Mugen Previews Tuned Honda ZR-V Concept For TAS 2023

More news from the world of car modification, this time from Japan as Honda tuners Mugen as it looks ahead towards the upcoming Tokyo Auto Salon 2023 (TAS 2023) show happening in January 2023 (next month).

For that, the firm has previewed one of the two cars it will have on show then. Pictured here is the Mugen Honda ZR-V e:HEV that’s heading to the show where it will go on display alongside Mugen’s tuned Honda Civic Type-R (FL5) concept. 

While this hybrid crossover SUV doesn’t sound as exciting as the latter hot hatch, it’s still quite an interesting thing to see.

The tuner chose to modify this hybrid variant of the ZR-V, which is the Japanese domestic market (JDM) version of the US-spec HR-V. Styling upgrades present include a more pronounced front splitter added to the front bumper featuring aluminum-styled inserts, faux bumper intakes, vertical slits in the grille, plus the addition of the famed Mugen emblem.

At the rear, this ZR-V gets treated with a special add-on above the taillights, along with an extension of the rear spoiler, and the rear bumper too. The latter now sports black extensions and quad-tailpipes, which seems like a rather odd addition for a hybrid urban SUV.

Standard JDM-spec Honda ZR-V e:HEV pictured above for comparison with Mugen's concept below.

To refresh your memory, this JDM-spec Honda crossover SUV employs a similar petrol-electric hybrid powertrain as found in the Civic e:HEV RS introduced locally not too long ago. Unlike said sedan, this crossover SUV benefits further with an all-wheel-drive (AWD) driveline too.

Other changes added include new mirror caps, aerodynamic side sill extensions, not forgetting a new set of multi-spoke bi-tone alloy wheels. Aesthetically speaking, it’s evident to see that Mugen have indeed elevated the stance of what is otherwise a rather plain and ‘vanilla’ crossover SUV.

Apart from that, Mugen didn’t disclose any performance improvements in this redux of the JDM-spec Honda ZR-V. The tuning firm also didn’t divulge any details of the tuned Civic Type-R (FL5) that’s set to star in its TAS 2023 booth alongside this hybrid crossover.

Suffice to say, the former will be something many fans will anxiously look forward too over the latter featured here…