Remember the Honda E? Honda's first EV to make a big noise for a short period. It was something a bit different with its retro-styling, but sadly the E's limited range and high price have resulted in lower sales than was hoped for. 

Or maybe it's the job of this car, the oddly named e:Ny1, to help with mass adoption of Honda EVs. It certainly gets off to a good start with the range. The E has a barely adequate 137 mile-range, but this Honda is capable of a more competitive 256 miles. 

Built on Honda's newly-developed e:N Architecture F high-performance, front-motor-driven platform, the 68.8kWh battery is hidden under the floor and seats. 

Additionally, this platform enables the e:Ny1 to be fast-charged at 79kW, from 10 to 80% in 45 minutes. From launch, this Honda is available in two versions: Elegance and Advance - the same as other Honda models. 

Both versions have a 150kW motor, with 310Nm of torque, 204hp and 0-62mph acceleration in 7.6 seconds. Top speed is 100mph, and on our test route it seemed reasonably efficient, although realistically, we believe the range is closer to 200 miles, taking weather conditions into account.  

Outside, if you think the e:Ny1 looks like the HR-V you'd be right, but this Honda is 57mm longer, thanks to that long sloping boot. It is also 2mm higher and at the front is fitted with a sealed grille. The Honda badging is reworked, with an EV flavour, finished in white at the front, with 'honda' across the back in a new font we've not seen before. 

EVs usually have a raised driving position thanks to the battery pack under the floor, yet the e:Ny1 has a more conventional, lower position than many rivals. There's plenty of space in the front of this Honda and the seats are supportive. 

Rear space is also good, with plenty of legroom for three, although taller passengers might find their heads close to the roof. The 361-litre boot is practically-shaped and can be extended to 1,176 litres with the rear seats folded, but stowage inside is no better than average. 

The unusual hoodless 10.2in driver display catches your eye first, with probably the interior highlight being the 15.1in touchscreen in the centre. Thankfully, it's logically split into three sections and is easy to use. Top is for the sat-nav or mirrored phone screen, middle for menus and settings, and at the bottom there's a fixed menu for the air-conditioning - which is welcome. The interior feels sturdy, but we're not sure the finish is in line with the £40,000+ pricing.   

Despite having more than 200hp, acceleration in the e:Ny1 feels reserved - this is apparently to stop motion sickness. Once on the move, this Honda feels faster, with enough urgency to surprise - it can quickly reach the national speed limit. 

There are different driving modes, with 'Eco' reducing throttle sensitivity, to make the most of the range. 'Sport' mode seems to do the opposite, except when starting off. 'Normal' falls between the two other modes and is probably best for daily use. Regen levels are adjustable in Normal and Eco modes. It is a fiddly process, and the car seems to reset itself to the default 'auto' mode, but maximum regen just doesn't feel like enough.