The new Honda e electric car is a core technology for drivers and passengers.

• The comparison
• Video Games
• The new Honda e electric car is a core technology for drivers and passengers.

Honda's non-sports car models are a bit of a sucker for being boring. However, the long-awaited battery electric vehicle (BEV) that is the Honda e is anything but lackluster. Even better, Honda has made good on its promise not to change much since the design of the city car first appeared as a concept car. But, while we've all spent a lot of time looking at it and debating the merits or not of its digital dash quirkiness, few people have actually driven the Honda e. Now TechRadar has done exactly that.

First impressions

Driving the car in the wake of the fierce Spanish storm Gloria proved to be ideal for discovering the many facets of the Honda e. Concerns about rain-affected digital exterior mirror cameras dissipated faster than storm clouds once we hit the road. Cleverly, Honda has managed to develop a camera and housing in each of them that prevent water droplets from forming where expected, on the lens.

(Image credit: Honda) Honda wanted us to sit through a video, naturally displayed on the dash display, to familiarize ourselves with what could be perceived as a package loaded with interior features. However, there is not much in fact. With your foot on the brake, press start, select drive, and you're done. The Honda e rides quietly and you're on the right track. Once you know that, the car may change the battery regeneration level, but if you don't care, that's fine. As simple as that.

Exterior finish

Compared to the concept car, the Honda e is certainly practical and perfectly suited for the work in progress, which is essentially living life as a city car. It has four doors and certainly a rather small boot space under the tailgate of just 171 litres. However, the rear seats fold down. Smooth lines dominate the overall look, which is further complemented by digital camera door mirrors and flush door handles. Due to rules and regulations, some of the interesting things about the show car have disappeared, but, in essence, the look is still there. Honda also offers a range of cool colors to add a touch of spark. Platinum White Metallic brings out the black accents and trim on the car, but darker shades work too. There's even a yellow fill if that's your thing, when our pick would be the tasty metallic blue crystal.

The interior flourishes

Perhaps it is the interior, or more specifically the dash, that has caught the attention of the Honda e the most. Opinions are divided, but the reality of driving a car like this with seemingly a lot of things and a lot of potential distractions doesn't turn out like this. When you move, there are many things that you cannot and cannot use. Do you want to play or watch Netflix? Well, you can't unless the parking brake is applied.

(Image credit: Rob Clymo) Once stopped, though, the Honda e transforms into a true entertainment hub, with connectivity including not just the usual USB ports in the front and rear, but also an HDMI port. , a 12V power supply and a 230V socket (1500W max.). Our European car had a two-pin one, but UK buyers will get a three-pin one. This means that you can install your Playstation or Xbox there. Activate the Wi-Fi hotspot in the Advance template and you can play online. The filling is simple but effective. It's a love-or-hate combination of faux wood on the dash, plastic, and material on the seat covers and door cards that look like the best pieces in a bathroom. ; DFS exhibition. Our model also had brown seat belts. We don't want to appear negative because for us it works like a gift. More importantly, it gives the Honda an identity compared to other cars that often drown in a mundane sea of ​​black plastic. Again, this is not boring, that's for sure.

Features and functionality

There's a lot of technology in the Honda e, inside and out. Priced (including €3,500 UK government grant) at €26,160 (around €34,000, AU$50,000) for the base model and €28,660 (around €24,000, AU$36) for the Honda e Advance, this seems to be worth the top spec model. Because? Well, that adds real value, especially if you like your technology. Both models come with the side mirror system, Honda Sensing Driving Aid Suite, rearview camera, heated front seats plus a panoramic glass roof, and adaptive cruise control.

(Image credit: Honda) However, the Honda e Advance gets you a center mirror system, a heated steering wheel, auto park, an enhanced audio experience with blind-spot information, and a heated front windshield. There's also the option of 17-inch alloys over the standard 16-inch offerings, though this reduces the car's range from 136 miles to 127. Also, Honda is recently developing its Home Chargers. available as part of the package for added convenience.

Board drama

The much-talked-about dash is essentially divided into segments, so that on either side of the digital mirror screens at either end, you get a pilot screen and two screens complete with digital buttons. On paper, it sounds a bit chaotic, but it all sort of works. You'll probably be happy with many of the more obvious options, like using the Music app or connecting your phone, though there's a lot more. discover.

(Image credit: Rob Clymo) Honda also has its personal assistant, which can be seen through the dashboard. So far we've only asked about the weather, but apparently it will use the power of artificial intelligence to add a personal touch to your daily driving experience. Meanwhile, the Honda+ app, once final testing is complete, will allow you to do all sorts of things from remote locking and unlocking of the car to monitoring. away from the very important cargo.

Driving experience

The Honda e is rear-wheel drive, and therefore without the hassles of front-wheel drive axles, it also has one of the best turning circles in the industry at just 4,3 meters. While it may not be the fastest car on the road, with a top speed of 90, it's fast enough to get around town. It pulls away with the usual BEV instant torque bonus, which means there's no problem getting out at roundabouts and intersections. Even when on the road, it will hold up well enough. The best part, though, is when you get a chance to do a few laps while the small car feels lean and well balanced. Honda has done a great job getting the weight distribution to 50:50, which means you have plenty of nice moments to drive if you're on a decent track.

(Image credit: Honda) The car is quiet, comfortable, and definitely practical. There are even handy dividers in the box between the seats for storing the usual in-car paraphernalia we all own. Oh, and there's a little slide-out cup holder on the front of this console, which you might miss if you're not looking for it. Once at your destination, you'll also be rewarded with the Pro Pilot parking system. Press a button on the dash and the Honda will find vacant parking spaces nearby. Tap the one you want and the car will park itself, judging very well by the way the screen displays everything that's going on. Once you're perfectly within the lines of your chosen space, there's a really satisfying little chime. Work done

General verdict

The Honda e is everything we hoped for and more. It looks great and is certainly not boring, but apart from the small trunk it is also very practical. You can get an 80% charge in about 30 minutes with a CCS2 DC fast charger and stream a movie to your dash screen while you wait. The 137-mile range from the 35.5 kWh lithium-ion battery perfectly matches what the car was designed to do, so it's really good. This is also a topic of discussion, and how many cars can you say these days?