The 2017 Geneva Motor Show had an unexpected protagonist, the Honda Urban EV prototype. That concept car left the vast majority of attendees without hiccups, with almost unanimous approval of its aesthetics. It was a cute compact vehicle with a vintage essence, with very square shapes and simply round headlights. Finally, reality is stranger than fiction. The firm will market the Honda e with an electric motor of 100 kW (136 hp) for the access version and 113 kW (156 hp) if we opt for the Advance level . The autonomy reaches 222 kilometers (WLTP) in the first and 210 km for the most powerful model.
If we remember the concept car, the front sported a screen that showed interactive messages, a leap to digitization that also moved to the minimalist interior. That model won the 2018 Car Design Award and the firm has not missed the opportunity to make it a reality. In March 2019 it was still on display as a prototype until its final production version was presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show that same year. The simplicity of its bodywork has been the key to capturing all eyes, endorsing the philosophy of ‘less is more’ . Because it does not have, it does not even have rear-view mirrors, which have been replaced by compact cameras that broadcast live on two screens located in the doors. We have already seen this technology in the Audi e-Tron but the Honda e debuts it in the compact segment.
At first glance, the Honda e is identified as an urban car, ideal for traveling short distances and conquering cities. Its 4.3 meter turning radius will allow the driver to enter the alleys and, with only 3.89 meters long, it will be possible to park in any gap. The interior stands out for the feeling of space and the presence of five screens. Of course, the trunk is its weak point, with only 171 liters of capacity . Even a Seat Mii or Volkswagen e-Up have more cargo space. The price from 34,800 euros does not play in its favor either, since it places it at the level of models with a greater range of autonomy.
