High-Tech Honda e Manages 4 Stars at Euro NCAP for Not Having Enough Tech

Almost everyone loved its cute retro looks, and the number of gizmos and various high tech features it comes packed with, especially for its petite size.

The wealth of connectivity features, its machine learning AI system for the infotainment, and the multitude of screens on the dashboard, including two posing as mirrors, don’t seem to do much when it comes to improving the active safety of the Honda e, though.

Earlier today, Euro NCAP published its final and largest batch of crash test results of this year, and the tiny Japanese electric car only managed to achieve four stars out of five.

That result doesn’t exactly make it an unsafe car compared to other Hondas tested this year, like the five-star Jazz, for example. Still, apparently Honda didn’t quite put so much effort in the pedestrian safety features of the e.

During the crash tests, the driver’s chest protection was rated as marginal, and that of the driver’s lower right leg was rated as poor, probably owing to the lack of a knee-airbag.

“Honda’s new electric supermini, the Honda e, represents the state of the art for green driving. It lacks some of the more advanced safety features present in the Honda Jazz but produces a respectable four-star rating in Euro NCAP’s latest tests, nevertheless,” was Euro NCAP’s take on the Honda e results.

As you can see in the video below, the tiny EV had some trouble when having to notice small children or bicycles crossing its path as well, but its passengers look like they are as safe as they could be during the actual crash tests.

Available with two power outputs, either with 136 or 154 metric horsepower and 315 Nm (232.3 lb-ft) of torque, the rear-wheel-drive supermini is definitely a great city runabout, while its 200-km (136-mile) range doesn’t quite make it a long-distance cruiser.