John S

Test Drive in the Honda e

When Greenacre Honda Invited me to test drive the all new Honda E Electric car to say I was delighted was an understatement! I have to admit that I was a little cynical and sceptical about a fully electric car. My current car is a Jaguar XF 3.0 diesel auto and the ultimate in my eyes in terms of comfort, performance and quietness, I thought this will be a hard act to follow ! Elaine, my partner has had several cars from Greenacre Honda over the years including a Civic and Jazz auto , let me emphasise that Greenacre are truly a family business and not a Multi National PLC, they really do care about their customers . From the Sales department to Service nothing was too much trouble and on arriving at the Clitheroe branch I was not disappointed, The All new Gleaming Honda E was waiting fully charged and ready to go ! The Sales team were totally conversant with this new Car and explained in great detail its many features and benefits. My first impression on opening the driver's door was one of quality, the door handle popped open with its keyless entry and the door felt solid and smooth. Once inside it's a new world with a full width dashboard , a multi screen that even a Dinosaur like me can follow. For example there are no external door mirrors but very cleverly a small camera mounted on each door transmits a full colour picture on each side of the dashboard. Specification included Satellite navigation and even a heated steering wheel for those cold winter mornings. It's uncanny at first as there is no engine noise but the dashboard lights up to confirm we have power. Once settled in I selected D as they are all automatic and on gently kissing the accelerator pedal we were off ! I have to say it's the smoothest take off I have ever experienced in any car with only a little tyre noise and that's something a conventional engine would drown out. I knew within 200 metres that I was in love with this car , It was precise, responsive and extremely smooth. I chose the A59 from Clitheroe to Skipton, it's a road I know well and would give me an ideal benchmark compared to my previous vehicles. Sawley Brow for all non locals is a long steep climb north of Clitheroe, the Honda E simply flew up effortlessly, It's simply a joy to drive and brought all my enthusiasm back for driving again.It does everything you ask and more besides. The A59 is a twisty hilly road and the Honda simply loved it. Once in Skipton I parked up and was amazed at its turning circle, The car can almost turn inside its own length ! A few car enthusiasts wandered over to admire this new recruit to the Honda family, yes it is a little quirky and retro to look at but that suits me, let's be honest too many cars look similar these days and it's good to stand out from the crowd. On the way home Elaine wanted to try, She was delighted and said it's like a sewing machine " the harder I press the pedal the faster it goes " There is no conventional gearbox its a seamless power curve with an electric car. If you want to be critical then its range of 130 miles could be frustrating as it's not built for long distance trips ( more's the pity as I would be very happy to travel a long way in this car ) We used just 20% of its range on our trip and what a joy it was to drive. It would be no problem to recharge again at home and to be fair there are charging points at service stations and even in small villages now. To recap it's a brilliant car for local trips, it's nimble and yet has big car comfort and brings back the joy into motoring again. If you want to be totally Green and efficient and leave no carbon footprint then this is the vehicle .Yet again Honda have brought tomorrow's car into today's world with all their expertise and build quality. It says everything as I was loathed to return it to Greenacre Honda and have to eat my own words when I say ( " It's a Hard Act To Follow ! )