Honda ZR-V e:HEV Launched in India at ₹47.99 Lakh: Fully Imported New Flagship SUV

Honda Cars India has launched the ZR-V strong hybrid SUV in India, after showing it off here for the first time in late May. Deliveries for the fully imported hybrid model are set to begin imminently. The ZR-V e:HEV has an introductory price of ₹47.99 lakh (ex-Showroom, Delhi). This marks the beginning of a turnaround for the Japanese carmaker in India which has so far largely neglected the growing SUV market, and is the first of several planned import models.

Honda ZR-V Price, Variants, Competitors in India

The Honda ZR-V is imported fully built from Japan, and only one fully-equipped variant will be offered in India, priced at ₹47.99 lakh (ex-showroom). Pre-registrations began on May 22 when the ZR-V was unveiled in India, and according to the company, the entire allocation of imported units has already been booked.

At this price, the ZR-V will compete with multiple compact and midsize SUVs including the BMW iX1, Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line/Tayron R-Line, Škoda Kodiaq, Toyota Fortuner, MG Majestor, and Jeep Meridian in India.

Honda ZR-V Design

The new crossover-style Honda ZR-V has a sporty stance and aerodynamic shape, which sets is apart from the boxier Honda Elevate compact SUV. On the front, slim LED headlights have integrated DRLs, and the grille has defined vertical slats with a large air intake. The SUV runs on diamond-cut R18 alloy wheels. The rear features an body-coloured tailgate spoiler, with gun-metallic skid garnish and dual-outlet exhaust pipes.

The ZR-V measures 4,567mm long with a 2,655mm wheelbase. It is 1,840mm wide and 1,621mm tall. Cargo space goes up to 1,313 litres with the 60:40 rear split seats folded down.

Four colour options have been announced for India: Twilight Mist Black Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl, Platinum White Pearl, and Meteoroid Gray Metallic.

Honda ZR-V Interior and Features

With only one variant, buyers don’t have to choose between different feature levels. The ZR-V comes fully equipped with a premium cabin featuring all-black finishes on the dashboard, console, seats, and doors. You get leather upholstery and a wrapped steering wheel, contoured armrests and a high centre console. There’s a 12-speaker Bose audio system, a floating 9-inch central infotainment touchscreen, 10.25-inch digital cockpit, and ambient LED lighting.

You also get fully automatic dual-zone climate control, rear AC vents, wireless and USB Type-C phone charging, Android Auto, wireless Apple CarPlay, an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory, a 4-way front passenger seat, a powered tailgate with kick gesture and walk-away close, a PM2.5 dust and pollen cabin air filter,

Honda ZR-V Engine, Performance and Safety

The Japanese-built ZR-V e:HEV has a direct injection water-cooled inline 4-cylinder Atkinson cycle DOHC with dual VTC, paired with an e-CVT. Fuel efficiency is claimed to be 22.8 kmpl, and Honda says this car is E20 compliant. The hybrid system has a self-charging battery, and combined maximum power is 135kW or 184 PS. 

For safety, Honda offers the ZR-V with Level 2 ADAS including collision mitigation braking, adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, lane-keep assist, road departure mitigation, and lead-car departure notification. You also get eight airbags, height-adjustable front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters, traction control, hill descent control, hill start assist, tyre pressure monitoring (TPMS), 360-degree cameras, driver attention monitoring, and more.