2023 Honda ZR-V press kit

Contents

1. Introduction: All-new ZR-V combines beautiful design, powerful performance, and exceptional dynamics with outstanding comfort
2. Sporty SUV silhouette with strong styling and road presence
3. Sophisticated interior offers premium comfort and usability
4. Innovative technology features in easy-to-use infotainment suite
5. Exceptional blend of powerful performance and efficiency
6. Responsive handling and a refined ride for outstanding driveability
7. Advanced suite of Honda SENSING technologies for optimum safety
8. Technical specifications

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1. Introduction: All-new ZR-V combines beautiful design, powerful performance and exceptional dynamics with outstanding comfort

• The all-new ZR-V is Honda’s latest electrified SUV model, offering the perfect blend of strong performance, robustness, and comfort
• C-segment SUV bridges the gap between the HR-V and CR-V
• Stylish, powerful, yet clean design continues evolution of Honda design language

The all-new Honda ZR-V cuts a unique silhouette in the C-SUV segment through a compelling combination of sophisticated styling, a high-quality interior, and an exciting yet comfortable drive. The all-new ZR-V has been engineered to inspire confidence, encourage freedom and appeal to a wide range of European customers.

Bridging the gap between the HR-V and the new CR-V, the ZR-V is the latest Honda SUV to come with the company’s highly acclaimed e:HEV hybrid powertrain as standard. Revised for its application to this model, it continues to offer a unique blend of exceptional performance and efficiency across all road types, from the highway to country lanes. As such, the clean yet powerful 2.0-litre, four-cylinder direct injection engine works in conjunction with two motors to provide exhilarating performance usually associated with sports hatchbacks.

The elegant exterior design of the ZR-V is defined by the timeless mixture of smooth uninterrupted surfaces that flow from front to rear, with precise panel gaps and tightly defined detailing features, such as the sharply creased belt line. Initiated at the front through the slimline headlights, with clearly defined light signatures, and a large, stylised grille, the noiseless appearance continues down the clean flanks and culminates with a bold rear bumper and taillights that are neatly integrated with the tailgate.

ZR-V’s dimensions place it at the centre of Honda’s European SUV range, and provides exceptional spaciousness, practicality, and comfort within a compact package. During the design process, Honda engineers focused on delivering a stylish, elegant cabin that subtly integrates and maximises useful functionality, ensuring the cabin is both aesthetically and functionally beautiful. This allows for ease of use in everyday life thanks to a range of stowage points and useful functions such as multiple USB charging slots.

This is complemented by high-quality materials, detailed finishing, and subtle lighting to create a premium ambience. The low set dashboard and raised central console, alongside plush knee pads and arm rests, have the effect of cosseting occupants, while sophisticated HMI technology keeps driver and passengers connected to the outside world, in addition to the functionality of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The ZR-V is the latest Honda vehicle to feature the company’s advanced suite of Honda SENSING technologies as standard. Combined with a comprehensive airbag system and impressive all-round collision performance, the ZR-V achieves high levels of both active and passive safety.

“The all-new ZR-V was developed to create an SUV that is unlike others, delivering segment-leading levels of practicality, usability and comfort as well as a bold and powerful presence and beautifully detailed interior. More than that, we wanted to create an exciting SUV that delivers a highly responsive and engaging driving experience,” says Yutaka Kato, ZR-V Large Project Leader. “We believe that ZR-V offers the perfect package to meet the unique demands of customers across Europe, who demand exceptional performance and dynamics, everyday versatility, a beautiful, sleek design and a highly efficient hybrid powertrain for which Honda is renowned.”

2. Sporty SUV silhouette with strong styling and road presence

• Sleek proportions form a sporty SUV shape with strong road presence
• Seamless exterior design, from the integrated headlights and bold grille to the smooth rear aesthetic
• Aerodynamic styling elements combine with noiseless surfaces to manage airflow over and around the vehicle

The bold and imposing silhouette of the all-new Honda ZR-V will appeal to customers who want a sporty and sophisticated looking SUV, with noiseless surfaces that create a sleek appearance and a bold front face that ensures a strong road presence. Functionality in design was a key focus for Honda engineers, so each panel and component are optimised to aid visibility from within and enhance aerodynamic performance.

This clean silhouette is enhanced by the use of laser brazing on the roof panel, which reduces join lines for a seamless finish over larger body areas. The quest for uninterrupted lines extends to the smart door handle design, which has removed the need for parting lines between the handle and lock.

The front of the SUV is dominated by a stylised, gloss black grille design that is made up of strong vertical bars on both Elegance and Advance grades, whilst Sport models receive a unique honeycomb shape finish. The slimline headlights are accentuated by the chiselled front bumper to give a defined, sculpted look, with feature lines that extend off the bonnet and beneath the light cluster to frame the unit, adding tone and depth.

Beneath the lights, the front bumper features a discrete vertical slot ahead of the front wheel, which serves as part of the aerodynamic air curtain that reduces overall vehicle drag. Sport grades gain a revised bumper design with further gloss black cladding around the air curtain inlet area, emphasising the aperture and the sporting undertones of the ZR-V.

Helping establish the confident exterior of the ZR-V is the stylised lower body cladding that wraps around the lowest parts of the car, taking in front and rear bumpers, side skirts and wheel arches. Elegance grades feature a textured finish to these components, whilst Sport and Advance grades are finished in gloss black.

The double arc wheel arches emphasise the strong grounding of the car, giving the ZR-V an assured, purposeful stance. This is continued down the sides, with a negative volume and pronounced swage line between the wheels, accentuating the width of the arches. The flanks are free from superfluous details and creases, leading to a refined, classy appearance and typified through the tightly defined beltline that flows the length of the car. By ensuring the majority of the vehicle’s mass sits below this, alongside an expansive glasshouse above, the ZR-V exudes a confident, sure-footed appearance.

This subtly defined approach continues to the rear of the ZR-V, with a detail line running across the car to add definition and width, which is further compounded by the slimline, horizontal rear light clusters. Their internal signature is arranged in a unique way to give the ZR-V a strong, easily identifiable appearance, even at night.

Sport and Advance grades also benefit from dual exit exhaust, finished with highly polished chrome surrounds and a gun metal finished central under cladding element to add further depth and definition to the rear of the vehicle.

Aerodynamic styling elements are integrated throughout the ZR-V and combine with the smooth, noiseless surfaces for complete airflow management around the vehicle. The tailgate spoiler works in combination with the rear light cluster design to help optimise airflow down the entire car, while the spoiler’s blowdown angle has been optimised, as has the rearward flow detachment on the rear three-quarter panel. When paired with the air curtain and optimised underfloor sections, the ZR-V has minimised the size of the flow loss area to deliver class-leading aerodynamic performance*.

At 1,620mm tall unladen, 1,840mm wide and 4,568mm long, with a 2,657mm wheelbase, the ZR-V slots neatly into the current Honda SUV line up. Being 50mm wider than the HR-V and 59mm lower than the CR-V, the vehicle is compact yet spacious, offering a compelling balance of capability, spaciousness, and versatility.

Customers can choose from five exterior colours at launch, including Diamond Dust Pearl, Ruse Black Metallic, Radiant Red Metallic, Platinum White Pearl, and Still Night Blue Pearl.

The ZR-V range has 18-inch alloy wheels as standard, finished in Pewter Gray for Elegance and a Matt Berlina Black for Sport grades, while Advance grades offer a diamond cut and Berlina Black finish for a more premium appearance.

*Internal testing result

3. Sophisticated interior offers premium comfort and usability

• Premium interior experience for the driver and passengers, prioritising high levels of comfort and usability
• Driver-focused cabin with tactile touch points and easy-to-use functionality
• Cabin layout prioritises usability, with clever storage and smart functionality for all occupants

The all-new Honda ZR-V offers a premium experience for driver and passengers through a sophisticated interior design that blends high quality materials and tactile touch points, with practicality, functionality, and class-leading levels of comfort.

Honda’s designers prioritised the use of high-quality materials throughout the cabin, with soft-touch materials and tactile touch points. A large nine-inch touchscreen sits in the centre of the wide upper dash panel, which stretches across the front of the cabin to enhance the sense of lateral space. The wraparound dashboard and large centre console, alongside plush knee pads and arm rests, all combine to envelope occupants in premium comfort.

Repeated digital modelling during the design and development of the interior has resulted in a unique ridged aesthetic to all door linings and trunk interior panels. This unified finish ensures a lasting premium finish by visually minimizing the impact that scuffs and scratches have on trim in areas prone to damage from ingress and egress.

The split layer centre console is unique to ZR-V and has been designed to neatly incorporate the gear shifter and parking brake button, which are optimally positioned for ease of use. The shift-by-wire gear selector has been redesigned with a unique shape and movement for each button, to make it intuitive for the driver to use without having to take their eyes off the road.

A three-spoke steering wheel with a smooth leather finish and gloss black accents creates a premium feel for the driver. Added convenience is provided by buttons for audio, phone and setting controls on the left steering wheel spoke, and the cruise control interface and vehicle information selector on the right. Advanced grades gain a heated steering wheel, controlled by a button discreetly positioned on the wheel’s lower, central spoke. Genuine metal paddles are fitted to all grades and offer full control over the e:HEV’s regenerative braking force.

For front seat passengers, Honda’s body-stabilising seat structure offers additional lumbar and pelvis support to occupants for greater comfort. The seats incorporate a thick suspension mat with a wire and resin moulded structure, which is ergonomically designed to help reduce driver and passenger fatigue on long journeys. In the rear, the seats have been optimised to provide a relaxing seating posture for passengers, like that of a hatchback.

Depending on grade, the seats are trimmed in either fabric, half-, or full-leather options with high-quality detailing and quilting. Elegance grade models receive smart black Mélange fabric seat trim, with a complex embossed pattern, complemented by detailing across the dashboard.

Sport grade introduces a stylish synthetic leather and combi-tufted fabric mix – detailed with embroidered accents and vibrant silver detailing to the bolsters. The colourway introduces a more playful tone to the interior, and is complimented by a high-intensity sheen finish to the centre console and door cards.

Advance grade models introduce a more premium interior, with a seamless mix of synthetic and genuine perforated leather that features quilted details, all interspersed with a contrasting silver accent. Genuine leather lines the seat back and base for increased comfort, whilst a harder wearing synthetic adorns the bolsters to ensure a long lasting, premium finish.

Honda engineers focused on optimising the packaging and ergonomics to ensure exceptional all-round outward visibility and offer an engaging, rewarding driving experience. A high eye point provides the driver with a wide, unobstructed view from the windscreen and side windows. The field of view has been maximised by positioning the A-pillars as rearward as possible, mounting the smart wiper arms with integrated washer jets beneath the bonnet line, and the uninterrupted panel lines across the bonnet all aiding forward visibility. The door mirrors are also mounted on the door skin, away from the A-pillar, to reduce blind spots and ensure a clear line of sight down the length of the car is reflected in the mirrors for greater confidence when reversing or changing lanes.

Despite the high eye point, the ZR-V also offers drivers a hatchback-like driving experience and sense of being directly connected to the car through an inspiring driving position. This has been achieved by ensuring a low offset between the vehicle’s heel and hip points, akin to the Civic e:HEV hatchback, to give a supported and comfortable posture, with a reassuring seating position.

Practicality

The ZR-V features a vast array of storage trays and pockets designed to make life easier for occupants. In the front, this includes two cup holders, a centre tray, which  gains wireless mobile phone charging for Sport grades onwards, while the tall centre console incorporates storage areas for the driver and front passenger beneath the gear selector. The integrated tray beneath the console has room to store mobile phones, while the centre console box has enough space to easily stow a tablet.

Supporting busy lifestyles, the versatile rear cargo space features fold-flat seats, a load partition, retractable parcel cover and under floor storage. The ZR-V offers from 370 litres of cargo space at full passenger, 20% more than HR-V, and an additional 921 litres (1291L in total) by folding the rear seats down, while the low, wide boot aperture and flat cargo floor helps users when loading heavy items.

An automatic power tailgate is standard on the Sport grade and above, improving the ease of loading and unloading with both hands full. The system reacts to a kicking movement under the vehicle’s rear bumper to the open the boot, while a walk-away function automatically closes, and locks it.

4. Innovative technology features in easy-to-use infotainment suite

• User-focused HMI and simple-to-use technology keeps users connected to the car and the outside world
• High-quality digital displays and intuitive touchscreen controls deliver a premium experience with natural interactions
• Advance grade features a premium specification, including a heads-up display, Bose Premium Audio, 10.2” digital dial set and screen mirroring

The all-new ZR-V is equipped with a range of innovative technologies, designed to keep users connected to the car and the outside world. Simple controls and easy-to-read displays are optimised to enable natural and intuitive use.

Behind the steering wheel on Elegance and Sport grades sits a high-quality seven-inch TFT digital instrument binnacle, which works with an analogue speedometer to present key information in a sophisticated yet easy-to-read format for the driver. Infotainment status is presented on the left and vehicle and driving assistance information in the centre. Integrated into the binnacle is a new, simple to read power meter design, which is now linked to the engine to give a more engaging and immersive display of speed as the car accelerates.

Advance grade models gain a fully digitised 10.2-inch TFT readout that has been designed specifically to relay a multitude of vehicle data and real-world information as clearly and concisely as possible to occupants. Honda’s conscious approach for minimizing distractions and ensuring the driver is in full control is reflected in the control functions of the steering wheel – the jogger dial on the left side of the steering wheel controls the infotainment status display, allowing users to select audio, phone, or setting functionalities, while the right-side jogger dial controls the vehicle and driving assistance functions.

A nine-inch touchscreen located atop the dashboard provides an instantaneous, clear display of information for the driver and front passenger, with key information such as the audio output, time and vehicle status. There is also a shortcut area that registers up to six apps to avoid excessive menu navigation, while physical buttons and dials are retained for home, back and volume for ease of use and increased safety while driving. Everyday applications can be accessed via the ZR-V’s touchscreen as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring.

Advance grades gain an all-new five-inch heads-up display (HUD) that is projected on to the inside of the windscreen and presents drivers with priority information such as speed, navigation, Honda SENSING features and incoming calls – all while maintaining their line of vision.

To ensure uninterrupted connectivity for all occupants, the ZR-V features five individual ports for charging mobile devices throughout the cabin. At the front, there is a 15-watt wireless charging pad for smartphones, in addition to illuminated fast-charging USB-A and USB-C ports beneath the gear selector in the centre console. For rear passengers, two illuminated fast-charging USB-C ports are located by the air vents in the rear of the centre console.

For Elegance and Sport grades, an eight-speaker audio system is included as standard. The Advanced model benefits from an upgraded premium 12-speaker audio system – complete with a high-capacity sub-woofer – that was developed jointly with BOSE to fill the cabin with a realistic concert hall sound experience.  

5. Exceptional blend of powerful performance and efficiency

• Proven hybrid powertrain delivers exceptional blend of strong driving performance while retaining impressive fuel economy
• ZR-V features the latest iteration of 2.0-litre direct-injection Atkinson engine and two motors to deliver torque comparable to a 3.0-litre ICE
• Refined power delivery accentuated through linear step-change to deliver enjoyable, punchy acceleration at any speed

The latest model to be built around Honda’s acclaimed e:HEV hybrid technology, the ZR-V features an upgraded version of the twin electric motor system. As found in the Civic e:HEV, the powertrain now produces a total power output of 135 kW and 315 Nm of torque, providing acceleration from a standstill to 62 mph / 100 km/h from just 7.8 seconds.

Despite the strong performance, the ZR-V also offers genuine real-world efficiency, where the updated e:HEV produces CO₂ emissions from 130 g/km (WLTP) and achieves fuel economy from just  5.7 L/100km (WLTP combined).

The full-hybrid powertrain combines a power-dense lithium-ion battery and two compact, powerful electric motors with a newly developed 2.0-litre direct-injection Atkinson-cycle petrol engine, shifting without notice between EV, Hybrid and Engine Drive with no input from the driver.

When driving in an urban environment the vehicle mostly runs in EV Drive, producing zero emissions whilst utilising the seamless and responsive traits of electric driving. When the driver requires stronger acceleration, the car will switch to Hybrid Drive to propel the wheels via the powerful electric motor, with the internal combustion engine generating the required electric power.

At constant high speeds, such as on the motorway, the system will shift to Engine Drive, and is directly and efficiently powered by the petrol engine with minimum losses and assisted by the electric motor when necessary. When the required drive energy increases towards top speed, the system switches back to Hybrid Drive to unleash the full output of the electric motor.

In all drive modes, brake and deceleration energy is recuperated to improve the overall efficiency, resulting in remarkably low fuel consumption – particularly in stop and go traffic. Thanks to the high rigidity of the crankshaft and the secondary balancer shaft, the engine has lower vibrations over the entire speed range than in previous generations of the e:HEV system, enabling a smooth drive in every mode.

The evolution of Honda’s hybrid technology over 20 years has resulted in a sophisticated yet compact and efficient power unit that combines the responsiveness and power of an electric motor with the long-range refinement of a petrol engine to impress in both urban and rural driving. It not only provides instant response when accelerating at low speeds but also at high speeds on the motorway.

Linear shift control correlates engine sound to engine acceleration G for a more reassuring acceleration feel, which is a major evolution from Honda’s previous hybrid vehicles.

Using a drive selector, users can seamlessly switch between four drive modes: ‘Normal’, ‘Sport’, ‘Eco’ and ‘Snow’. Sport mode sharpens throttle response and improves performance, while Eco adjusts throttle response to improve fuel efficiency. The new Snow mode tailors throttle response characteristics to suit driving on low friction surfaces to reduce the burden on drivers in difficult conditions.

Refined engine offers class-leading thermal efficiency and emissions levels

Direct injection technology enables the fuel to be injected into the engine multiple times during a simple combustion phase, known as a multistage injection, which reduces emissions over a wide operating range. Optimised for faster and more efficient combustion and greater torque, the newly refined engine structure and combustion concept also helps the new ZR-V to cope with a higher compression ratio, thanks to improved exhaust port cooling performance and together with the Atkinson combustion cycle achieves an industry leading thermal efficiency of 41%.

Honda engineers developed the new engine to meet future emissions limits, using a low temperature activating catalyst, optimised intake port shapes for high tumble air flow and sodium filled valves, all of which help to improve both emissions and fuel economy.

The latest iteration of Honda’s Intelligent Power Unit (IPU) is positioned beneath the rear cargo area to optimize the overall vehicle packaging thanks to its compact dimensions and reduced weight. A new Power Control Unit (PCU), located under the bonnet to save space, controls the high voltage electric power of the hybrid system.

The increase in power density of the PCU and energy density of the IPU allows the electric motor to take more of the load in a greater range of driving scenarios. In turn, this enables the engine to run at a lower operating speed, reducing fuel consumption and allowing greater levels of torque at higher speeds.

6. Responsive handling and a refined ride for outstanding driveability

• Multi-link suspension and high-tensile structural materials result in predictable and confidence-inspiring steering
• Reduced friction in the front suspension and steering system for liner line traceability and steer feel
• Multi-link rear suspension and compliance bushings with optimized characteristics for excellent road holding

The all-new ZR-V inspires confidence behind the wheel, delivering impressive levels of grip and control in all driving situations and road conditions, from urban areas where responsive acceleration is required, to fast winding country routes where vehicle stability is key. With a chassis that is both light and rigid, plus a responsive hybrid powertrain, Honda’s latest SUV delivers driving characteristics more akin to a sporty hatchbacks.

The frame of the ZR-V is central to both the assured style and stance of the car, as well as the dynamic behaviour. Sitting 59mm lower than the CR-V (on 18” tyres) and 50mm wider than the HR-V, the low and wide appearance gives an impressive footprint and solid base on which to build a dynamic SUV.

At the front is a MacPherson strut arrangement mounted to a lightweight aluminium front subframe with an efficient truss and rib structure that provides rigidity and stability.

A tempering process heat treats the lower ball joints on the front suspension to reduce the surface pressure between the ball and resin ball seat. Additional friction-reducing measures include the use of a low-friction seat for the front damper mount bearings and optimizing the axes of the springs and dampers.

Multilink rear suspension and a floating subframe work together to deliver predictable and confidence-inspiring steering, while the lightweight subframe and optimised bushes deliver premium NVH management. Combined with a steering system that features a dual-pinion assist electric power steering (EPS) with feedback control, and low-friction ball joints in the chassis set up, steering is effortless but with exceptional feedback, boosting driver confidence and comfort at any speed. Strategic use of ultra-high-tensile materials and structural adhesive offer additional levels of chassis rigidity to help deliver assured handling when cornering at speed, by significantly reducing body roll.  

Dual-pinion assist electronic power steering (EPS) which features a honed steering column bearing to reduce steering friction and improve steering feel. In addition, the EPS has been tuned to provide excellent feedback and improved straight-line stability. A non-contact torque sensor measures the driver's steering effort, and an ECU determines how much electric motor assist to add, with the result being a seamless, natural steering feel.

Feedback control also was added to the EPS, enabling more precise control when unwinding the steering to return to a straight line. This results in smooth steering feel with strong resistance to ride disturbances, and excellent straight-line stability for driver peace of mind.

7. Advanced suite of Honda SENSING technologies for optimum safety

• Impressive all-round collision performance thanks to a combination of high strength materials
• The latest suite of Honda’s SENSING driver assist technologies provide next-generation active safety
• Wide-view camera and high-speed image processing chip enhance collision detection scope and accuracy

Road safety has long been of paramount importance to Honda, and the all-new ZR-V is the latest vehicle to feature the company’s advanced suite of Honda SENSING technologies as standard. Combined with an extensive airbag system and impressive all-round collision performance, Honda’s latest SUV offers high levels of safety for all occupants.

A combination of soft and rigid structural components, including a frame made of high tensile strength steel, form part of a body that provides exceptional front, rear and side collision protection. Strategic placement of high-tensile steels against softer steel ensures deformation paths direct energy away from occupants in the event of an accident.

The complex frame also features Honda’s ACE™ technology. Standing for Advanced Compatibility Engineering™, ACE™ utilises a network of front frame structures to absorb and deflect the energy from a frontal collision. This helps reduce the force transferred to the cabin and more evenly disperse the forces transferred to other vehicles involved.

There are 10 airbags, including a front centre airbag that prevents collisions between the driver and front passenger in the event of a side impact, and a knee airbag for front occupants. All airbags within the ZR-V incorporate Honda’s i-SRS technology, which creates uniform pressure around the bag more quickly than in a conventional system.

To ensure accurate and responsive active safety functionality, the ZR-V uses Honda’s latest camera and sonar technology. The front system features a wide-angle lens with an effective horizontal viewing angle of 100 degrees, which combines with a high-speed image processing chip to enhance the detection accuracy of objects for the Collision Mitigation Braking System and other applications.

Safety as standard

Honda SENSING is among the most comprehensive safety technology packages in its class, using camera information in conjunction with a host of high-tech sensors, to warn and assist the driver in potentially dangerous scenarios.

The Collision Mitigation Braking System, which helps bring the car to a stop if the system determines that a collision with a vehicle detected in front is unavoidable. A warning sound, and if necessary, brake pressure is automatically applied.

The Road Departure Mitigation System is the default safety system within the ZR-V. The always active system alerts drivers when lane drift is detected without a turn signal in use. This is complimented by Honda’s Lane Keep Assist System, which reduces the driver burden whilst behind the wheel and ensures the vehicle maintains proper position by gently applying steering inputs to ensure the ZR-V doesn’t depart from its identified detected lane.

Honda’s latest Traffic Jam Assist technology is also available, reducing the driver’s workload in low speed congested traffic by helping to keep the vehicle in its lane from 0 km/h. When traffic congestion clears, the car seamlessly switches to the Lane Keeping Assist System from 72 km/h – a lower speed than conventional systems.

The recently updated Traffic Sign Recognition System now detects and automatically recognises over 90% of road signs and displays them on the instrument binnacle behind the steering wheel. For example, the system can quickly notify the driver when they are approaching or passing a specific road sign, such as speed limits or any restrictions. The system also provides a pre-notification of signs to inform the driver as soon as possible and help them prepare sooner for junctions.

Adaptive Driving Beam automatically switches from high beam to low beam when an oncoming vehicle, or a vehicle in front, is detected, for the safety of both drivers. The Auto High-Beam Headlights are activated through the front sensor, which automatically switches the headlights when driving at night or in poor conditions such as fog.

The Driver Attention Monitor feature helps drivers recognise when their attention to the road is becoming diminished, enhancing their awareness on long journeys. The system uses an angle sensor to measure the degree of steering-wheel corrections by the driver to maintain a proper lane position. If it senses unusual and constant correction activity, the system will notify the driver to take a break. The Driver Attention Monitor remains active in the background and users can customise the warnings via the settings menu available from the display audio home screen.

8. Technical specifications

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