I think it unlikely that the Sport would have a stiffer ride, but don't know.

Just read through the Autocar review wondering if different suspension was mentioned. It wasn't, but that doesn't mean they are the same. Re ride, I'd be looking at wheel/tyre size, because a larger diameter wheel on lower profile tyres are going to affect the ride (and noise levels) anyway.

Couple of other points jumped out from the review though. First is that for a family SUV (and especially compared to its rivals) it has a very small boot at 390 litres (which apparently drops to 380 on the Advanced due to Bose sound system). Kia Sportage for example has 587 litres, so the capacity offered by the ZR-V seems pitiful. Staying on (lack of) practicality, the ZR-V also doesn't have Honda's "magic seats" :-(

Also commented on was the driving position which places you very low within the car. Like they were aiming for drivers who felt they had to get an SUV but actually wanted a sports car!. Not necessarily a bad thing, depends on what you want.

Noise levels were also mentioned, not because it was particularly loud, but because it is noisier than the Civic. Apparently the Civic uses "digital noise reduction", not sure but I'm assuming this is the same tech used in some ear phones, anyway it is not as effective in the ZR-V leading to more noticeably "thrashy" engine noise when pressing on.