The ZR-V is one of a host of new models coming through at Honda

…and it’s perfectly timed because it bridges the gap between the HR-V and the CR-V, blending sporting looks, high levels of practicality and a premium interior.It’s arrived in Honda showrooms and, even though we tested the ZR-V recently, we already knew it would be good to drive. How did we know that? Simple… because the oily bits are based on the excellent Honda Civic.Which means you get a 181 bhp 2.0 litre petrol engine mated to a full hybrid system with power going to the front wheels via a CVT gearbox.

There’s no need to charge the battery because the car charges itself as you go along with the engine mainly working as a generator. Clever huh?0-60 takes a shade over 8 seconds. As for mpg, the beauty of a hybrid is that you can trundle around town for shortish distances while using battery power only.

Consequently, you don’t use any petrol. You glide along in near silence. Official overall consumption is 49.6mpg for general day-to-day motoring. And because there’s a lot of Honda Civic DNA running through the ZR-V, it means the car has a well-controlled ride which finds a happy compromise: firm enough on the quicker stuff but sufficiently supple to absorb lumps and bumps on our pothole-strewn town and side roads. You get four driving modes – Eco, Normal, Snow and Sport – we just left it in Normal. There are three trim levels: Elegance, Sport and Advance. They all come with sat nav, air con, DAB radio, heated and folding mirrors, heated front seats, front and rear parking sensors, reversing camera, LED lights front and rear, adaptive cruise control and smart alloy wheels. Not much else you need really.

Prices start at £39,495.These are exciting times for Honda with the arrival of other new models like the fully electric e:Ny1 SUV. The Civic, Type R, HR-V, CR-V and Jazz go from strength to strength and the Honda e is one of the best (and cutest) all-electric cars around. Yep, they’re changing gear at Honda. Your local Vertu Honda dealership has demonstrators available to drive – call to book and experience the all new ZR-V for yourself.

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