Who doesn’t love a compliment? Well, the Honda ZR-V attracted a fair number of them for its smooth and elegant lines during my road-test, very much bearing out my own judgement of the family SUV’s (sports utility vehicle) good looks.

But sporty and sophisticated kerb-appeal turned out to be just one positive among many as my week behind the wheel of the top-of-the-range e:HEV Advance model unfolded and an appreciation of this handsome and versatile hybrid-powered motor grew.

Style file

As I said, the five-door, five-seat car, which fits into Honda’s SUV range between the large CR-V and more compact HR-V, garnered admiring comments – with one neighbour even stopping his car as he left for work, and jumping out to get a closer look and ask about the motor.

The exterior’s clean, elegant lines are defined by the timeless mixture of smooth uninterrupted surfaces that flow from front to rear.

From the front, sporting its slimline headlights, with clearly-defined light signatures, and a large, stylised grille, via the clean flanks to the bold rear bumper and tail-lights neatly integrated with the tailgate, the car is a winner on design.

Inside story

Slip behind the wheel and you will find an interior that combines style, comfort and practicality, with a spacious, premium feel.

The elegant cabin subtly integrates and maximises its useful features, ensuring it is both aesthetically and functionally appealing. This allows for ease-of-use in everyday life thanks, for example, to a range of clever storage trays and pockets, and useful elements such as multiple USB charging slots.

This is complemented by high quality materials, detailed finishing, and subtle lighting to create a high-quality ambience. The low-set dashboard and raised central console, alongside plush knee pads and arm rests, have the effect of cosseting occupants.

On the practicality front, the versatile rear cargo space features fold-flat seats, a load partition, retractable parcel cover and under-floor storage.

The ZR-V offers luggage space from 370 litres with an additional 921 litres by folding down the rear seats, while the low, wide boot aperture and flat cargo floor helps when loading heavy items.

Features

The HR-V is offered in Elegance, Sport and Advance grades.

Advance features a premium specification, including an all-new six-inch heads-up display that is projected on to base of the inside of the windscreen and presents the driver with priority information such as speed, navigation, and incoming calls – all while maintaining their line of vision.

You will also find more top features, including a panoramic glass roof, smart headlights, heated front seats with electric adjustment for front driver’s seat, heated steering wheel, powered tailgate, front and rear parking sensors, rear view camera, privacy glass, adaptive cruise control, satnav, connectivity suite, 12-speaker audio and five individual ports for charging mobile devices. At the front of the cabin, there is a 15-watt wireless charging pad for smartphones.

A wealth of hi-tech safety features include collision mitigating braking system, collision mitigating throttle control, forward collision warning, intelligent and adjustable speed limiter, lane departure warning and traffic sign recognition system.

On the road

The ZR-V is a pleasure to drive. The clean yet powerful two-litre, four-cylinder direct injection petrol engine works in conjunction with two electric motors to provide highly satisfying performance, shifting without notice between EV (electric vehicle), Hybrid and Engine Drive with no input from the driver.

The car offers a sporty, full hybrid experience that combines agility with comfort and advanced technology to enhance the driving experience. And full marks to Honda for the seamlessly-smooth transmission.

Tech time

The car uses the maker’s e:HEV technology and produces a maximum power of 181bhp. Being a full hybrid, it can run entirely on silent, electric power when needed and there are selectable modes to choose from such as Sport and Econ allowing you to customise the  driving experience to suit you.

Performance/fuel figures include a real world range of 621 miles, 0-60mph in eight seconds and a top speed of 108mph (manufacturer’s data).

Verdict

An accomplished and stylish car which combines top tech, great engineering, comfort and practicality with a rewarding driving experience. It certainly deserves the compliments!

.Price: £43,545 OT