2024 Honda ZR-V: Four-Star Safety Rating Raises Concerns

The 2024 Honda ZR-V has received a four-star safety rating from ANCAP, falling short of the coveted five-star standard. This rating, based on Euro NCAP testing, highlights some areas of concern in the vehicle's safety performance and specification differences between Australian and European models.

Key Safety Ratings:

ANCAP Rating (based on Euro NCAP tests):
- 4-star overall rating
- Adult Occupant Protection: Narrowly missed five-star threshold
- Safety Assist: Below five-star requirements

Key Safety Features:

11 airbags including front, knee, front-centre, side, rear side, and full-length curtain airbags
Honda Sensing suite of driver assistance technologies
Front and rear parking sensors
Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (on higher trims)

Performance in Specific Tests:

Structural differences noted between Australian and European models
Different front bumper beams affecting test performance in some impact locations
Omission of additional beam in rear doors (present in European models)

Pros:

Comprehensive airbag system
Honda Sensing suite of active safety features
Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Traffic Alert on higher trims

Cons:

Four-star rating falls short of top safety standards
Structural differences compared to European models
Less sophisticated active collision avoidance features compared to European versions

Final Comments:

The four-star safety rating for the 2024 Honda ZR-V raises concerns about the differences in safety specifications between Australian and European models. While the vehicle offers a range of safety features, the lower rating suggests there's room for improvement in both structural design and active safety systems.

Ending Statement:

Honda Australia faces challenges in explaining the safety discrepancies between markets. As consumer expectations and safety standards continue to evolve, pressure may mount on manufacturers to provide consistent safety specifications across all markets.