Test Drive of the HONDA SUV, the e:Ny1

HONDA invited Legends Magazine to take the wheel of the e:Ny1 for a cross-Alpine test drive, connecting Lausanne to Milan for Design Week. The dynamic qualities of this compact electric family SUV were tested in real conditions on a demanding terrain. This route, reminiscent of the early 20th-century pioneers when the Alpine trials brought fame to Swiss brands such as Martini, Saurer, and Pic-Pic, was chosen by HONDA to allow us to fully experience the e:Ny1’s capabilities.

A Distinct Identity

The car, with its simple yet massive lines, features a smooth front with no grille, while still maintaining the brand’s signature styling cues, including air intake designs for the brakes and sleek headlights. It also stands out with a short front overhang, extending the wheelbase to 2.60 meters. The hood line sharpens the car’s appearance and emphasizes the boundary with its imposing bumper, adding a touch of dynamism that suits its character well.

A Thoughtful Interior

The e:Ny1 offers a true bubble of relaxation, with exemplary soundproofing from road, wind, and engine noise. The style is simple and elegant, with high-quality synthetic leathers, well-crafted finishes, and convincing comfort, including an 8-way electrically adjustable seat and a pleasant rear seat area. We also appreciated the blue ambient lighting that appears as daylight fades, with LED lines giving the interior a futuristic yet calming atmosphere.

Versatility and Practicality for Daily Use

Throughout the test drive, the car performed exceptionally well, regardless of the conditions, offering impressive filtration of road imperfections, precise steering, and minimal body roll. For the 320 km journey, which included about 200 km of highway and 100 km of mountain roads, no intermediate charge was necessary. The WLTP-rated range of 412 km proved to be quite realistic. The battery charges from 10% to 80% in 45 minutes with a 100 kW charger, and 100 km of range can be gained in just 11 minutes, perfect for unplanned detours. In terms of performance, the e:Ny1 delivers 204 hp and 310 Nm for a weight of 1,756 kg, reaching 100 km/h in 7.6 seconds—more than enough to handle the traffic in Italian cities. We arrived at the Museo Diocesano for Milan Design Week without issue, with our e:Ny1 adorned in its special paintwork featuring a design by Geneva artist Eazy One, which made quite an impression.

The trunk offers 361 liters of space with a power tailgate, fitting 4 suitcases, and can expand to 1,176 liters by folding the seats. The e:Ny1 provides a fine balance of comfort and dynamism, ideal for a family of four.

Focus on Ergonomics

The dashboard, like most electric vehicles, is dominated by a giant 15.1” smartphone-style screen placed in the center. The phone connects easily to the car’s interface and charges wirelessly on the console pad. The infotainment system is compatible with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and the My Honda+ app allows for remote charging scheduling and cabin temperature control. The air distribution is designed for an indirect mode, where airflow circulates along the windows, avoiding direct contact with passengers’ faces.

The technology is present, but Honda’s engineers have worked to integrate it seamlessly, enhancing the feeling of freedom behind the wheel. The driving experience is intuitive, with a simple control layout that’s easy to use, even for those accustomed to analog dials. This approach leaves the driver’s field of vision entirely open to enjoy the expansive windshield and panoramic sunroof.

Emphasis on Safety

The HONDA SENSING safety package comes standard on all versions and includes the latest driver assistance technologies, such as collision braking, lane-keeping assistance, and adaptive cruise control to maintain a safe distance. The Advance trim also adds a set of cameras providing a 360° view of the vehicle, as well as automatic parking, regardless of the space’s configuration, from detection to engaging the parking brake.

In conclusion, the e:Ny1 is a strong and competitive contender against current market leaders like Tesla and BYD. It perfectly fulfills its role as a compact family SUV, suitable for daily use as well as spontaneous trips, offering a high level of comfort, performance, and safety.

For more information on the vehicle: www.honda.ch