Having turned its back on petrol and diesel development, Honda has committed its future to the electric vehicle for personal transport. Today, the Japanese car maker announced its latest electric vehicle, the cleverly named Honda e:Ny1. With Honda looking to revolutionise the market, this all-new B-segment SUV is the brand's flagship pure electric vehicle for Europe. The e:Ny1 boasts cutting-edge technology, a dynamic driving experience and is available in several flavours. Having left F1 with a championship winning hybrid motor after 2021, will it now be able to carve a reputation as a pioneering force in the electric vehicle landscape?
The centrepiece of the grand reveal was the e:Ny1's state-of-the-art front-wheel-drive – which Honda calls the e:N Architecture F platform. This platform incorporates a high-power motor and high-capacity battery, culminating in a dynamic drive that takes electric SUVs to (what Honda calls) an entirely new level. Honda engineers have worked meticulously to ensure the e:Ny1 attains an astonishing 256 miles of range on the WLTP cycle which, they believe, defies expectations for this segment.
We loved the original Honda e – but it did not sell in the volumes Honda would have liked.
They are also looking to offer a game-changing price tag and an extended five year care package.
When order books open in late October, customers will be offered a price of £44,995 alongside a special care package – which aims to bolster customer confidence. Hard to understand why that might be necessary in Europe, where electric vehicle adoption is happening at record rates – and Honda already has a strong reputation for quality. Last year, after-market care provider Warrantywise named Honda as the most reliable car for 2022 – ahead of fellow Japanese makers Toyota and Suzuki.
The complimentary Five Year Care Package that comes with each e:Ny1 purchase in the UK, includes:-
- Five years servicing
- Five year guarantee – initial three year manufacturer warranty plus a bonus two year extension
- Five years roadside assistance – both in the UK and across Europe
So what about trim levels? Well the ‘Elegance' trim stands as the e:Ny1's entry point, with an array of features and luxury touches. Notably, the trim includes an eight-way electrically adjustable driver's seat in synthetic leather, providing optimal comfort and support for long journeys. Both front passengers can enjoy heated seats – perfect for wet British summers and cold winter mornings.
In lieu of the wrap around screen provided with the standard ‘e', there's a large 15.1-inch central touchscreen and a 10.25-inch digital instrument display work in tandem to provide an functional driving and infotainment experience. Advanced EV information, energy use, charging status, Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay all come together to try and deliver a solid digital experience for Honda customers.
Honda's dedication to innovation doesn't stop at the hardware level. The e:Ny1 comes fully equipped with the My Honda+ app, a ground-breaking solution that seamlessly integrates smartphone functionality with the electric vehicle experience. Users can conveniently schedule climate control and remote charging, empowering drivers to maximize comfort and efficiency. The Core Connectivity package (provided free for the first eight years of ownership), adds more value – potentially making the e:Ny1 a good investment for long-term ownership. That could have a positive affect on not only re-sale values, but also lower costs for leasing plans – which are so heavily tied in with residuals.
The Digital Key package, which allows the driver and up to five others to lock, unlock, and start the vehicle through the app, is offered free of charge for the first year. Meanwhile, the Safety and Journey package, also complementary for the first year, provides Digital Roadside Support in the event of a breakdown, ensuring drivers have support when they need it most.
For those who want a little more from their interiors, Honda offers an ‘Advance' trim. With a starting price of £47,195 OTR, this top-of-the-line offering presents customers with Honda's version of the ultimate in convenience and luxury (for the B-segment at least).
Advance trim customers have the option to choose between black or light grey premium synthetic leather seats, allowing them to customize the interior to their preferred taste. The inclusion of a panoramic sunroof, heated leather steering wheel, and premium audio system transforms every journey into a first-class experience. Furthermore, the hands-free power tailgate enhances loading and unloading of large or heavy items, making daily tasks a breeze.
For us, weak in-car audio has been the bane of electric vehicles over the past 10 years. The additional cost of an electric battery, means that many EV versions of regular cars can cost £6-12,000 more than their fossil-fuelled siblings. However, the speakers often still belong to the cheaper polluting car's spec – and can sound tinny. Nice that Honda is taking care of customers with strong audio upgrade options that don't break the bank.
One of the standout features of the Advance trim is Honda's Parking Pilot system. This advanced system is supported by a multi-view camera system and additional side sensors – offering six variations of parking scenarios, including bay, parallel and diagonal parking. With the Parking Pilot system, drivers can confidently navigate tight parking spaces, taking the stress out of urban driving.
That brings us onto safety. Honda has pretty much always been synonymous with reliability and safety – and the e:Ny1 looks to continue this tradition. The entire e:Ny1 range comes standard with Honda's full suite of SENSING active safety technology, providing drivers with a comprehensive set of driver aids to enhance safety on the road. Features like Collision Mitigation Braking, Blind Spot Information, Road Departure Mitigation, Lane Keep Assist and Traffic Sign Recognition combine to create a cocoon of protection for occupants and other road users. Having experienced Honda's ‘accident prevention algorithm' first hand, we can tell you that it's very effective.
Rebecca Adamson, Head of Automobile at Honda UK, expressed her excitement about the e:Ny1, describing it as “The culmination of 75 years of Honda engineering excellence and integrity”. She highlighted the e:Ny1's role in Honda's electrification journey, showcasing the brand's commitment to sustainable mobility without compromising on performance, comfort or usability.
With an enticing mix of attractive design, high specification levels and engaging dynamics – the e:Ny1 sets a high bar for future Honda models, signalling a bright future for the brand as it embraces the electric revolution wholeheartedly.
While there was a ‘Marmite' element to the original Honda e. While most fell in love with its ‘What if East Germany was still a thing and they made advanced electric mini cars' design – sales were disappointing.
Anticipation has been building among dealers for a more competitive/appealing offer and the e:Ny1 could well be the car that launches Honda's sales in the UK. The order books are set to open late October, and with deliveries expected from January 2024, so the countdown has begun for an electric SUV experience that Adamson describes as “unlike any other”, is well underway.
As Honda looks to usher in a new era of electrification, the e:Ny1 emerges as a potential game-changer for the Japanese giant – as it looks to embody innovation and sustainability with driving pleasure.
Can its cutting-edge technology, customer-centric features and forward-thinking design help to establish the e:Ny1 as a force to be reckoned with on the UK's forecourts?