Honda has unveiled the new ZR-V that looks pretty identical to the latest HR-V introduced for North American markets. The “Z Runabout Vehicle” has already hit the roads in China and features the same looks as the JDM model. The same model will land in Europe next year and sit between the HR-V and the new-generation CR-V that was introduced in the US some days back.
Exterior
Comparing the ZR-V with the US-bound HR-V, we see the designers changed the honeycomb grille with vertical slats reminiscent of the Grecale Trofeo from Maserati. Other changes include an updated front bumper and the absence of orange side markers. At the rear, the upcoming Honda ZR-V boasts two exhausts with astonishingly big finishers to give the vehicle a sporty appearance.
Interior
Now analyzing the interior of the HR-V with the ZR-V, we get the same feel. The US-HR-V borrows lots of interior design cues from the new Civic. However, the ZR-V has some distinctions, which make the interior a little different. For instance, the heavy gear lever for the automatic transmission is gone and instead, this area has just buttons to control the transmission. This change alone makes the interior more upscale and smoother. The burgundy theme with orange stitching also adds a touch of elegance inside.
Powertrain
While we might feel the interior and exterior have lots of identical elements, the US-spec HR-V’s powertrains are different from the ZR-V. The HR-V comes equipped with a 2.0-litre petrol mill creating 158 hp and 138 lb-ft of torque.
On the other hand, the JDM-spec ZR-V boasts a hybrid powertrain borrowed from the Civic e:HEV. We can clearly spot it from the e-HEV emblem on the tailgate and blue Honda symbols. Furthermore, the new ZR-V will also be available with a 1.5-litre petrol engine mated to an all-wheel-drive system.
Availability
We do not have full details of the compact crossover yet, so we have to wait for a couple of months to get complete technical specifications. Honda will start taking orders in September for buyers in the Land of the Rising Sun. The ZR-V will hit the European roads in 2023, where it will be available with the same electrified powertrain as available for the JDM-spec ZR-V.
In its pursuit to go fully electrified, the forthcoming Civic Type R will be the automaker’s last internal combustion engine car in Europe.
There is no news on whether we will get the ZR-V in the Gulf states or not.
Source and Images: Motor1