Honda says they have asked for a third batch now with demand remaining strong. While the exact number of vehicles being imported has not been given, it is still in three figures, we are told.

Importing the ZR-V as a CBU is an interesting move by Honda since the SUV has not only been homologated for India, there are features and adjustments to things like the suspension that are specific to this particular market although it is made in Japan. So, one cannot help wondering whether Honda will eventually be making the ZR-V in India. The company, though, says there are no plans to make the SUV in India - as of now. It is intended as a halo product and to showcase the company's strong hybrid power train, among other things.

Honda invited the motoring press to the Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida to experience the vehicle, or specific aspects of it more like since it is not really possible to figure out a vehicle in its typical usage scenario by driving it on a super smooth racetrack. But then, a racetrack is also possibly the best place to push a vehicle to its limits in a safe environment to see how it behaves in more extreme situations. And that is exactly what we were doing last week.

As mentioned earlier, the Honda ZR-V e:HEV is a strong strong hybrid that is being imported fully built. So, it attracts an import duty of 110 per cent, which, effectively, signifcantly bumps up its price. Despite that, it seems to be flying off the shelves. And that is the thing about a halo product. It somehow defies the typical value logic and becomes a bit of an emotional purchase. And it works for small-volume products as we have seen with other similar products from other manufacturers as well.

So much for the market and peripheral dynamics of the ZR-V. But what about the vehicle itself? Read on.

ON THE OUTSIDE

Honda has taken a measured approach with the ZR-V e:HEV, resisting the temptation to overload it with dramatic styling. It is a crossover and looks like one. There is no go-anywhere-SUV pretence and, therefore, visual cues like faux scuff plates and the like is thankfully absent. In fact, it seems to sit lower than other SUVs in its price segment with a ground clearance of 186mm unladen that makes getting in and out conveninent, although some of the much-vaunted 'SUV stance' is missing.

The rear end is understated like the rest of the SUV. However, there is a bit of flash in the twin exhaust tips and a satin finish chrome garnish at the bottom of the bumper.

What is also interesting is that it uses more of jellybean-like styling with curved surfaces flowing into each other rather than angular styling cues. Positioned between the HR-V and CR-V in Honda's global SUV lineup, the ZR-V arrives in India as a premium offering and its exterior reflects that intent.

At the front, a broad hexagonal grille finished in gloss black with vertical slats dominates the fascia, flanked by slim LED headlamps with crisp daytime running lights. The lighting signature is distinctive without being flashy. Interestingly, the only bit of chrome up front is the Honda logo. The whole demeanour is understated, like it doesn't need to draw attention to itself to prove anything.

From the side, the ZR-V's proportions are among its strongest attributes. The long wheelbase, gently sloping roofline, and well-defined shoulder line give it a planted stance. The pronounced wheel arches house stylish alloy wheels that fill the arches nicely without appearing oversized. The jellybean-like design continues on the flanks as well. What also comes across is the length of the wheelbase. There is cladding too around the wheel arches, but things are done in a quiet rather than a shouty way.

The rear continues the theme. Horizontal LED taillamps stretch into the tailgate, visually widening the SUV, while the integrated roof spoiler and neatly contoured bumper complete the look. Here, the only bits of chrome are the monikers and the twin exhaust tips with a satin finish lighter strip across the bottom of the rear bumper connecting the two. In fact, it looks very shooting brake like from the rear.

Build quality is immediately evident. Panel gaps are consistently tight, the paint finish is rich, and every exterior element feels carefully assembled. It may not be the most attention-grabbing SUV in a crowded parking lot, but it looks well made once you take a couple of minutes to look at it.

ON THE INSIDE

Step inside the ZR-V and it quickly becomes apparent that Honda has prioritised usability and comfort over visual gimmicks. The dashboard layout is clean and uncluttered and the surfaces have very curvy shaped-by-the-wind kind of look to them. The horizontal design theme creates a sense of width, while the soft-touch surfaces and leather finishes all around convey a sense of premiumness.

The seats deserve special mention. Both front occupants benefit from supportive cushioning and ample electrical adjustment, that would make long-distance journeys less tiring. Rear passengers are equally well catered for, thanks to generous legroom and adequate headroom, despite the gently tapering roofline. The seating is a tad low, but, along with the leg-stretch room, works well enough to give a comfortable rear seat experience. Three adults can fit across the rear bench when required, although two will naturally travel in greater comfort.

The driving position is excellent, with large glass areas contributing to superb outward visibility. Controls are logically placed, and Honda wisely retains physical buttons and rotary knobs for the climate control system. In an era where many ma nufacturers bury essential functions within touchscreen menus, this decision significantly improves everyday usability. The 9-inch infotainment system supports wireless smartphone connectivity and offers a responsive interface but the graphics may not be the flashiest in the segment. A fully digital instrument cluster complements the center display, presenting hybrid-specific information alongside conventional driving data in a clear and customizable format.

Storage solutions have been thoughtfully incorporated throughout the cabin. Large door pockets, multiple cupholders, a spacious center console, and practical cubby holes make daily use convenient. This passenger compartment has been well thought through. We particularly liked how the lower deck of the central console has been laid out with the charging ports facing out so that one can see them when plugging in appliances unlike many cars where one has to do this by feel. The luggage compartment is also fairly big and the absence of a spare tyre helps here.

Cabin refinement is another highlight. Extensive sound insulation keeps road and wind noise well suppressed, while the hybrid system operates with impressive smoothness. The result is a serene interior environment that reinforces the premium positioning of the ZR-V. Honda's reputation for ergonomic excellence remains intact. Everything feels precisely engineered, from the tactile switchgear to the steering wheel controls to the volume control knob on the infotainment screen.It is an interior designed to make every journey comfortable, intuitive, and stress-free.

The rear seat is a touch low but has generous leg room and head room

Equipment levels are generous as well. There is as dual-zone climate control, wireless charging, premium audio, powered front seats, multiple USB charging ports and a suite of advanced driver assistance systems.

ON THE GO

The defining feature of the Indian-spec ZR-V is its e hybrid powertrain. Combining a two-litre petrol engine with an electric motor and intelligent energy management, the system focuses on delivering smooth performance alongside excellent fuel efficiency rather than outright acceleration. A quick look at the official numbers is in order here. The peak system power output is 184ps, peak torque is 315Nm, and the ZR-V has a 0-100kmph time of 7.9 seconds.

In urban driving, the electric motor handles much of the initial movement, allowing the SUV to pull away silently and effortlessly. Most of the time it is the electric motor that drives the wheels drawing power from the battery. When the battery runs low, the engine kicks in to charge the battery. Only when quick acceleration or high speeds are required does the petrol engine drive the wheels directly and parallely with the electric motor. This results in a very electric vehicle like feel most of the time - stop-go traffic becomes less of a chore - but there is grunt available when needed. The regenerative braking system harvests energy.

The front end is deliciously devoid of chrome except for the Honda logo. The 19-inch alloys have a neat 10-spoke design

Acceleration is progressive rather than explosive, but the immediate torque from the electric motor gives the ZR-V confident responses. The power delivery is linear and unless one looks at the graphic on the screen, it impossible to find out which motor is clutching in or out at any time. And the hybrid system rarely calls attention to itself, which is perhaps its greatest achievement.

We really did not get to test the ride quality in real life conditions, but it was handling the kerbs around the track with consummate ease. So, we are guessing it should be fairly decent on not so good public roads. What is commendable though is its body control through corners or direction changes. We did a slalom (not a terribly tight one) at over 90kmph and the vehicle did not miss a beat. The story was similar around the corners. While there is body roll, it is fairly well controlled as was evident while tackling a double apex at a quick clip. We think it should make for a good vehicle both for the city and the highway.

The steering, while not the most talkative, is predictable, well-weighted and accurate. As we said earlier, there is no neck-snapping acceleration here and the max we could manage to hit on the long long straight was a little over 150kmph before we ran out of road. At those speeds, it is supremely stable, no twitching at all, thanks to the rigid chassis and well-calibrated suspension setup.

Refinement is rather good. Okay, we were flooring it most of time we were on the track. So there was engine noise coming through, but vibration levels are impressively low.

Safety has also received significant attention. A comprehensive package of active and passive safety technologies, including multiple airbags, electronic stability control, collision mitigation systems, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and autonomous emergency braking, enhances driver confidence. These systems intervene smoothly and unobtrusively, providing reassurance without becoming intrusive.

THE CALL

The Honda ZR-V e:HEV is targeting a niche, and the company says it is selling out whatever it is managing to import. The product is unique in its space. It is the only petrol-powered strong hybrid around its price point of ₹47.99 lakh (there is only one variant), where the competition is mostly diesel. Considering that there is a huge import tax incorporated in the price, it cannot be seen as a pure value proposition. But then value can be more than 'cost plus mark-up' in many ways. The ZR-V focuses on balance and excels at refinement, comfort, efficiency, practicality, and everyday ease of use. To buyers to whom those things matter, it is a well-rounded package.