Honda’s hybrid answer to the Ford Puma and Nissan Qashqai landed in the UK this autumn. Al Suttie jumps behind the wheel for a week. 

 Honda ZR-V Advance

List price (BiK): £42,595 (31%) CO2: 132g/km Economy: 48.7mpg Test efficiency: 45.0mpg

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Monday

After only a very brief acquaintance a while back, it was good to have the chance to spend more time with the Honda ZR-V. I’m a fan of other Honda models, from the Jazz to the Civic Type R, so an SUV with full hybrid power as winter kicks in should be just the ticket. In Advance spec, it’s also the top level of ZR-V with panoramic sunroof, heated steering wheel and premium Bose stereo.

Tuesday

Jumping in the ZR-V this morning for a first drive, I go through my usual set-up to get seat position, steering wheel and rear view mirror all sorted. Yup, I’m the sort who does this before setting off rather than as I drive along. It’s a bit of a shock to have the rear view mirror come away in my hand and be left dangling by a wire – most un-Honda-like. Worse, it’s impossible to fit it back in place due to the unyielding clips.

Wednesday

Today is a better day with the Honda, despite the dangly rear view mirror. A journey into Glasgow holds no worries with its Low Emission Zone as the Honda qualifies for free entry. It also copes well with the tight turns to find a parking spot near where I need to be and the ride is just compliant enough to shrug off the city’s appalling road surfaces. However, the steering feels heavier than it needs to be around town.

Thursday

Our Al heads out from behind the wheel to behind the podium at the Scottish Car of the Year Awards

Into Edinburgh today as it’s Scottish Car of the Year Awards time. Held in association with Macklin Motors, I’m on duty to present a couple of awards and say a few words, and announce the winning car as the Hyundai IONIQ 6. The ZR-V was nominated in a category but missed out on a win, which I can understand as this week shows it’s competent but not a hybrid that really grabs the attention.

Friday

Off back home this morning after last night’s awards and it’s an early start for the Honda and I. Temperatures are well below freezing, but the ZR-V makes short work of defrosting itself and the heated seats and steering wheel are blessings. An hour on the motorway and I’m home, with the 2.0-litre petrol motor making easy work of the drive. I’m also a fan of Honda’s push button gear selectors.

Saturday

More chilly weather means no kids’ sports this weekend, but it also heralds another visit to Edinburgh to kit my son out for an upcoming ski trip. He enjoys shopping about as much as I do, but at least he’s kept entertained by the Honda’s infotainment and stereo. I, on the other hand, am still amazed at not being able to switch off the lane keep assist permanently. It seems to go off for short periods and then reactivate – infuriating on some of the roads I use regularly.

Sunday

Another week, another tot-up of economy, and in the case of the full hybrid Honda ZR-V, it’s not great news. Compared to the Ford Puma mild hybrid of the other week that easily exceeded its official claim, the Honda is almost 4mpg down at an average of 45.0mpg. It’s okay, but I didn’t drive the ZR-V with anything like the verve of the Ford as the Honda doesn’t encourage that kind of driving, so to be down on economy is disappointing.