Honda Store Newmarket has graciously allowed NZ Company Vehicle to revisit the three hybrid Honda models introduced in 2023.
Why? It was a very busy year for Honda with the new releases and their accompanying new technology and with the CCD discount/subsidy lifted, the time for Honda’s e:HEV hybrid tech to shine is right now.
Of the three vehicles then, while there are various models within the Honda Jazz, Honda ZR-V and Honda CR-V line-ups, there is a standout performer showcasing the best of brand, and that includes the e:HEV powertrain.
Two models – the Jazz and CR-V – have RS – for ‘Road Sailing’ – designators which aptly describe the Honda’s bearing the badge: they’re smooth, they’re quick and they embody motorsport DNA.
The new-to-New Zealand ZR-V differentiates its e:HEV model using the SPORT designator while the TURBO-badged version runs the conventional (if any Honda engine could be called ‘conventional’) and efficient petrol engine.
So let’s take a look at the hybrid Honda range, with thanks again, to general manager Matthew Fong and his Honda Store Newmarket team.
First up is the Honda Jazz with six variants, including the two-tone colour option models.
Of these, the Jazz RS is considered by many to be the most engaging and fun to drive. It is also a mid-priced model, so it is doubly rewarding as a potential fleet car.
From the perspective of being a driver’s car, the RS Jazz is a collection of surprise and delight features. It is perfectly at home driving through the city where its road manners are impeccable, while the amount of visibility and space in general is awesome.
Get out on the open road and all the ‘niceness’ goes into a little box (if you want it too) and the RS fangs come out. With rapid acceleration, hyper agility and just the right amount of outlaw performance, the Jazz RS is well worth a test drive.
For something a little larger – and something which looks a little different from the Hondas you think you know – check out the ZR-V.
The ZR-V is a radical styling departure from Honda, affecting a European-esque exterior. The mechanicals and the interiors are, however, built to Honda’s familiar standards of excellence. This extends to the transmission which has been developed to complement the e:HEV powertrain.
As far as the driving experience is concerned, the ZR-V exhibits a beautifully balanced chassis, resulting in a flat-cornering SUV with excellent levels of traction for a sure-footed and confident ride.
While technically a medium-sized SUV, the ZR-V stretches into the next segment up, being roomy and comfortable in every seating position.
The third point in the Honda hybrid trilogy is the recently launched Honda CR-V, the sixth generation of Honda’s flagship.
Today’s CR-V is a far cry from what we have seen to date, with three sophisticated models, two of which run a turbocharged VTEC engine and the top-of-the-line RS model championing the two-litre e:HEV hybrid package.
Bigger, bolder and with a more powerful, purposeful appearance from every aspect, the CR-V is a comfortable all-day cruiser combining power and economy, just as its premium appearance integrates with Honda innovation.
While the CR-V range does allow for a seven-seat option, the CR-V RS seats five in sublime comfort, at the same time, maintaining a more than significant amount of luggage space.
The driving experience of the CR-V could be alled majestic thanks to its impressive road presence.
Honda has always demonstrated core considerations to reflect excellence, but in today’s automotive landscape, three features distinguish the great from the good: fuel efficiency, environmental consideration and of course, occupant safety.
The e:HEV hybrid technology answers the first two elements and Honda Sensing – the all-encompassing safety umbrella – answers the last, with adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, road departure mitigation, agile handling assist and auto high-beam support systems complementing the comprehensive passive safety features.
To view/inquire/test drive anything in the extraordinary Honda Hybrid range, visit the Honda Store Newmarket showroom
at 455 Broadway, Newmarket in Auckland, phone 09 890 9048 or direct your mouse to www.honda.co.nz to find out more.
