Somebody else already absorbed the expensive part. This 2024 Honda ZR-V VTi L+ has covered just 13,000 km, meaning the steepest stretch of the depreciation curve was paid for by its first owner while the car itself remains, in every practical sense, new.

The ZR-V slots between the compact HR-V and the family-sized CR-V, which happens to be exactly where most Australian buyers actually live. Roomy enough for a proper weekend away, compact enough that a shopping centre car park holds no fear.

Step inside and the appeal is immediate. Black leather against Platinum White paint, a driving position that lands right the first time, and a hush at speed that the class does not usually manage. Honda Sensing works away in the background without ever lecturing you about it.

Power comes from a 1.5 litre turbo-petrol four that has no interest in drama. Matched to the CVT it builds speed smoothly, sits at a hundred without raising its voice, and steers with the tightness Honda has always managed to engineer in when rivals settle for adequate.

School run, Eastern Freeway commute, a January run down the coast, the occasional tip trip with the rear seats folded flat. This is the shape of a Melbourne year, and the ZR-V absorbs all of it. With the balance of factory warranty most likely still in place, the first few years of ownership should be gloriously uneventful.

Cars this young seldom reach us with this little on the clock, and photographs struggle to convey quite how barely used it still feels.

Honda currently sells the HR-V, the ZR-V and the CR-V. Somewhere there is a naming department working steadily through the alphabet, hoping nobody is keeping score. Happily, the one in the middle turned out to be the pick of them.

All prices displayed exclude government charges. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information provided, MM Carz recommends you confirm with one of our consultants to confirm specific specifications/features about the car. Please also note our vehicles may not always be on display, as they may be in for detailing--please contact us in advance to confirm availability before visiting our showroom.