It is no secret that Honda cars have been valued by drivers as being one of the most reliable brands around. The Japanese company offer a wide range of useful, practical cars from the evergreen Civic to the big and popular CR-V sport utility vehicle (SUV).
Their latest offering comes in the form of a compact SUV with a name that doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue. It’s a brand new electric vehicle (EV) called the e:Ny1. In some global regions in due course it is likely to be called the more approachable ‘Prologue’ but for now we are stuck with a name that looks like it should be on the cover of a secret dossier. Whatever, in every other respect this car is a grown up EV, prices for which will start at around £44,995 in the UK. Order books are open now. Of course, overseas buyers who wish to export this car from the UK to Kenya, New Zealand, Ireland, the Caribbean and other destinations around the world will not pay this as exports via the comprehensive service provided by MHH International are VAT-free. Find the details for this here.
On The Outside
In looks, this EV might be considered just an electrified version of the brand’s well-known HR-V; but it isn’t. Yes, it offers a familiar Honda family appearance but it is in fact all-new from the ground up, based on the company’s latest EV chassis. Sleek, expressive headlights and a smooth, noiseless front grille give the e:Ny1 a bold face and set the scene for the flowing design theme across the entire car.
A fine horizontal LED strip beneath the bonnet line connects the headlights and creates a unique lighting signature when charging. The sporty front spoiler lip appears to float beneath the lower grille section, which closes to hide the radiator when the e:Ny1 is parked. The lower grille is finished in a smart gloss black for a sleeker finish. The charging port is located behind a panel in the front grille that rotates inwards to allow access, with its central position enabling easy charging from either side of the car.
Concentrating on the e:Ny1’s range-topping Advance model, which starts from £47,195, this SUV offers convenient and premium features like a panoramic sunroof. Driver aids include Collision Mitigation Braking, Blind Spot Information, Road Departure Mitigation, Lane Keep Assist and Traffic Sign Recognition, plus front and rear parking sensors and a reversing camera. A choice of alloy wheels make up the package.
There’s a 201bhp motor powering only the front wheels. It gets its power from a high-capacity battery with a usable power of 61.9kWh and should be able to travel a little over a useful 256 miles on a full charge, which is pretty much standard for this sector.
On The Inside
For the interior customers can choose either black or light grey premium synthetic leather seats, depending on the exterior colour. A heated leather steering wheel, and premium audio system are all included as standard. Convenience when loading or unloading large or heavy items is enhanced with a hands-free powered tailgate.
The Advance version also features Honda’s Parking Pilot system, which is supported by a multi-view camera system as well as additional side sensors. When engaged, the system identifies a suitable space and controls the steering, brakes, accelerator and gear shifting. It covers six variations of parking scenarios, including bay, parallel and diagonal parking.
Elsewhere, the Elegance variant come with a comprehensive specification that includes an eight-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat finished in synthetic leather, heating functionality for both front passengers, auto dimming mirrors, dual zone air conditioning, a wireless charging pad and multiple USB ports, smart entry and push button start as well as power heated mirrors, sequential indicators, and privacy glass.
All models feature a large 15.1 inch central touchscreen and a 10.25 inch digital instrument display that combine to offer an extensive suite of driving and infotainment features, including the presentation of advanced EV information, including energy use and charging status, alongside Android Auto and wireless Apple Car Play, naturally.
The My Honda+ app allows users to schedule climate control and remote charging via their smartphone as part of the Core Connectivity package. The Digital Key package, which enables the driver and up to five others to lock, unlock and start the vehicle via the app, is also available though perhaps risky with overly keen teenagers in the family. Honda’s full suite of SENSING active safety technology is fitted as standard across the e:Ny1 range.
On The Road
The sprint to 62mph (100kph) is achieved in just 7.6 seconds which is brisk enough for most of us. In tests, this car drives very nicely and feels quick and agile, making overtaking safe and getting up to speed without drama in either ‘Normal’ or ‘Sport’ mode. The ride quality is good and handling crisp. Honda have done a decent job of making this car interesting and involving. For a small family SUV that seats five adults at a pinch and that is both practical and enjoyable, Honda might just be onto something.
