Whereas the U.S.-spec Honda HR-V sadly doesn’t have any form of electrification, the worldwide HR-V is on the market as a hybrid and an all-electric variant. The Honda HR-V Electrical contains a modified design and its identify adjustments relying available on the market. In China, the nameplate even varies in response to the three way partnership firm which manufactures it.
In March, I had an opportunity to discover it in Thailand, the place it’s offered because the ‘Honda e:N1.’ The pure-electric small SUV was on show on the native motor exhibition, the place I acquired to expertise its design, inside and options intimately.
Design
The Honda e:N1 has the identical form as the worldwide HR-V, which means that it retains the hunkered-down look with a steeply raked again glass. Once I noticed it in particular person on the 2024 Bangkok Worldwide Motor Present, I appreciated its upright and assured entrance, the place it options smooth headlights with daring graphics, a sporty bumper, and a large, electrically opening cost port door. I noticed two super-slim lights subtly built-in right into a black panel that illuminate when the cost port door is opened.
On the again, the clear rear lights and full-width gentle bar add to the sportiness of the e:N1. A broadly spaced model inscription, akin to the Honda Prologue, lends sophistication, mimicking the styling of luxurious fashions.
After spending a while inspecting its construct, I didn’t discover any uncommon panel gaps on its physique. I perceive the corporate presents the automobile in just one colour, Premium Daylight White (Pearl), which can disappoint prospects preferring darker shades.
Inside
Due to my 5’7” peak and the straight roofline of the Honda e:N1, ingress and egress posed no situation for me, neither within the entrance nor within the again. Nevertheless, I consider Honda designed the HR-V Electrical with common peak people in thoughts, which might make entry and exit much less handy for these over six toes tall.
Once I sat within the driver’s seat, I had about 5 and a half inches of headroom left. The ground wasn’t very excessive, and I had good under-thigh help on this seat, which featured a power-adjustable cushion and backrest. The lumbar help was good, and the seat’s substantial facet bolstering made me really feel snugly tucked in.
The compact steering wheel felt snug and grippy to make use of. The standard of switches, buttons, and different bodily controls was on level. I discovered arduous plastics within the decrease areas of the inside, such because the door panels, for example, however general, the standard was good. I had no complaints with the all-around visibility within the e:N1.
Within the again, I had good legroom and loads of knee room behind the driving force’s seat. The under-thigh help was higher than I anticipated. The backrest didn’t recline, however the angle was snug, and the headrest was fairly supportive. I had about two inches of headroom left, and I surmise that tall folks wouldn’t discover themselves very snug right here.
There was a small hump within the central space of the ground, which barely affected the under-thigh help within the center place of the bench. Nevertheless, the backrest wasn’t very snug right here due to the fold-out armrest and my head was touching the headliner. I feel the middle place is finest fitted to youngsters.
Honda presents the e:N1 with inside options like a dual-zone computerized local weather management system, 8-way energy driver’s seat, wi-fi smartphone charger, rear AC vents, 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, and 15.1-inch portrait touchscreen infotainment system with wi-fi Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and navigation.
The corporate equips it with ADAS features like Lane Preserving Help System (LKAS), Highway Departure Mitigation System with Lane Departure Warning (RDM with LDW), Adaptive Cruise Management with Low-Pace Observe (ACC with LSF), Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), and Lead Automobile Departure Notification System (LCDN).
Specs
The Honda e:N1 employs a single electrical motor, which produces 150 kW (201 hp) and 310 Nm (229 lb.-ft.) of torque and drives the entrance wheels. Supplying vitality to the drive unit is a 68.8 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, which supplies the EV an NEDC vary of 500 km (311 miles).
Value
The Honda e:N1 is barely obtainable to lease, for a month-to-month cost of THB 29,000 (48-month plan). That quantity converts to USD 784, which implies it’s very costly. Within the U.S., prospects can lease the Hyundai Kona Electrical from as little as USD 169/month (24-month plan). The South Korean mannequin could not provide the identical energy, however it boasts extra interesting options and vary.
TopElectricSUV says
The Honda e:N1 is a classy compact EV with good-looking appears, good high quality, usable vary, and a variety of premium options. Nevertheless, its exorbitant pricing places it out of attain for a lot of prospects.
I acquired my Grasp’s in Enterprise Administration & Administration and have been an Worldwide Automotive Information Editor since 2014. I’ve traveled to international motor reveals and automotive occasions, pushed varied forms of autos, and targeted on hybrid and electrical automobiles within the final 4 years.
