Honda e Review

There’s even a Sport drive mode to make the car even more responsive, as well as a button for increased brake regeneration, and steering wheel-mounted paddles to adjust the level of brake regeneration.

The driving experience is enhanced by the dashboard. There are three screens that sit next to each other and stretch the entire width of the dashboard. Most modern cars have virtually no buttons on the dashboard, and instead have one central touchscreen with all car controls buried inside it somewhere. In comparison the Honda e has its three screens with lots of different, permanently visible displays and buttons. So rather than having to press a button on a typical touchscreen in one of the latest cars, and then press another button, then another button to change the car controls, with the Honda you generally just press one button once, or there may be a couple of button presses in the worst case scenario. This includes for the lane departure warning system and for the traction control system. The Honda also has climate controls that are separate to the touchscreen. You can even choose a display showing a fish tank if you’re not driving.

The Honda e doesn’t have traditional door mirrors, instead there are small cameras which display their image inside the car, on screens at either end of the dashboard. The idea is that small cameras are more aerodynamic than mirrors. You can also choose to view a traditional central rear-view mirror or instead view a digital image projected from a camera.

Honda e prices are from £34,420, Honda e Advance prices are from £36,920.

The Honda e is the brand’s first production EV and it’s an excellent product. The exterior styling is full of character, the controls on the screens stretching across the dashboard work really well, and it’s fun to drive. If you’re looking for a small electric car and if you can live with the 137-mile driving range, then the Honda e should be on your shortlist.