The new Honda ZR-V is launching in India, and yes, this is the same SUV that shares its architecture with the Civic. The vehicles headed to India are Completely Built Units (CBU) from Japan. This means India will get the hybrid version of the ZR-V, which uses the same engine from the Civic RS e:HEV in our market.
The power plant is a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors. The hybrid setup delivers 141hp and 189Nm of torque from the engine, plus an additional 182hp and 315Nm from the electric motor. Honda previously spec’d the ZR-V with a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated engine, but that option has since been removed in Japan in favor of the 2.0-liter hybrid powertrain.
Other features the ZR-V shares with the Civic include its suspension with McPherson struts up front and multi-link components in the rear. The ZR-V also has disc brakes all around with an electric regenerative braking system, and 18-inch alloy wheels—though with a different design from the Civic.
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Outside, the ZR-V looks like an athletic SUV. The front fascia features vertical slants on the grille and horizontal headlights, while the rear features dual exhausts and smoke-finished taillights. At a glance from behind, you’d think this was a City Hatchback if not for the size. The ZR-V measures 4,567mm long, 1,840mm wide, and 1,621mm tall, with a ground clearance of 186mm.
The ZR-V has a similar interior to the Civic, as well, with the dashboard layout, black leather trim, and soft-touch materials. You also get a 12-speaker Bose sound system and a 10.2-inch display with wireless CarPlay and Android Auto. Of course, being an SUV, you get access to a cargo door, which helps when transporting larger items. With the seats up, the ZR-V can fit 370 liters of cargo; fold down the back row, and you get 1,302 liters of space.
As of writing, the new ZR-V’s official price in India has yet to be revealed. But in markets like Australia, the ZR-V starts at $39,900 (P1.703 million). This would put the hybrid SUV between the HR-V and CR-V, both in price and in size. Do you think the ZR-V has a place in Honda’s local lineup? Let us know in the comments.
