Will the Honda ZR-V come to ASEAN?

Or is the ZR-V an SUV for Europe and China only?

 There has been a lot of social media buzz about this all new Honda model. It first started as a Honda vehicle made for the China market only. Then as the renderings started being shared on the internet, the European media started claiming the ZR-V as a new model for Europe to be slated above the Honda HR-V and below the larger CR-V. The ‘Z’ in the name shows Honda’s internet to target the needs of the Generation Z buyers. It has been confirmed by Honda management in Europe to be a C segment SUV.

The Honda ZR-V or also known as ‘Zhizai’ in China has just been unveiled at the 2022 Guangzhou Auto Show in China with a 1.5L turbocharged engine that comes from the all new Honda Civic.  

We think this new ZR-V will do very well in the Indian auto market as it has the looks and features to compete head on with the Hyundai Tucson and the Kia Seltos which are both compact SUVs with funky designs and high connectivity features in the cabin to cater to the Generation Z buyers.

 Looking at the current shared pictures of the ZR-V, it looks more like a Crossover that sits above the HR-V due to its slim glass area and high belt-line. The high riding stance shows more the use of large wheels and wide tyres to provide the needed aggressive stance.

 Meanwhile, there seem to be two versions of the Honda ZR-V. One for China which has similar looks with the all new 2022 Honda HR-V and will be produced by GAC-Honda. 

So, what powertrain will the ZR-V carry? Well, looking at the current 2022 line-up of Honda models, it is quite clear that Honda will offer their electrified powertrain which is the e-HEV that has a 1.5L Atkinson Cycle DOHC petrol powered engine sitting under the hood that actually works to provide power to an electric motor that has a battery system. This powertrain will produce 184 bhp and a high 315 Nm of torque. 

So, much lower fuel consumption and also emissions and a torque filled drive from the electric motor. This e-HEV powertrain is already running in the all new Honda City and will be offered in the soon to be launched 2022 model Honda HR-V.

Will this Honda ZR-V Honda be a rival to the Mazda MX-30 and the soon to launch Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid in Europe? 

Also read: 2023 Honda CR-V teased, here’s what we know so far