MOTORING: Sue Cooke Tests The Honda E:NY1 Family SUV

The Easter break is almost on the horizon. The older members of our family live a good 3.5 hours travel distance, so our plan is to visit at during the Easter school holidays. One thing I absolutely hate is trying to pack the car. I have packed for car boot sales, so I consider myself fairly competent, but the plan doesn’t take into account the teenage daughter who takes everything, just in case. 

The Honda e:Ny1 which was delivered to new owners in January, has a boot capacity of up to 1176 litres, so the B segment car has plenty of space for a family. There is also a power tailgate which meant my daughter could access the boot for a forgotten item, without me having to get out. It’s a cold time of year, but luckily this Honda also has a heated steering wheel and heated front seats. 

Starting at £44,995otr, the Elegance grade comes with a comprehensive specification that includes an eight-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat finished in synthetic leather, auto dimming mirrors, dual zone air conditioning, a wireless charging pad and multiple USB ports, power heated mirrors, sequential indicators, and privacy glass. 

The Advanced grade has a panoramic glass roof which fills the cabin with light and makes it feel spacious, giving a relaxing comfortable journey in a very quiet interior. With past experience, I was prepared for the moans and groans and had downloaded the My Honda+ app to my phone, so passengers could schedule their own climate control. 

This Core Connectivity package is complementary for the first eight years of ownership. The Digital Key package, which enables the driver and up to five others to lock, unlock and start the vehicle via the app, is free of charge for the first year of ownership. The Safety and Journey package, also complementary for the first year, provides Digital Roadside Support in the event of a breakdown, while Geo Fence technology immediately notifies the owner if their vehicle is moved or travels outside a set area without authorisation. 

All models feature a very large 15.1-inch central touchscreen and a 10.25-inch digital instrument display that combine to offer an extensive suite of driving and infotainment features, including Android Auto and wireless Apple Car Play. 

Honda’s latest pure electric vehicle is the first to be built on all-new front-wheel-drive e:N Architecture F platform. Ah, so that is where the ‘not easily remembered’ name comes from. The technology incorporates a high-power motor and high-capacity battery giving a dynamic drive and 256 miles (WLTP) range. The regenerative braking system helps to top up the battery and extend the electric range. Charging from 10 to 80% takes approximately 45 minutes using a rapid charger. 

With the family on board, safety is always a top consideration and depending on the grade chosen, this SUV has an intelligent suite of advanced safety features which include Lane Keeping Assist System, Adaptive Cruise Control, Collision Mitigation Braking, Blind Spot Information, Road Departure Mitigation, Traffic Sign Recognition, plus front and rear parking sensors and a very clear reversing camera. 

The Honda e:Ny1 all electric SUV has a compelling mix of attractive design inside and out, space and comfort for a family journey and a long list of useful technology. 

FACTS AT A GLANCE: 

Model: Honda e:Ny1 family SUV 

Price: £44,995otr – Elegance grade 

Powertrain: Battery and Electric motor 

Performance: 0-62mph in 7.7 seconds. Max power 204PS. 

CO2 emissions: Nil 

0-60 miles of charge with rapid charger approx. 11 mins.