Honda ZR-V

Honda's controversially new crossover, the ZR-V serves as the de facto replacement for the CR-V, the one no longer available to the Japanese public for the time being. Although smaller than the now-defunct CR-V, this new model will leave their heads scratching out of curiosity.

2023 Honda ZR-V

Priced at 2,932,600 Japanese Yen plus additional costs, the first-ever Honda ZR-V is not made to fill in the shoes of its now-defunct big brother, the CR-V. In fact, it's an all-new model made to cater to the needs of every Japanese driver looking for a crossover that fits well for Japanese driving conditions. Whatever the reason, the ZR-V is common sense on four wheels.

2023 Honda ZR-V

Beginning with the styling, the ZR-V features a front face that is not common for a Honda vehicle like this because the Honda logo is positioned above the grille rather than into the grille like most Hondas had. Although the grille is reminiscent of the Maserati Levante, the ZR-V features slim LED headlights, blistered rear fenders, and rear quarter light windows. Fun fact the ZR-V is basically the big brother of the Vezel and both of them are sold under the HR-V naming, which adds more confusion to observers and insiders alike.

2023 Honda ZR-V interior

Because the ZR-V, like the now-defunct CR-V, runs on the same mechanicals as today's Honda Civic, you can expect the Civic-esque interior for our controversial debutante. Behind the wheel, the ZR-V packs a three-spoke steering wheel with paddle shifters, a nine-inch touchscreen with smartphone connectivity, a 10.25-inch digital instrumental display, and a full-width air vent design, not to mention an available wireless charging hub, USB ports, full-auto air conditioner, and an available BOSE Premium Sound System. The non-hybrid variants had a gear lever while the e:HEV variants have buttons in place of a gear lever.

On the passenger side, the ZR-V feels not so bad to live with as well as the boot space. Although less spacious than the now-defunct CR-V, it's more spacious than its little brother, the Vezel. There are convenient features as well such as a power tailgate and an available hands-free access function, making it easier to manage some stuff at the back.

2023 Honda ZR-V

Under the hood, the ZR-V is offered a choice of a 1.5L VTEC Turbo and a 2.0L e:HEV hybrid powertrain. The turbocharged variant produces 178PS of power and 240Nm of torque. Mated to a CVT, it has up to 14.6km/L of fuel economy based on WLTC Mode standards. The e:HEV variant has a combined power output of 184PS of power and 315Nm of torque. With the e-CVT similar to today's Civic Hybrid, fuel economy is up to 22.1km/L based on WLTC Mode standards.

Underneath, the ZR-V features Rack and Pinion Electric Power Steering, front ventilated disc brakes, rear disc brakes, front MacPherson suspension, rear multilink suspension, and torsion bar stabilizers. In its FF guise, the ZR-V feels normal to drive, but with the Realtime AWD system, the ZR-V feels capable almost everywhere.

Safety-wise, the ZR-V features Honda Sensing, a range of advanced driver-assist systems consisting of autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, auto high beam, adaptive driving beam, traffic jam assist, and false start suppression, among many others.

The ZR-V is basically the most controversial Honda crossover ever made because, in Japan, it served as the de facto replacement for the CR-V. Of course, while the rest of the world got a new version, it seems Japan denied one in favor of the ZR-V. Although a cowardly move that is abundant for Japanese carmakers shying away from their world market cars, Honda calls it common sense.

This is common sense but it can be highly debatable for the Japanese public who got their first impression of the ZR-V. The more you know.

Available Colors: Platinum White Pearl, Super Platinum Grey Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl, Premium Crystal Garnet Metallic, Nordic Forest Pearl, Premium Crystal Blue Metallic, and Midnight Blue Beam Metallic.

Photo: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.