Further specifications, including paint colours and pricing, offered for the NEW coupe-SUV

„ BY THE GO AUTO TERAM

HONDA Australia has this week confirmed pricing for its forthcoming ZR-V coupe-SUV, a model it says will slot between the HR-V (from $36,700 d/a) and next-generation CR-V (pricing TBA) in its SUV portfolio.

Priced from $40,200 drive-away, the ZR-V will be offered in four trim grades and with petrol and petrol-electric (hybrid) drivelines. The flagship e:HEV LX (hybrid) tops the range at $54,900 drive-away.

Honda says the range features various safety, interior and exterior specification details, but is holding information close to its chest until the model’s official launch on May 19.

Colour choices for the model include Crystal Black, Platinum Grey, Platinum Crystal Blue, Platinum White and Premium Crystal Garnet.

“The new Honda ZR-V offers optimal balance of fuel efficiency and dynamic performance, from day to day commuting in city and suburban environments, to weekend adventures on highways and winding coastal and country roads,” said Honda Australia in a statement.

“The petrol variants (VTi LX, VTi L & VTi X) feature the 1.5-litre VTEC turbocharged engine and the e:HEV LX sports a two-motor hybrid system with a 2.0-litre direct injection engine. Both systems deliver an impressive driving experience.”

Honda has previously confirmed the ZR-V will offer features that include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity via a 9.0-inch colour touchscreen, front and rear parking sensors and reversing camera, and LED headlights. However, it is not known if these features are standard across the board, or grade dependent.

Viewing overseas model specifications, it is understood the ZR-V will receive as standard safety equipment including AEB, traffic sign recognition, blind spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control, though again it is not known how these features will be distributed across the Australian ZR-V line-up.

The Honda ZR-V will rival models including the Nissan Qashqai, Mazda CX30 and Skoda Karoq, but offer its own, unique coupe-like proportions.

The ZR-V features a vertical grille which blends seamlessly with the bumper surround and is flanked by narrow, wideset headlights like those found on the latest Civic and HR-V. Honda says the front of its latest SUV is meant to convey “highly sophisticated expression, yet with stature and a strong presence”.

With a widened stance, the rear of the body aims to add volume to the ZRV’s proportions, the rear haunches and tailgate culminating in a smooth, upswept look that is neither as edgy as the HRV, yet as stylised as many competitors’ coupe-SUV offerings.

Inside, the link between other new-generation Honda models is evident. The cabin of the ZR-V is spacious and open with an instrument panel that stretches out horizontally across the dashboard, and a well-presented array of functional elements finished with their own high-quality design.

Like the CR-V, the ZR-V features a high-deck centre control to separate the front seats and create individual zones for the driver and front-seat passenger.

The model also promises an elevated view of the road and a wide, horizontal field of vision thanks to drawn back A pillars and door-mounted wing mirrors, again like those of the Civic, HR-V and forthcoming CR-V.