COTY class winner 2023: Honda ZR-V is the best Medium SUV of the year

1 December, 2023

COTY class winner 2023: Honda ZR-V is the best Medium SUV of the year

After a pretty quiet time, Honda has been undergoing a bit of a renaissance in recent years, with the likes of the new Jazz and Civic.

And of course the all-new ZR-V, which is undoubtedly the most significant of the new lineup because it’s a medium SUV: the most popular single new-vehicle segment in NZ.

Slightly larger than the HR-V (which has been discontinued for now, although there’s a new version overseas) and slightly smaller than the new CR-V, the ZR-V really is a whole new thing for the NZ market.

We love the handsome looks, great built quality and technology, but what has really grabbed us is the application of Honda’s e:HEV hybrid technology – as used in the Jazz hatch, but with more power for this family vehicle.

Honda still offers a traditional petrol-turbo powertrain in the entry Turbo model, but the flagship Sport really ramps up the technology and fuel economy. The 2.0-litre engine acts as a generator, making electricity for the electric motors to power the wheel. Sounds complex, but it’s actually delightfully simple in practice.

It’s ultra-efficient in town, yet still offers a spirited driving experience on the open road thanks to a “stepped” continuously variable transmission.

It’s a truly high-tech vehicle, with other new-to-Honda features including connected-car services (via a mobile phone app) that include climate pre-conditioning, service alerts and auto collision detect that can automatically call emergency services in the event of an accident.

Published by DRIVEN Car Guide, COTY class winner 2023: Honda ZR-V is the best Medium SUV of the year; November 30, 2023. Click here for the original article. Click here to find out more from our Honda Sales Team.