have clearly seen anti-fatigue input from Honda’s engineers and designers.

Couple this with the ZR-V’s clever body design mounted on the proven chassis of the Honda Civic to give either a dynamically engaging or a very relaxed ‘flat cornering’ ride depending on your preference as a driver and it’s easy to assume the ZR-V will easily write a lengthy chapter in Honda’s book of ages.

Equipment levels are extremely high, so much so that I was left scratching my head to find something the ZR-V Sport didn’t have which I could take Honda to task over, but all I got from that was a sore scalp.

The ZR-V is absolutely loaded with features and specification, but the cockpit is remarkably clean and uncluttered – in fact, it borders on being spartan, very much like that of the Jazz with a slight hint of Civic.

Happily, Honda’s interior design teams have not been seduced by the ‘attraction’ of digitised/electronic controls, however…
...total connectivity is part of the ZR-V package and this from Honda means wireless charging, voice command, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, Garmin navigation inbuilt and Honda Connect (remote vehicle interaction via Smartphone free for three years).  

In addition to the comprehensive Honda Sensing Safety package, the tyre pressure warning system and the driver attention monitor, the ZR-V does come with a few ‘firsts’ for Honda.

Most significantly is the automatic high beam support (it does all the dipping for you) and the Hill Descent control, which seems to me an odd thing to have on a two-wheel-drive SUV which won’t really find itself in environs where HDC is designed for, but some may find it useful.

The big question is how well the ZR-V will a: stack up against its rivals (and they are formidable) and b: perform in the fleet buying space.

Time will tell in answer to the first but as to the second, we are already seeing small to medium enterprises taking a long hard look at the ZR-V and committing to the new look Honda with signed contracts and that’s not something we can say of every new vehicle release we cover.

Worth thinking about, isn’t it?