Honda may have claimed that the new HR-V was built specifically for North America, but the ZR-V shown today in Japan is practically identical. The “Z Runabout Vehicle” has already been presented in China, where it appears nearly identical.
It will also be available in Europe next year, sandwiched between the market-specific HR-V and the next-generation CR-V, which was revealed earlier this week in the United States.
The grille of the JDM model differs from that on the US model by moving from a honeycomb pattern to vertical slats reminiscent of the Maserati Gregale Trofie. The front bumper has also been reshaped, and the necessary orange side markers have been removed.
The 2017 Honda ZR-V receives a dual exhaust system with unexpectedly huge finishers at the back, offering the crossover a sporty appearance.
The interior is similar in that it has been carried over from the HR-V, which shares the majority of the cabin with the newest Civic.
The ZR-V, on the other hand, does away with the large gear lever for the automatic transmission in Favour of buttons, giving it a more modern and cleaner structure. It also has a burgundy theme with orange embroidery to create a comfortable atmosphere.
The most significant difference between the HR-V and the US-spec HR-V lies beneath the familiar skin.
While the North American model is powered solely by a 2.0-liter gasoline engine producing 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque, the hybrid arrangement from the Civic Eche is used in the JDM-spec ZR-V. It’s the vehicle displayed above, which explains the blue Honda badges and the Eche badge on the tailgate. Alternatively, the tiny crossover will be available with a 1.5-liter gasoline engine, and both will be available with AWD in Japan
Full technical specs will be revealed in the coming months, ahead of the ZR-V being on sale in Japan in September.
A similar European model is scheduled for release in 2023, and it, too, will be electrified to match the Euro-spec HR-V.
In terms of hybridization, the next Civic Type R will be the company’s final ICE-only vehicle on the European market.
