Exterior Design
Under the metal DNA wise. This car shares a lot with the latest generation of the Honda Civic, which is a very good thing, because that is a very good car and if Im Hest, I think its looks – are a bit all over the place. Its like the designer stylized about 70% of it and then kind of left 30% of it a bit bland. I mean, it’s like bam. Ooh, ah! I mean, overall, I think it is a decent-looking car. It just feels like there’s a few missed opportunities in certain areas.
Hybrid System
Anyway, as I mentioned, this is a hybrid, it’s not an all-electric car, it’s not a plug-in hybrid, it’s just a self-charging, regular hybrid. I say regular, I don’t think there’s anything regular about this car cuzz. I think it is bloody brilliant when it comes to its hybrid system.
Interior Design
Anyway, let’s jump in and look at the interior. It is minging out there, but I tell you what, it isn’t minging in here. It’s a very, very nice interior – and you know what, it’s very minimal. It reminds me of sort of the way Mazdas have been for years, very minimal. You only got a few toggles down here. That’s all you really need. Climate control toggles, actually very good um, but it feels quite up market. You’ve got a nice chunky steering wheel, you’ve got padded leather all over the place, which actually has got a bit of a gold tinge, a bit of a strange choice.
Interior Design
The Honda ZR-V Business Car certainly catches the eye with its sleek and stylish design. The seats are made of solid leather, exuding a sense of luxury. One notable feature is the head-up display, which enhances the driver’s visibility and adds a touch of sophistication. Behind the steering wheel, you’ll find slick graphics that provide essential information with clarity. The center console is mammoth in size and resembles the fuel tank of a motorbike, giving the car a unique and edgy look.
Infotainment System
The ZR-V comes equipped with a solid touchscreen system, although it may not be the most advanced or visually appealing system on the market. However, it compensates with its slick operation, responsive touch sensitivity, and user-friendly navigation. In a world where complicated interfaces are prevalent, this simplicity is a welcomed rarity.
Trim Levels and Features
The ZR-V offers three trim levels: Elegance, Sport, and Advance. Even the entry-level models come packed with impressive features such as a reversing camera, Saab, adaptive cruise control, and heated front seats. This means you don’t necessarily need to opt for the flagship Advance model to enjoy a well-equipped driving experience. The Advance model, however, raises the bar with additions like a bow sound system, panoramic glass roof, and adaptive headlights.
Attention to Detail
While the ZR-V boasts a seemingly upmarket interior, there are a few areas that lack the finesse found in its more premium rivals. It’s important to note that these minor shortcomings are a result of the car’s affordability compared to its higher-end competitors. For instance, the sensor console and door may not have the same level of polish and refinement. However, considering the price point, these discrepancies can be easily overlooked.
In conclusion, the Honda ZR-V Business Car is an attractive choice for those seeking a stylish and well-equipped vehicle. Its interior design, infotainment system, and range of features make it a contender in its segment. While it may not match the absolute top-tier options in terms of attention to detail, the ZR-V offers excellent value for money. Whether you opt for the entry-level model or the flagship version, you can expect a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience.
Build Quality and Design
The Honda ZR-V certainly catches your attention with its unique design and sleek appearance. However, upon closer inspection, you may notice that the build quality is not as solid as you would expect. When you accidentally hit your leg against the car, you can feel a slight wiggling sensation, which is disappointing. The overall build quality does not scream “premium” like its German counterparts. There are certain aspects of the car, such as the center console and the door panels, where you can sense a hint of cheapness. It’s a bit perplexing considering Honda’s reputation for reliable cars.
Interior Features
Moving onto the interior, there are a few hits and misses. The door bins, for instance, are disappointingly small, making it difficult to fit a large bottle. You’ll find yourself maneuvering around the car to find a suitable spot to store your belongings. However, there is a saving grace in the form of the cup holders, which are surprisingly well-designed and spacious. Additionally, the glove box provides ample storage space for your essentials. Although there is a whiff of cheapness in some areas, the interior still manages to offer a decent level of comfort and functionality.
Infotainment System and Controls
One aspect that may divide opinions is the absence of a traditional gear selector. Instead, the Honda ZR-V opts for buttons to control the transmission, which some may find unintuitive. The lack of a physical lever for selecting gears can be confusing for drivers who are used to the conventional setup. However, it’s worth noting that this implementation is often seen in hybrid vehicles, and many drivers have adapted to it. Nevertheless, it does make you question why Honda deviated from the norm and didn’t include a more familiar gear selector.
Rear Seats and Comfort
When it comes to the rear seats, they share a similar design aesthetic to the front cabin. The seats are well-rounded and visually pleasing. However, upon closer inspection, you may notice a few imperfections or holes in the upholstery, which is a bit disappointing. On the positive side, there is enough legroom and space to comfortably place your feet under the front seats. This adds to the overall comfort and convenience for rear passengers, making long journeys more enjoyable.
In conclusion, the Honda ZR-V offers a distinct design and decent interior features. However, there are some concerns regarding the build quality and certain design choices. It’s a car that may appeal to those who prioritize style over substance, but for those seeking a more refined and premium experience, this may not be the ideal choice. Nevertheless, the ZR-V still manages to provide a comfortable and functional ride, making it a viable option for business use.
The Spacious Interior
The Honda ZR-V Business Car offers a spacious interior, making it easy to move around. The floor is nice and flat, allowing for effortless navigation within the car. Moreover, there is plenty of knee room, ensuring a comfortable seating experience. The fold-down armrest provides added convenience, and there is also a USBC charging port for your electronic devices. The inclusion of touch-sensitive lights adds a touch of modernity to the car’s interior.
Rear Compartment Concerns
However, there are a few drawbacks to the rear of the Honda ZR-V. Firstly, the headroom is compromised by the panoramic roof, which comes with the flagship trim. This can be problematic, especially for taller individuals. Even as someone who is 5’7″, I find myself just scraping by. Sitting in the rear may also result in your knees being positioned higher, which can lead to discomfort during long journeys. While you can place your feet under the front seat, this compromise is less than ideal. Additionally, if you are unfortunate enough to be stuck in the middle seat, the overall comfort level diminishes significantly, particularly when seated between two adults or two baby seats.
Storage Space and Practicality
Moving on to the storage space, the Honda ZR-V falls a bit short. With a capacity of around 380 L, it is more comparable to a hatchback than an SUV. However, despite this limitation, the car’s booth is very well-rounded. The load lift is low, making it easy to load and unload items. Whether it’s groceries or pets, the accessibility of the boot is commendable. In terms of practicality, there is even a protective boot floor, ensuring the cleanliness and safety of your belongings.
In conclusion, while the Honda ZR-V Business Car offers a spacious and convenient interior, there are a few areas that could be improved. The rear compartment may pose challenges for taller individuals, and the storage space is not as generous as one might expect from an SUV. However, the car’s overall versatility and ease of use make it a suitable option for business purposes. With its sleek design and practical features, the Honda ZR-V proves to be a reliable choice for those seeking both comfort and functionality in their everyday commute.
Boot Features
We’ve got no on the floor storage in the Honda ZR-V, but the parcel shelf does fold in half and fold under the floor very easily. These seats also fall down completely flat and can be folded from back here very easily. The boot also has a convenient walkway boot close button. You can press this button to close the automatic boot or it will only close when you walk away. It’s a simple yet handy feature, especially when you have your hands full.
Road Performance
While I may have raised some concerns about the ZR-V’s character so far, on the road it proves to be more finessed and well-rounded. Its hybrid system in particular deserves praise. In fact, I would go as far as to say that it’s probably the best hybrid system I’ve ever driven.
The ZR-V is powered by a 2.0L petrol engine alongside two electric motors and a small battery. Combined, they deliver around 180 horsepower, which is quite decent. However, what sets the ZR-V apart from other hybrids is its smooth acceleration. Unlike some hybrids where the petrol engine kicks in harshly, the ZR-V transitions seamlessly between power sources, providing a more comfortable driving experience.
Electric Hybrid Feel
A very good reason for that, the reason being that 2 L petrol, I mentioned earlier very very rarely actually drives the wheels. Instead, it acts as a generator to charge the battery, which then Powers the motors and you get that electric hybrid feel.
Seamless Acceleration
So when youre driving at low speeds theres a bit of electric power like you get from other hybrids, but when you start accelerating through Urban environments, you still hold on to that electric car feel, thanks to the whole petrol generator setup that I just mentioned. Only under very, very harsh acceleration you get that g put your foot down now there and thats me flooring it honestly, but apart from that, you can pretty much drive this Z RV around and benefit from that that instant torque electric car feel and you even get It coming up to Junctions and traffic lights, and things like that and at roundabouts.
Consistent Electric Car Feel
You know if youre, if youre, stopping and starting youre, not going to get the petrol engine just going off its head. Whenever you put your foot down, you get that electric car feel most of the time and its great its a breath of fresh air, so yeah you do get that electric car feel pretty much all the way through the Rev range.
Faux Gear Changes
Well, I say rev range. This is a single speeed automatic gear, boox, so theres no gear changes to speak of, but Honda has engineered in faux gear changes to keep that uh, acceleration, nice and smooth and familiar should we say so you know when you put your foot down you get that Electric, like that, but theres also gear changes to keep it feeling nice and natural thats.
Honda ZR-V Business Car Review
Just do a bit of driving here, see how uh the powertrain acts so 50 mph were in EV mode 20, mph still in EV mode right.
Okay, 25 mph were now in hybrid Mode, still very quiet, its a very windy day, so you might be hearing some wind, but yeah I mean if youre pottering about town dropping the kids off at school going to work.
I think youre going to feel like youre an electric car honestly, the vast majority of the time, its just its just a really nice car to drive.
Hybrid Driving Experience
This does very much feel like a hybrid thats got electricity right at its core, and that cannot be said for a lot of other hybrids.
You know you feel like youre on a Green Street. You feel like youre saving the planet and you overtake someone on the road and yeah youre reminded that youve got a petrol engine under the Bonnet, so it feels like an electric car a lot of the time.
Fuel Economy and CO2 Emissions
Does that mean you get next to zero CO2 emissions? Well, no aside to it driving characteristics, I just mentioned it: the zrv does actually have fairly average hybrid uh fuel economy figures.
So you look at an average of around 45 MP per gallon, which is pretty easily achievable on a mixture of uh different roads and um youre, still looking at a 31 bik Tax rating for 2023 and 2024.
Driving Characteristics Worth Praising
But, honestly, aside to that, I do think the hybrid driving characteristics of this car are really worth shouting about.
It feels smooth and refined, almost like driving an electric car most of the time. The power train transitions between EV mode and hybrid mode seamlessly, and the overall driving experience is pleasant.
If you’re someone who does a lot of city driving and wants to reduce their carbon footprint, the Honda ZR-V is a great option to consider.
Steering and Seat Comfort
The Honda ZR-V Business Car offers a weighty steering feel that is actually quite nice. It allows for an enjoyable driving experience, and although it may have an elasticy feel initially, you quickly adapt to it. Additionally, the seats in this car are extremely supportive, providing utmost comfort for passengers.
Windscreen Visibility and Ride Balance
One of the standout features of the ZR-V is its large windscreen, which offers excellent visibility from all angles. This is a big plus for drivers, as it enhances safety and awareness on the road. Moreover, the ride of the car is well-balanced, finding the sweet spot between being too firm and too soft. It effortlessly absorbs bumps on country roads and remains stable even at high speeds on the motorway.
Sportiness and Comfort
Compared to its rivals, the ZR-V may not have a notable sporty or exceptionally comfortable feel. It lacks that standout X factor in terms of driving dynamics. However, the hybrid system employed by Honda is a remarkable highlight in itself. It works flawlessly and adds to the overall appeal of the car. Despite any reservations about sportiness or comfort, the ZR-V delivers on its promise of an exceptional hybrid system.
Overall Appeal
Summing up the ZR-V, it may not be conventionally impressive in terms of interior quality, design, practicality, or driving dynamics. However, it manages to offer enough across the board to entice both family car drivers and company car drivers. The flawless functioning of the hybrid system is particularly enticing, making it an attractive option for those seeking an efficient and environmentally friendly vehicle. Whether you are after a hybrid system that actually works flawlessly or that coveted electric car feeling all the time, the ZR-V delivers on both counts.