It’s certainly an eye-catching car – particularly in the optional Aqua Topaz blue paint chosen to spearhead the model’s launch and with slimmed-down headlights, stylish wheel designs and a rear light bar all matching nicely with the surrounding black and chrome exterior trim.
Beneath the metal, power comes from a 68.8kWh battery offering 256 miles of range (WLTP) and able to charge at speeds of up to 78kW. That might not seem particularly rapid, but Honda says it has prioritised sustained higher rates over headline rapid charging figures, with “very little” drop when nearing capacity, which in turn helps to prevent battery deterioration and maintain range. Regardless, the e:Ny1 will get from 10% charge to 80% in around 45 minutes.
The car is driven by a front-mounted electric motor producing 201bhp and 229lb ft. That Civic-matching power is felt during acceleration, which is enough for the e:Ny1 to accelerate from a standstill to 62mph in 7.6sec, matching rivals including the ID 4 and Kia Niro EV.
There are three driving modes: Eco, Normal and Sport. Sport ups performance and slightly adjusts the steering, but most of our driving was done in a mixture of Eco and Normal, both of which seemed brisk enough.
Around town, the e:Ny1 is genuinely pleasurable to drive, with satisfying power delivery and light steering. It is softly damped and soaks up the majority of bumps with ease, and it’s a welcoming place to be for both driver and passengers. It beats the Model Y for outright comfort and felt great around Oslo, making navigating the city’s winding streets and tramlines a simpletask. It even held up comfortably during an accidental detour up a Norwegian green lane, on which it handled a dirt surface with aplomb.
