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30 electrified models by 2030 – this is Honda’s ambitious future goal. But to achieve this, Japanese No. 2 (behind Toyota) has to gradually go full throttle, or rather high current. Because at present there is only one model in the manageable portfolio that has not yet had an internal combustion engine: the Honda e, the stylish little car whose modest range (220 km in WLTP) is offset by an outrageous price from 43,600 francs. Sales figures are accordingly low.
The compact SUV e:Ny1 currently offered is much more important. Behind the cryptic name is a 4.39-metre electric crossover, which will target customers in the highly competitive B segment from autumn. While the e:Ny1 is the first Honda to be built on the brand new e:N Architecture F platform, it is an exact replica of the HR-V released last year. Due to electrical engineering, it is about 200 kilograms heavier than Honda’s European customer with a hybrid drive – about 1660 kg.
Faster would be better
Unlike the Honda e, the e:Ny1 isn’t designed just as a city car: the 68.8 kilowatt-hour battery (62.8 kWh of that can be used) is intended to provide a range of up to 412 kilometers before using Stromer storage. Max 78 kW on DC fast charger – exactly 45 minutes, it goes from 10 percent to 80 percent. It’s a mystery to us why Honda is so realistic when it comes to all-important loading speed. On the other hand, when it comes to driving performance, the e:Ny1 is on par with its competitors: the 204 hp (150 kW, 310 Nm) electric motor on the front axle accelerates the SUV to 100 km/h in 7.6 seconds. – Restricted at 160 km/h.
Despite the rearward-sloping roofline and the battery in the lower body, even taller passengers in the rear seat have ample leg and head room. The trunk, which has a loading volume of approximately 350 liters, also offers sufficient space even on long journeys. The highlight of the e:Ny1 is the sharp 15.1-inch touchscreen in tablet form, which gives the high-end cockpit a modern twist. So far we can only speculate about the price of the electric crossover – we estimate it to be at least 45,000 francs.
ZR-V closes the gap
In addition to the e:Ny1, two more partially electric SUVs will enrich the Honda model range from autumn. On the one hand, with its sporty styling and aimed at a younger audience, the ZR-V is 4.57 meters long, bridging the gap between the smaller HR-V (4.38 m) and the larger CR-V (4.71 m). m) turns off. The ZR-V inherits the Civic’s e:HEV full-hybrid propulsion, where the two-liter four-cylinder petrol engine acts as a generator and only provides electricity for the electric motor that drives it. Despite a respectable system output of 184 hp (135 kW) and 315 Nm, consumption should be less than 5.0 l/100 km as on the Civic.
Even in the clearly arranged interior, Honda adopts elements of its tech sibling, such as the traditionally designed 9-inch touchscreen. The trunk offers space for 360 to 1312 liters of luggage – only average for this class. Prices for the new ZR-V should start at around 40,000 francs.
First CR-V as a plug-in hybrid
Another major reboot is Honda’s SUV flagship CR-V, the sixth generation of which will also arrive in Europe in the second half of the year. The enormous appearance of the world’s bestseller underlines the increased length of 4.71 meters (+ 8 cm), which also benefits the four-centimeter longer wheelbase (the new 2.70 m) and thus the interior passengers. Speaking of which: Honda is also going the classic route with the 9-inch touchscreen on the CR-V – you’ll be looking in vain for outstanding digital features. The SUV plays the practical card for this and offers a rear seat that can be moved 22 centimeters longitudinally and the backrest can be tilted ten degrees. This means that rear passengers can now travel more comfortably. The luggage compartment also has a storage volume of at least 586 liters, which is what you would expect from a mid-range SUV. Honda’s new safety package, the Honda Sensing 360, ensures safety with five radar sensors and a wide-angle camera that monitors the area around the entire car.
In addition to the well-known e:HEV hybrid drive, the CR-V is the first European Honda model to be ordered with a plug-in hybrid system. This is based on the same technology as the full hybrid variant, but has a significantly larger battery that should cover 81 kilometers on all-electric. Honda states the system output as 184 hp (135 kW) and 335 Nm, which means a top speed of 193 km/h is reached. Important for Switzerland: With both engine options, the CR-V is also available as an all-wheel drive vehicle; The add-on version offers a towing capacity of up to 1500 kilos. Honda is also quiet about the prices of the new CR-V. According to the current model, the SUV should start at just under 50,000 francs.
Source: Blick
I’m Ella Sammie, author specializing in the Technology sector. I have been writing for 24 Instatnt News since 2020, and am passionate about staying up to date with the latest developments in this ever-changing industry.
