Going from A A to E is easy
GILES BLAIR explains why Honda’s all-electric supermini is ideal for many motorists’ needs – and has the bonus of giving them an enhanced driving experience
ECO-CONSCIOUS motorists with a low daily mileage really should check out the hi-tech and funky Honda e electric supermini.
Its cheeky exterior looks will definitely put a smile on your face, while the futuristic interior is something of a revelation.
Complementing the whole package is clever engineering from the quality Japanese brand that ensures a dynamic and enjoyable driving experience.
Depending on the version, the maximum range runs from 125 to 137 miles, so it is ideal for the average UK commuter who travels about 23 miles a day.
And a real bonus is that a rapid charger – either 100 or 50kW – can provide up to 80 per cent of that range in just 30 minutes.
Its kerbside charm comes mostly from the rounded front and rear light clusters, which really stand out against the car’s smooth surfaces. The Honda e design, to my mind, has a real blend of motoring heritage and chic modern urbanism.
The lights hark back to 60s and 70s designs yet are bang up to date with LED functionality.
Meanwhile, the clean design includes flush-fit door handles that pop out on approach – a high-class touch usually only found in far more expensive vehicles.
And the gloss black roof cleverly conceals a sunroof that, along with the large windows, lets light flood into the cabin, creating an airy interior.
Perhaps more impressive is a sleek, aerodynamic, camera system that does away with traditional wing mirrors and, in the case of the tested Advance grade, rearview mirror.
The latter is also substituted by a camera view that improves all-round visibility, particularly if you have passengers in the back of the car.
The interior has a similar vibe to the exterior – the fabrics and wood trim give the car a lounge-like ambience of
yesteryear and there is room for even four adults to travel in comfort.
Yet set against that is one of the most incredible digital, fully connected dashboards on the market – using five hi-res integrated screens that span the width of the Honda e’s interior.
At each end, there are screens that display clear views from the front-door mounted side cameras, while the driver benefits from an 8.8in instrument display.
But the highlight has to be the two 12.3in touchscreens that allow access to a range of intelligent applications and services, along with full smartphone integration.
So while the driver makes use of the sat nav, for example, the front passenger can be checking out the music choices.
Over and above that, the car has a smart voice-activated personal assistant feature and a wi-fi hotspot to stream movies while waiting for rapid charging to complete.
It’s all very clever stuff but the car is not without its practical considerations, with a slide-out cup-holder and smartphone storage tray and a 171-litre boot to take the weekly shop or a few short-break holdalls.
A raft of convenience features include keyless entry and start, auto lights and wipers, adaptive cruise control, as well as a parking assistance function backed up by sensors and a camera.
Then there are the likes of auto climate control, front windscreen de-icer, heated front seats and a heated, multi-function steering wheel.
Comprehensive safety systems also tick the boxes, with anti-collision features, lane keeping aids, blind spot and cross traffic monitors, traffic jam assistance and much more.
However, what surprised me the most was the performance of the Honda e, which is far from hum-drum, even by usually engaging EV standards.
It has a chassis especially developed for it and the rear-wheel drive gives it a really sporty “point and shoot” feel when it comes to handling. While this is arguably a car for city dwellers, I loved gunning it around undulating, country roads near my home in the hills south of Glasgow as it has real poise.
Adding to the fun are the centre console switches that allow a single pedal control system and normal or sport modes.
These can alter the car’s braking and acceleration quite dramatically, while steering paddles also allow you to adjust responses.
In the case of the Advance model, power is provided by a 35.5kWh lithium ion battery driving a 154PS motor – propelling the Honda e to 62mph in just 8.3 seconds.
The top speed is 90mph, which is more than enough for everyday needs on UK roads, while full charging takes a fraction over four hours using a 7.4kW wallbox or less than 19 hours via a domestic threepoint plug.
Good things come in small packages, it is often said. And that is certainly the case with the Honda e Advance – priced from just £34,165 on the road.