The Micra Transalpina
he sixth generation of the Micra was designed in Great Britain and manufactured in France, on the same production lines as the Renault 5 E-Tech, with which it shares its electric powertrain and technical specifications
In Tokyo, they call it Generation Z car, referring to those born around the turn of the millennium. However, in terms of content—and price—the Honda ZR-V (Z Runabout Vehicle) is suitable for a broader number of motorists. Beyond just a family vehicle, this Japanese C-segment crossover offers a medium-sized daily and recreational vehicle, with a dual electric-petrol hybrid engine, automatic transmission, and a range of modern electronic features that make onboard life easier.
Between SUV and Crossover
“In medio stat virtus,” meaning virtue lies in the middle. Perhaps that’s why the Tokyo-based car maker felt the need to introduce a third model between its well-established CR-V and HR-V—staples of Honda’s lineup—namely the new ZR-V, which since 2023 positions itself midway between the two maintaining those proven technical features, including the full hybrid e:HEV powertrain, a solution now adopted across Honda’s entire range for better efficiency, performance, and sustainability.The external dimensions are also average for this category, with a length of 4.57 metres and a width of 1.84 metres (excluding side mirrors). Partly sporty utility, partly crossover, the exact definitions are increasingly blurred. Certainly, its height of 1.62 metres and interior spaciousness—facilitated by a long 2.66-metre wheelbase—meet the needs for outdoor and daily transport. However, the absence of all-wheel drive—here only front-wheel drive—limits the off-road ambitions of more adventurous drivers (but for that, there’s the larger CR-V).
It’s clear that this is an on-road SUV, as evidenced by aerodynamic add-ons integrated into the modern body design, including a large front grille, lower spoiler, side air intakes, and slim full LED headlights that reduce the visual impact of the front view. Yet, with a ground clearance of 18 cm and short overhangs that improve approach and departure angles, it maintains a sport utility look, allowing decent mobility on natural terrain roads. From the side, the broad surfaces of the four doors are outlined by generous wheel arches, designed to accommodate standard 18-inch tyres, with options for larger 19-inch wheels or more comfortable 17-inch models. Aesthetically everything connects at the rear through the continuity of the roof with the spoiler above, LED taillights, and a contrasting-coloured bumper, culminating in the tailgate with automatic opening and a dual exhaust that adds a sporty touch to higher end models.
The interior features a dashboard with a horizontal layout, interrupted only in the middle by a 9-inch touchscreen display and a side panel housing the digital TFT instrumentation. There are no levers—only buttons—on the central tunnel courtesy of the transmission modes, managed via the automatic eCVT, with four electronic management settings for dynamic control. The driving position is raised, typical on SUVs, with rearward-slanting A-pillars that improve visibility. Drivers can benefit from a head-up display projecting driving parameters and road signs onto the windshield, so they never need to take their eyes off the road. When an emergency arises, detected by sonar and cameras as part of the Honda Sensing system, all ADAS devices activate to restore safety parameters. Features include automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, intelligent cruise control, and traffic sign recognition—all of which kick into action at the first sign of a critical situation. Adaptive high beams adjust brightness based on ambient light or oncoming traffic, and in case of driver distraction or drowsiness, attention monitoring with an acoustic alert helps maintain focus.
Eco-friendly in automatic mode
A single platform, countless interpretations. This seems to be the goal of the Japanese designers, who have managed to bring together almost their entire current lineup on the platform of the eleventh generation of the famous Civic. The designation e:HEV refers to Honda’s full hybrid technology, which combines two electric motors—totalling 135 kW (184 HP) and 315 Nm of maximum torque—powered by a high-capacity lithium-ion battery, with the 4-cylinder i-MMD internal combustion engine, 1993 cc displacement, long-stroke, high-compression Atkinson cycle (achieving a thermal efficiency of 41%), and direct fuel injection, capable of 143 HP and 186 Nm of torque. No need to consult diagrams or delve into thermodynamics; Honda’s choice of propulsion mode is entirely automatic. Therefore, driving in EV mode in urban areas is primarily the norm for the ZR-V, seamlessly switching to Hybrid Drive when more power is requested by pressing the accelerator fully to engage the combustion engine. At constant speeds, such as on motorways, the system operates in Engine Drive, with only the thermal engine supporting acceleration, assisted as needed by the two electric motors. In various driving combinations, fuel consumption is declared to average around 22.2 km/l, with a top speed of 173 km/h and a 0-100 km/h acceleration in 7.8 seconds. All managed by an electronically controlled eCVT automatic transmission with a variator, which offers four programmable responses via the gear selector: Normal, Sport, Eco, and Snow. The chassis structure, made with high-strength steels combined with others with graded deformability, introduces the concept of a protective cage for occupants, capable of absorbing impacts through programmed deformation parts. This passive safety is internally reinforced by 11 i-SRS airbags, including a central protection system between the driver and front passenger.
The Civic platform’s chassis remains fundamentally unchanged, with independent wheel geometry featuring the classic McPherson strut setup at the front and multilink with a floating subframe at the rear, complemented by four-disc brakes—ventilated at the front—and a dual-pinion electric power-assisted steering system with integrated return control within the EPS (Electric Power Steering). From European dealerships, the ZR-V is already available in all versions with 225/55 R18 tyres, differing only in wheel design and finish across trims. Optional, sportier and lower 235/45 R19 tyres are also available, along with more comfortable and versatile 215/60 R17 tyres.
