The production version of the Honda e has been revealed online, ahead of its debut at the Frankfurt motor show this week.
Styling wise, the production e is largely unchanged from the prototype unveiled at March’s Geneva motor show. The cute, retro-inspired looks remain, with the only perceivable changes being smaller, non-illuminated Honda badges and revised front fog lights.
Inside, the prototype similarities continue, with the e’s dashboard dominated by five two screens: one displaying driver instrumentation and speed, two 12.3-inch units to control the infotainment, and two displays on each edge of the cabin to display the signal from the mirror-replacing side cameras.
The infotainment system includes an ‘OK Honda’ voice assistant, similar in vein to the ‘Hey Mercedes‘ and ‘Hey BMW’ used in the aforementioned German brands’ models. Below the touchsceeen displays is contemporary wood trim, which sits above traditional climate controls and physical buttons.
Buyers will be given a choice of 100kW/315Nm and 113kW/315Nm rear-axle-mounted electric motors, with the latter boasting enough poke for an 8-second sprint to 100km/h.
Both motors are paired to a compact 35.5kWh battery, which enables a 220km range. On a (likely 50kW) DC fast charger, the e can boost to 80 per cent state of charge in 30 minutes.
Other notable performance characteristics include a 50:50 weight distribution, MacPherson strut suspension and 17-inch wheels on the range-topping model wrapped in sporty 225/45 Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres.
The 2020 Honda e is scheduled to make its debut at the Frankfurt motor show this week, ahead of a market launch in the second quarter of 2020.
It is available to order now in a range of European countries, with an expected starting price of around £30,000 before government grants.