Surprise! The car that Honda said wouldn’t be sold outside Europe and Japan is here in Malaysia, but the Honda e‘s appearance in the country isn’t because of a directional change. Rather, it’s here from the UK via the parallel route, courtesy of importer Weststar Motors.
The compact EV is the latest addition to the company’s stable, brought in to satisfy growing demand for new electromobility solutions. Gauging by the response, there’s certainly demand, despite the absence of manufacturer support- the Platinum White Pearl unit, which is on show at the company’s Mutiara Damansara showroom, has been sold. It’s actually the second recon e sold by Weststar, with the first having being delivered last month.
It’s easy to see why buyers would be enamoured, because the all-electric hatchback is definitely eye-catching, with no shortage of presence. Inside, the visual highlight of the clean, elegant cabin are the digital displays lining the dashboard.
In all, there are five screens – two primary 12.3-inch displays, which can be operated independently, an eight-inch digital instrument cluster and two six-inch units on the sides. These function as visual displays for the car’s rear-view Side Camera Mirror system.
In the UK, the car is available in two grade variants, Standard and Advance. Standard equipment include auto LED headlights, a sky roof, rear privacy glass, leather steering wheel and Honda Connect with Garmin navigation and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto support.
The Weststar example is an Advance variant, and so adds on items such as Parking Pilot, a premium audio system, a multi-view camera and cross-traffic monitor. The grade also rides on larger 17-inch wheels (the Standard gets 16-inchers), on the particular unit fitted with 205/45 Michelin Pilot Sport 4 rubbers.
In terms of powertrain, the car features an electric motor driving the rear axle, with juice provided by a 35.5 kWh lithium-ion battery positioned on the floor of the car. There are two outputs available – 100 kW (136 PS) and 113 kW (154 PS), with maximum torque rated at 315 Nm, and these demarcate the variants; the Standard features the 136 PS output, while the Advance has the higher 154 PS tune.
The Honda e supports AC charging via a Type 2 connection, and used with the company’s Power Charger with 7.4 kW (single-phase power supply) and 22 kW (three-phase power supply), charging to full 100% capacity takes 4.1 hours. Alternatively, DC charging using a CCS2 connection getd the battery to 80% state of charge in just 30 minutes. As for operating range, a single charge is good to provide 220 km of travel, so the claims go.
As for pricing, the particular example went for RM210,000, but Weststar says prices will vary somewhat from car to car as they are brought in, dependent on specification. It may sound a bit steep, but perhaps less so when you look at the UK price for the car – that for the Advance starts from £31,665 on-the-road, which works out to RM180k.
The company added that it is trying to source Power Chargers for those interested in obtaining them. Incidentally, a third Honda e (in Charge Yellow) is arriving very soon, so if you’re interested, take note.
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If you think this is expensive, think again
The Mini EV cost the same, but it doesn’t have:
5 screens
Digital side mirror
Rear door
Android Auto
Never go wrong with honda. Terbaek
Dashboard look like 80’s concept car all round monitor displays plonk onto of 80’s Saga dashtop with old unker style fake wood trim.
Its called retro. 80’s design with modern twist. Overall looks ok. I believe there is an aquarium screen saver for center dash.
this is what the honda city should look like
This is what honda jazz should look loike
Top speed only 145km/h
1 km = rm1000. worth it?
I like it. Its cute… Never mindvtge 220km range.. Its fun car. More range say 350km to 420km will be nice. Thats myctravel range for weekdays
You think you need to dive to the petrol station every week to refill the electricity, issit?
It has 6 screens. Three mirrors, two large multimedia screens and main screen for a driver.
Somehow, this interior sense is familiar, reminds me one of my previous car, the proton iswara.
Cinema in a car!
Very stupid to buy a car that is inferior to Chinese EV which cost a fraction of the cost of this car.
How to order this Car Sir ? I really want this Car
Errr.. Any reason for this over Mazda MX30