Zipping through July in the Honda ZR-V

Introduction

SPONSORED: I’ve never really driven a Honda before. Maybe a rental once, but nothing properly.

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So I was genuinely curious when the new Honda ZR-V e:HEV LX hybrid was dropped off for a taste of Melbourne life in July. And in a brand-new colour called Nordic Forest. Honestly, it’s quite fitting because it’s freezing.

Straight away, I’m impressed. I jump in and the first thing I notice is a little button on the steering wheel. Heated steering wheel. Heated leather-trimmed seats. Luxury. I’m already warm and sold.

Then come the little touches, like the seat moving automatically into driving position when you get in or out. It’s those subtle bits of thoughtfulness that make a car feel more premium than the price suggests. And the dashboard was incredibly easy to digest and get moving with.

So, what are we actually driving? The Honda ZR-V is a mid-size SUV. It sits between the smaller HR-V and larger CR-V in Honda’s SUV lineup, and I’ve got the e:HEV LX which is the top-of-the-range hybrid variant.

It’s powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine combined with two electric motors, meaning better fuel-efficiency, smoother acceleration, and a drive that feels pretty refined for city traffic.

Some quick stats about the Honda ZR-V e:HEV LX:

• 2.0L hybrid powertrain
• 135kW combined output
• Front-wheel drive
• 1315L of boot space with rear seats down
• Priced from $51,900 drive-away

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So, let’s get into the actual experience.

It’s smooth. It’s reliable. Just like what Honda is known for. It’s not shouting for attention, but it’s got a bit of zip, and it feels good around corners. I packed the boot with orders from my creative side hustle so I could tick off the post office run while I was out, squeezed in a gym bag and groceries – and it still had space to spare.

We are mid-winter here in Melbourne and, honestly, this car has become my morning saviour. Almost instant seat and steering wheel heating? Game changer. Especially when using Honda Connect to control the climate in the car before I get in. My frozen fingers have never been so happy.

It’s been efficient too. I feel like I’ve barely touched the fuel tank after a whole week of non-stop city driving as well as a day trip around the Dandenongs sampling the best from Emerald Village Bakery. You can hear the engine hum when it kicks in to recharge the battery, but it fades quickly into silence and you’re left with a smooth, quiet ride.

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The Honda ZR-V handled the winding roads of the Dandenongs surprisingly well, too. I’m not going to pretend I was throwing it into corners like a sports car, but it felt composed, solid and safe – even in foggy patches on damp tarmac. The steering felt responsive and it didn’t roll too much through corners, which made the drive feel calm and under control.

The leather-clad seats and stitched interior details added a layer I wasn’t expecting at this price point. You’ve also got wireless Apple CarPlay and an infotainment touchscreen that’s actually intuitive and easy to use; no confusing menus, no lag, no drama setting your phone up. Everything worked straight away.

One thing to note: if you’re used to carrying one of those giant KeepCups or bottles, the front cupholder setup is a bit snug. My 2L Frank Green water bottle did not make the cut. Beyond that, the cabin itself feels spacious and practical. There’s plenty of room to get comfortable in the front and back, with enough storage to suit a young couple or even a small family.

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One morning, I walked past the car, forgot it was mine, and genuinely thought: “oh that’s a nice car, great colour too”.

Even Tom (my fiancé) said the same thing when he jumped in, complimenting the colour before realising it was the one I had been driving. It stands out in a subtle way. Looks elevated without trying too hard. And fits in perfectly.

The Honda ZR-V is made for the mainstream market in the best way in terms of driving, pricing and user-friendly tech. If you’re a new driver or just upgrading from something smaller, it’s got all the sensors and alerts you need to help you feel confident on the road, including a full suite of Honda Sensing safety tech like blind-spot monitoring.

And the top-spec LX even gives you a 360-degree camera, which is genuinely helpful for tight city parking.