Honda e:Ny1 – engaging and electric

PEOPLE talk about method behind the madness.

Well that’s clearly the case with Honda’s second fully electric model for Europe the e:Ny1, which to most observers would seem to have a pretty unfathomable name.

Deconstruct the algebra though and there’s an explanation that does actually make a bit more sense. The e understandably stands for electric, the N signifying that the car is built on the Japanese brand’s e:N  platform for EVs and y1 (the model designation) meaning the car is for anyone.

Oddball names like this can arguably make these particular models harder to sell, so they need to be accomplished offerings.

Thankfully the e:Ny1, a vehicle Honda says is aimed at younger buyers, is just that – a smart, spacious, well equipped and engaging mid-size SUV.

Available with just a single battery option and with a choice of two trim grades, the Honda has a competitive starting price of £40,660 for Elegance rising to £42,890 for the flagship Advance level.

Dial in a set of 18-inch alloy wheels and it adds another £1,460 to what’s still a pretty reasonable price.

Similar in size and shape to the Honda HR-V, the e:Ny1 has more striking looks, especially at the front where the white H badge has become the symbol of Honda electrification and the rotating grille panel offers access to the car’s charging port.

Move inside and there’s appreciably more space than you would think at first glance – ample room for heads and legs up front and the same story in rear where feet can stretch out under the front seats and the car’s wide cabin ensures plenty of shoulder room too.

It’s not ideal for a centre rear passenger, whose raised perch means that if the traveller is an adult the chances are their head will be scraping the car’s ceiling.

The boot is a useful size though at 361 litres (344 Advance) and the rear seats split 60/40 and fold flat. It also comes with a rubberised tray for protection against rough-edged items and muddy boots.

As for comfort and tech the synthetic leather seats are well padded and comfortable, the front ones electrically, and visibility is favourable, in the main due to a low dashboard and clear sight lines.

All models get front and rear parking sensors, Advance trim making manoeuvres easier still courtesy of Honda Parking Pilot – enabling the car to park itself – and a reversing camera.

Meanwhile the dashboard is dominated by 15.1-inch verical touchscreen split into three sections and giving access to infotainment menus while there’s also a 10.25-inch digital instrument panel.

Out on the road the Honda is both smooth and engaging to drive – one of the best electrics we have tested – feeling well mannered around the suburbs and really spirited when you put your foot down.

Its motor develops a healthy 204PS of punch, so you can rely on a 0-62mph acceleration time of 7.6 seconds and very close to that mark if you drive in Eco mode, which maximises efficiency over performance.

The e:Ny1 represents an attractive proposition for those eyeing up a family-friendly electric SUV but with a caveat that has nothing to do with its quality, equipment performance or dynamics.

With an electric range of 256 miles – and you’re unlikely to match that figure in everyday conditions – the range anxiety that haunts many prospective EV buyers isn’t entirely eliminated.

Charging is easy though and can be managed remotely via the My Honda+ smartphone app. A 10-80 per cent rapid charge takes 45 minutes with a 100kW charger or around six hours using a home wallbox.

All in all the e:Ny1 is easy to live with, performs admirably, is well proportioned and generously kitted out.