Honda

e:Ny1

The Honda e:Ny1 is the company’s second fully electrified car. It’s a five-door SUV that’s easy on the eye, packed with tech and has an impressive driving range between charges too.

The good

Modern styling, easy to drive and easy to charge

The bad

Some rivals offer better range and, oh that name

Tech Specs

Price from

£44,995

Combined Fuel up to

256 miles driving range

0-62 from

7.7 seconds

max speed up to

99mph

co2 from

0g/km

Test Drive

Honda e:Ny1 – first Drive (2023)

Firstly we had the Honda e and now the Japanese carmaker has launched its second fully electrified car into the mix called the e:Ny1 – catchy, eh?

It’s a dynamically designed five-door SUV that sits in the B-segment and is available in two trims called Elegance, costing £44,995 and Advance at £47,195.

Both models feature a high-performance 68.8kWh battery driving a single motor for front-wheel drive. With 204Ps and 310Nm of torque, the e:Ny1 can complete the 0-62mph dash in a respectable 7.7 seconds and goes on to a top speed of 99mph. But probably the most important stat is the driving range between charges which is a combined 256 miles. You will see more in city centre driving and less on faster motorways.

We opted for the range-topping e:Ny1 Advance which certainly had a strong road presence stretching almost 4.4 metres in length. Eye-catching features include smart headlight clusters that are joined by a thin LED strip when then vehicle is charging, along with a smooth grille that opens down to reveal the charge port.

There is a panoramic glass roof (on Advance models), along with rear lights connected by a light bar, flush rear door handles, the name HONDA at the back instead of badging and large 18-inch alloy wheels.

It looks sporty without being so over-the-top or outlandish to scare off the Honda faithful. And with prices starting from just shy of the £45k mark it’s likely going to be older buyers this car attracts even though Honda believes it will appeal to a younger audience.

Moving inside, the interior oozes Honda class and craftsmanship with powered and heated seats along with a heated steering wheel to fend off the winter blues.

A huge 15-inch upright touchscreen dominates the dashboard and is the car’s main nerve centre. The top section is dedicated to navigation functions, the bottom section is where all the climate control settings are located. And, in-between is all the other stuff, including smartphone connectivity via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a six-speaker sound system with DAB radio, Bluetooth, a rearview camera and lots more besides.

As well as the rearview camera, there are front and back sensors, plus our Advance model gained Honda Parking Pilot which will manoeuvre your car automatically into a space with a little input from the driver.

Behind the steering wheel is the driver information display where the speed, driving range and battery charge details are on show. We did experience an issue during a torrential downpour where one by one, the driver assistance aids warning lights came on. This was quite a worry but normal service resumed after a fairly lengthy break with the car completely powered down.

When it comes to performance, the e:Ny1 is sharp out the starting blocks but without pinning you to the back of your seat. It’s well balanced on twisting country lanes with good grip and minimal body sway. And it can put in a shift on the motorways too with that decent range limit quashing any range anxiety fears.

The steering, which is a little on the light side, is perfect for busier city driving with lots of twists and turns and, in addition, the driver can switch through drive modes called Econ, Normal and Sport. In the Econ setting there is a reduction in the throttle response, air conditioning, heated seats and the heated steering wheel to save energy. However, by contrast, Sport mode delivers far edgier handling.

Steering wheel-mounted paddles can be used to increase and decrease the levels of regenerative braking but, unfortunately, single-pedal driving is not a possibility.

The cabin is bright and spacious with ample room for four adults to sit comfortably. Three could fit in the back although the middle seat is slightly raised so that passenger would probably find their head brushing against the roof lining which isn’t ideal.

Storage options are impressive with a powered, hands-free tailgate for easy access. There is a rubber mat which is practical if carrying wet gear and this can easily be removed to reveal a more traditional carpeted floor. The boot can hold 344 litres of goodies, increased to 1,136 litres with the 60:40 split-folding rear seats down.

In addition, throughout the cabin, you will find a glovebox, wireless charging pad, deep front cup holders with four more in the back (two in the central armrest and two in the doors), a cubby bin, seat back pockets, door bins and some trays.

When it comes to powering the Honda e:Ny1, the 68.8kWh battery has fast-charging capabilities so can get a 10 to 80 per cent boost in 45 minutes using a DC rapid charger and CCS connector, or in six hours if plugged into a standard home wallbox.

All in all, when you also factor in the comprehensive range of Honda Sensing safety features, the e:Ny1 is a very attractive all-rounder. It boasts a good range, plenty of on-board technology, impressive handling and that superb Honda reputation. It’s just a shame about the name.