Honda e revealed: retro EV as cool as the concept

The Honda e compact EV looks like a concept car – but soon you'll see it driving on the road... in Europe.

As the wraps finally come off the production version of the Honda e city car, a compact, affordable, rear-drive EV with a 220km range, we can confirm the show car's stylised design has made the journey from concept to reality, which will be a big hook for style-conscious buyers.

The finished car will make its public debut at the 2019 Frankfurt motor show in a matter of days, and will start rolling into new car showrooms in Europe retaining its techno-retro Japanese design.

From the concealed, pop-out door handles to the funky circular LED headlights, boxy design and door cameras (with twin six-inch screens) that replace side mirrors, the car looks every bit a futuristic concept.

Like the exterior, the interior is uncomplicated but high-techInterior design elements have been locked-in too, including the simple dashboard design with a timber inlay topped by a gargantuan dual LCD screen – arguably the longest ever seen in a compact car.

However, Honda has still not confirmed pricing or release dates.

European customers have been able pre-order the four-seat hatchback car for some months now, via a refundable $1500 deposit, but its Australian arrival has not been confirmed.

Honda Australia has stated it is considering the Honda e compact EV for sale in Australia but nothing has been confirmed.

Naomi Rebeschini, PR manager at Honda Australia, commented that the importer was investigating the "viability" of the head-turning EV here but that "there are no plans [to bring the car here] as of today."

The Honda e is one of the first shots fired in the Japanese brand's bid to have every single model in its range equipped with some form of electrification (EV, hybrid, etc) by 2025, in order to reduce fleet CO2 emissions.

Although it doesn't have the 280km range of Nissan LEAF ($49,990) or almost 500km range of the Hyundai Kona EV ($59,990) the Honda e is tipped to be significantly cheaper to buy.

The Honda EV has a cruising range of 220km or 137 miles and when hooked up to a fast-charger (of indeterminate kilowattage), the Honda e can recharge 80 per cent capacity or around 180km in 30 minutes.

The rear-wheel drive car's 35.5kWh lithium-ion battery powers a rear-mounted motor available in two power levels – 100kW (136hp) or 113kW (154hp).

Both models pump out 315Nm of torque, which should give the micro machine a decent turn of speed, with Honda quoting a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 'approximately 8 seconds'.

The car also has 50:50 front-to-rear weight distribution so it should be fun to drive.

The car can be locked and unlocked remotely via smartphone and inside the compact four-door Honda EV the digital infotainment and instrument displays are comprised of two 12.3-inch touchscreens.

In total the Honda e has five screens.

Similar to what the Mercedes-Benz A-Class offers with MBUX, the Honda e features an AI-powered voice-controlled operating system. Occupants just have to say "OK Honda" to start up the Honda Personal Assistant service, then make a request or ask a question.

Honda reckons the AI understanding is so clever it facilitates 'natural conversations' and will 'provide access to a range of online services'.

Owners will also be able to use a smartphone app to remotely check battery charge, prepare the climate control, set navigation instructions and also check the vehicle's location and security.

Hyundai will be attempting to steal the Honda e's thunder at the 2019 Frankfurt motor show with its own retro EV in the form of the oddball Hyundai 45 EV concept car.

The burning question around the Honda e is price. If Honda Australia does green-light the car for sale Down Under, what would be a reasonable price? Have your say in the comments below.