THERE’S AN AWFUL lot to like about the visionary Honda e. It’s one of the standout vehicles on the road and after a week’s evaluation this correspondent can confirm that this diminutive vehicle delivers in several areas.

It’s a fully electric car – Honda’s first – and, despite its dimensions, it can seat four. 

It would be fair to say that it is a futuristic car. State-of-the-art features include high-definition cameras taking the place of traditional wing mirrors and interior screens that stretch right across the dashboard from door to door. It takes a bit of getting used to, but it works.

Two 12.3-inch touchscreens control the infotainment, and these can be individually configured and swapped around.

It would be fair to say that there isn’t a car with an interior quite like the Honda e’s, especially in this price range, and the tech is complemented by faux wood trim and grey fabric chosen to mimic the feel of a sofa. I’ve got to say I loved it from the moment I stepped into the cockpit!

As you would expect for a small car it’s incredibly manoeuvrable and parking is super-easy which certainly helped me with my various journeys across the capital

OK with a range of around 137 miles (and that figure is not quite reality) after a full charge you have to consider where you are going but the electric boom is here to stay so we all have to get our heads around it.

There are two trim levels – Base and Advance – and neither feel short of equipment. Both versions use a 35.5kWh battery and one electric motor, but the trim levels have slightly different power outputs.

The standard model produces 134bhp and manages 0-62mph in nine seconds, while the Advance model gets 152bhp and a slightly quicker acceleration time, at 8.3 seconds.

In terms of gadgets and gizmos the Honda e comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, keyless entry and start and the ability to unlock the car with compatible smartphones.

As you would expect for a small car it’s incredibly manoeuvrable and parking is super-easy which certainly helped me with my various journeys across the capital.

The instant surge of torque from the electric motor gives quick acceleration and while it may be a city car, the Honda e isn’t out of its depth when you find yourself on a twisty back road.

No matter what speed you’re doing, the steering gives you a good sense of connection with the front wheels, thanks to its accuracy and natural weighting. There isn’t much road or wind noise, and there’s less electric motor whine than you hear in some rivals.

A large family and lots of shopping is not going to cram into the Honda e comfortably, but you know that fact in advance!

The standard panoramic sunroof and set-back dashboard make the interior feel spacious.

It’s easy to get comfortable in the car, and the fabric upholstery, while it doesn’t look premium, is surprisingly comfy.

On a practical level, a large family and lots of shopping is not going to cram into the Honda e comfortably, but you know that fact in advance!

Unsurprisingly, the boot is tiny. If you’re going golf (or the airport) – get a lift as there won’t be room for your clubs or luggage. In fact, despite having a relatively broad opening with no loading lip, it’s one of the smallest of any electric car out there.

In terms of safety, no issues there. The Honda e comes standard with lane departure and blind spot warning as well as adaptive cruise control. It also has Honda’s Parking Pilot system, which includes a multi-view camera system and parking sensors front and rear.

Listen, as I said earlier you get a very ordinary return for a full charge and like most electric vehicles, the Honda e has to be deemed as expensive.

However, it has set a standard that other manufacturers will doubtless follow in time.

Price £37, 520 (test drive)