Honda e Type R on the cards

Honda has refused to rule out a performance version of the all-new pure-electric Honda e supermini.

According to

“Well, this new platform, the motor and tyres can all take more [power],” Shinya said, adding, “what I can say is we love Type R, it’s such a strong halo brand for us. As engineers we want to make Type R of every model, but it’s whether the customer wants it that matters.”

If approved for production the rear-drive supermini, has fully independent suspension, could make for a beguiling hot hatch.

As standard, the pint-size Honda e comes with either 100kW or 113kW and 315Nm of torque – enough for a 0-100km/h sprint time of 8.3 seconds.

Engineers could either add a beefier single rear-mounted motor, or add another 100kW electric motor to the front axle to create all-wheel drive.

In any case, a sub-5.0-second 0-100km/h sprint would be crucial to justify the Honda e Type R's performance credentials and enable it to go head-to-head with the forthcoming battery-powered Peugeot 208 GTI and unconfirmed Volkswagen ID.3 GTI.

Helping tune the handling is the base car's perfect 50/50 front/rear weight distribution and lightweight construction.

The biggest challenge won't be improving performance but maximising the faster Honda e's range. The standard version can only cover a disappointing 220km between charges.

Sadly, even if the Honda e Type R does get the green light, Australia will probably never see it given the fact the standard version of the retro-cool hatch is only destined for Japan and Europe.