HONDA e HATCHBACK SPECIAL EDITIONS 113kW Special Edition 36kWh 5dr Auto

The Honda e redefines what a full-electric city car can be. Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Ten Second Review

Electric cars are all very worthy but, by and large, they tend to lack any kind of 'want one' factor. Here's one though, that you might really covet - the Honda e. Because it's very small and doesn't go particularly far on a single charge, it's very much an urban town runabout. But what a cool one to have.

Background

What should a city-based full-electric urban runabout really be if an element of desirability as well as efficiency is called for? Something like the Honda e? We can see why you might think so. The Japanese brand believes that EV makers have been producing boring, pricey products with expensive technology delivering extended range that city folk don't actually really need. Which explains why the Honda e restricts the size of both its battery and the resulting driving range. There are many compensations though, as we're about to see...

Driving Experience

Almost everything about this car is different - including the way it's been engineered. Drive is from the back not the front. There's a DC electric motor, not an AC one. And it sits under the boot floor, not under the bonnet. Even the wheels are of contrary design - the rims are staggered in width, like they are on Honda's NSX supercar, half an inch narrower at the front at the rear. In keeping with that, there's the kind of perfect dynamic 50:50 weight distribution that's foreign to most other EVs. All of this we think you'll like - even the curious electric motor placement, which decimates boot space but makes possible a tiny London taxi-like 4.3-metre turning radius. The differentiation point we think you'll be less happy with is Honda's decision to go against the grain when it comes to battery size and not to prioritise here the thing that most EV customers prioritise; driving range. You can't give a car like this a heavy all-steel structure and a resulting one and a half tonne kerb weight, then give it a little 35.5 kWh battery and expect it to go it to go very far on a single charge - and it doesn't. The official WLTP figure is up to 137 miles - but real world? You get sweaty palms just trying to reach three figures Still, there are lots of compensations. Light, quick steering, great cornering body control, a brilliantly supple quality of ride thanks to the all-independent suspension and the novelty of Honda's 'Side Mirror Camera System', which replaces conventional door mirrors with 6-inch colour screens that sit at either end of the dash. Switch out of the 'Normal' drive mode into the alternative 'Sport' setting that further decimates the range and there's an appropriate bit of zip to go with all of this - especially up to 30mph, courtesy of a 154PS electric motor (now the only one available), which makes 60mph in 8.3s.

Design and Build

Rarely have we ever tested a car that looks quite so much like a motor show concept. Not everyone will like the look of this Honda e, but there's certainly nothing like it on the road. It's certainly small - just 3.9-metres in length - and quite tall too, the roofline 100mm higher than a rival MINI Electric Hatch. It's a clean sheet design with virtually nothing - visually or in terms of engineering - shared with the brand's only fractionally larger Jazz Hybrid, which is impressive. There's brand DNA here, but the character and style of what a small Honda should be has been re-imagined for the 21st century. And so much about it will be fascinating if you find a different approach to be also an intriguing one. At the wheel, there's lots of showroom wow factor, though we're not too keen on the incongruous light wood trim. Two 12-inch screens sit at the centre of the dash and it's possible to 'swap' displays between them - so, for instance, you might want to pass the sat nav over to the front passenger to type in an address, say. You can even hook up a games console to the HDMI input port. Or select wallpaper or aquarium screen backgrounds to sooth your mood. The main interior talking point though, will probably be the corner monitors that take the place of exterior door mirrors, a design idea we first saw on a much bigger EV, the Audi e-tron. Here, the concept actually works a little better - the mirror displays are a little better sited. And on the 'Advance' variant, aother little screen takes the place of the rear view mirror, though you can flip it back to a conventional mirror surface if you wish. Predictably, there's not much room in the back and the boot is just 171-litres in size.

Market and Model

Prices start from around £37,000 for the base 136PS 'Advance' model - or from around £38,000 for the better-equipped 154PS 'Advance'-specced variant. The base version includes most of the stuff you'd want: 16-inch alloy wheels, climate control, all-round parking sensors, a rear view camera, keyless entry, an alarm, ambient lighting, front heated seats and that clever Side Camera Mirror System. Infotainment is provided by two 12.3-inch Dual Touchscreens featuring Honda CONNECT with 'HERE' Navigation, Bluetooth, a 6-speaker DAB audio system, 'Android Auto' and 'Apple CarPlay' smartphone-mirroring, app integration and internet browsing. To this tally, the 'Advance' model adds an upgraded 8-speaker Premium Audio system with a dedicated hardwire amplifier, a heated windscreen, a heated steering wheel, a Centre Camera System, a 230V electric outlet, the Honda Parking Pilot system to steer you into spaces and the option of larger 17-inch wheels. Safety kit on both models runs to a Collision Mitigating Braking System, Lane Keeping Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition, Road Departure Mitigation, Lead Car Departure Notification, Adaptive Cruise Control and an Intelligent Speed Limiter which adapts to the limit signs you pass. To this, the 'Advance' variant adds a Blind Spot Monitor and a Cross Traffic Monitor.

Cost of Ownership

You'll want the WLTP-rated driving range figure possible from the 35.5kWh lithium-ion battery first: it's officially classified at up to 136 miles. This car has an AC charging specification of 6.6kW and a DC Charging spec of 100kW. As usual with an EV you can set charging times via the centre screen or an app (here called Honda+). And by the same means, pre-condition the car so that it's either cool or hot when you get into it. Fast charging at 100kW to 80% takes 30 minutes, while a 50kWh charger will complete the same thing in 36 minutes. A home charger in your garage will recharge in around four hours. Many customers will want to budget ahead for scheduled maintenance with fixed-price scheme called 'Five'. It includes five years' worth of maintenance, an extended warranty for this period and roadside assistance breakdown cover should the unexpected happen. This can be transferred to a new owner if you sell the car before the service plan has expired. Residual values are expected to be significantly better than most other EV small car segment rivals. And the three year 90,000 mile warranty is better than the package you get from many competitors too. In addition, surface corrosion is covered for three years, exhaust corrosion is covered for five years, chassis corrosion is covered for ten years and structural corrosion for twelve years.

Summary

Before the Honda e came along, only the smart fortwo EQ and the MINI Electric were able to offer something more charismatic and fun in the smallest end of the EV segment. And the firm ride that characterises those cars isn't really what you'd ideally want in an urban-based runabout. The Honda e is, for us, a better stab at what a more individualistic car of this kind should be. It's modern, yet memorable, both inside and out, and little touches like the clever fascia screens and the virtual door mirrors provide the required cutting-edge feel that early adopters of technology tend to like. Quite a lot of the motor industry thinks that buyers want full-electric vehicles to look and feel just like the combustion-engined ones they left behind. Honda has a different perspective. Throughout its history, this innovative Japanese brand usually has had. Thank goodness for that.

Body Glass

Rear wiper

Privacy glass

Front windscreen de-icer

Automatic rain sensing wipers

Heated windshield

Electric front and rear windows

Brakes

Anti-lock Brake System + Electronic Brakeforce Distribution + Brake assist

Electronic parking brake

Hill start assist

Collision mitigation braking system

Regenerative braking system

Collision mitigation throttle control

Chassis/Suspension

Vehicle stability assist

Communication

Bluetooth hands free telephone connection

eCall emergency call system

Driver Aids

Adaptive cruise control

Rear view camera

Lane departure warning system

Lane keep assist

Front and rear parking sensors

Emergency stop signalling system

Forward collision warning

Traffic sign recognition

Road departure mitigation

Electric power steering wheel with variable gear ratio steering

Low speed following

Intelligent speed limiter

Honda parking pilot

Lead car departure notification system

Driver Information

Multi-information display

BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) with dual power heated blind spot mirrors

Driving Mirrors

Door mirror with side camera mirror system

Door mirror with centre camera mirror system

Door mirror with multi view camera mirror system

Entertainment

Steering wheel mounted audio controls

Subwoofer

DAB audio

2x USB sockets in front

2x USB sockets in rear

376w Premium power audio system with 8 speakers

HDMI socket

Honda dual screen (2x12.3")

Exterior Body Features

Rear spoiler

Body colour door handles

Panorama glass roof

Glass antenna

Premium plus paint

Rear side wing doors

Black H badges

Black Honda e emblem

Exterior Lights

Automatic coming/leaving home lighting function

LED daytime running lights

High beam assist

LED rear lights

LED front fog lights

Automatic LED headlights

3rd brake light

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Climate control air conditioning

Rear air vents

Interior Features

Leather steering wheel

Tonneau cover

Cloth upholstery

Heated steering wheel

Cargo hooks

Front accessory power socket

Black interior door handles

Tilt/telescopic adjustable steering wheel

Fabric interior panels

Under trunk charging cable storage

Interior Lights

Rear reading lights

Front map lights

Trunk light

Ambient light in roof

Footwell ambient interior light for driver and passenger

Meter illumination light

Safety

Rear door child safety locks

Front side airbags

Side curtain airbags

Anti-whiplash front headrests

Deflation detection system

Low speed safety system

Airbags - driver and front passenger

Passenger SRS airbag cut-off device

Front and rear seat belt with emergency locking retractor

Driver SRS airbag

Seats

Heated front seats

Rear headrests

Height adjustable front seats

Isofix points

Front seat manual lumbar support for driver

Single front passenger seat

2 seat bench in 2nd row

Security

Immobiliser

Security alarm

Honda super locks

Remote central locking with 2 remote folding keys

Smart entry + Smart start

Selectable door unlock

Ultrasonic sensor and tilt sensor

Window key fob

Vanity Mirrors

Illuminated sunvisor with vanity mirror

Vehicle Charging

6.6kw charger

Mode 2 P-EVSE charging cable

Wheels - Alloy

17" Black alloys

Wheels - Spare

Tyre repair kit

Electric Vehicle Data

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Charge Time (Mins): 1128

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Power Supply - kW: 2.3

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Charge Time (Mins): 246

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Power Supply - kW: 6.6

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Charge Time (Mins): 31

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Power Supply - kW: 50

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Percentage Change: 0-80

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Charge Time (Mins): N

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Power Supply - kW: N

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Percentage Change: N

Coupler/Connector Type: CCS Type 2

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Years: 8

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Mileage: 100000

Battery Capacity in kWh: 35.5

Battery Leased: 0

Battery Type: Lithium-ion

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb: 211

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb - TEL: 212

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb - TEH: 209

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb: 17.8

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb: 3.5

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb: 131

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb - TEH: 129

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb - TEL: 131

Battery Capacity % guaranteed under warranty: 70

Charging Port Location: Front

Usable Battery Capacity: N

Maximum Charging Rate - kW: 50

Emissions - ICE

CO2 (g/km): 0

Standard Euro Emissions: N

Noise Level dB(A): N

CO: N

HC: N

NOx: N

HC+NOx: N

Particles: N

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders - Bore (mm): N

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): N

CC: 1

Cylinders: N

Cylinder Layout: N

Number of Valves: N

Camshaft: N

Fuel Delivery: N

Catalytic Convertor: N

Engine Layout: REAR TRANSVERSE

Compression Ratio: N

Transmission: AUTO

Gears: 1 SPEED

Engine Code: ZC784LGKE

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: N

EC Urban (mpg): N

EC Extra Urban (mpg): N

EC Combined (mpg): N

General

Coin Series: Special Edition

Coin Description: 36kWh

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 90000

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Special Edition: No

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: 92658

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 32E

Service Interval Mileage: 12500

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 12

Timing Belt Interval Mileage: N

Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months: N

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 76

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 82

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 62

NCAP Safety Assist %: 65

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 4

Badge Power: 154

Badge Engine CC: 0

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Generation Mark: 1

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Performance

0 to 62 mph (secs): 8.3

Top Speed: 90

Engine Power - BHP: 154

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - KW: 113

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 232

Engine Torque - NM: 315

Engine Torque - MKG: 32.1

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: N/A

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 205/45 R17

Tyre Size Rear: 225/45 R17

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Type: 17" ALLOY

Wheel Style: N

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 3894

Wheelbase: 2538

Width (including mirrors): 1752

Height: 1512

Height (including roof rails): N

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 1520

Gross Vehicle Weight: 1870

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): N

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: N

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: N

Max. Loading Weight: 350

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 171

No. of Seats: 4

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 861

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 9.2

Paint - Special

Premium plus paint - Crystal red

Trim - Cloth

Cloth - Grey