Exclusive First Drive in The Amazing New Honda e.
New Honda e – Exclusive First Drive.
Electricity provides the perfect energy for city driving – it’s clean, efficient and produces dynamic performance with zero emissions. The new Honda e has been designed to be electric from the ground up, so no compromise has had to be made with its dynamics and handling. Power comes from a compact 35.5kWh lithium-ion battery, which drives the rear wheels via an electric powertrain, exclusively developed for the Honda e.
Maximised Range & Performance;
Fully charged, it has a range of up to 222km’s, which is more than enough to do all the things you love to do in and around town. Performance and range are constantly maximised, thanks to a clever system that keeps the batteries at their optimum working temperature. Charging the Honda e is effortless thanks to its charging point being positioned centrally into the bonnet, allowing easy access from either side of the car. It features an integrated LED light which clearly indicates the status of the charge, and a safety lock to ensure the power cable cannot be removed whilst in use. Charging times vary depending on the type of charger utilised, but you can quick charge to 80% capacity in as little as 31 minutes with a rapid charger – which is less time than it takes to charge a smartphone.
Simple, Flowing Design;
At the recent Irish media launch, I was amazed by the simple, flowing exterior design of the new Honda e. Unique style features include pop-out door handles and a Side Camera Mirror System instead of traditional door mirrors – an exclusive feature for a car in its class – while a circular lamp design for the front and rear lights help define the ‘human face’ of the car. The minimalistic interior of the Honda e complements the exterior perfectly. Contemporary materials create a relaxing and modern lounge-like space enhanced by melange-style sofa fabric and other tactile materials. Five neatly integrated high-resolution colour screens span the entire width of the car’s interior, with the Side Camera Mirror Systems screens ergonomically placed at either end of the dashboard to ensure a natural feel and vision for the driver.
Impressive Performance;
The battery in the Honda e produces 136PS or 154PS (depending on the model chosen – standard Honda e, or Honda e Advance), while a hefty 315Nm of instant torque ensures a 0-100km/h sprint time as low as 8.3-seconds. My one hour test drive of Honda’s first all-electric urban car provided me with a great insight into just how special the Honda e really is. The advanced technology within the cabin makes the car easy to use, while the compact external dimensions ensure easy manoeuverability. It is clear to see that the Honda e is a dream made real with its unique combination of dynamic performance, refined comfort and futuristic technology. The uncluttered and beautifully simple interior design provides maximum room for all occupants, while palpable surfaces and refined materials insulate the cabin from the hustle and bustle of city streets. With a top speed of 145km/h, the Honda e is extremely capable of motorway driving too, thereby providing the driver with the best of both worlds.
Priced To Entice;
The all-new, all-electric, Honda e will go on sale in Ireland from November, priced from just €29,995 (inclusive of SEAI grants and VRT relief). Available from selected Honda dealers nationwide, the Honda e is a combination of dynamic performance, refined comfort and futuristic technology with the most comprehensive range of standard safety features in its class. Annual road tax is just €120.
Text & images – DG Motoring Matters.
