Honda has a reputation of building innovative, reliable, high quality vehicles which rarely disappoint, so with the release of the 2019 Honda Clarity, the latest version of its first plug-in hybrid model, we find out if that reputation will be maintained.
The 2019 Honda Clarity has broken cover and hit the showrooms with the aim to tempt drivers who want the benefits of battery powered driving, but are not keen on the idea of running out of gas! By Under the hood of the 2019 Honda Clarity is a 1.5L four cylinder gas powered engine coupled with an electric motor/battery combination giving the 2019 Clarity a total of 212hp – not bad for five-door sedan which can cover 76km on electric power alone or a total combined gas/electric range of 547km.
So, does the 2019 Clarity have the looks to match the impressive driving figures? Well, yes. From the outset you’ll find a very sleek design with futuristic looks almost straight out of a sci-fi movie. There’s extremely slim daytime LED running lights at the front, coupled with very unique looking L-Shaped LED fog lights and chrome features that stretch all the way across the front of the car giving the Clarity a huge amount of road presence.
By glimpsing the exterior, it’s obvious aerodynamics are an extremely important factor of the 2019 Honda Clarity with a number of features on the exterior emphasizing this. Small, discreet vents on each corner at the front push the air around the vehicle improving the range, even the 18 inch standard wheels feature plastic fan like covers, manipulating the air to not only to cool the brakes, but forcing air along the car to increase the range slightly further.
While the exterior of the 2019 Clarity might be a bit more forward thinking than taking an existing car like the 2019 Ford Fusion Energi and creating a plug-in hybrid version, the interior is at a whole other level of luxury and refinement.
Most of the interior comes from sustainably sourced materials, which is what you would expect from such a forward thinking manufacturer. Soft, Nappa like leather across the cabin makes the cabin feel quite special along with the wood grain highlights which provide a feeling of warmth to the interior. You’re also faced with the classic Honda dashboard, but with a slightly modernized looking central touchscreen display. The unique push button gearing system breaks the tradition of the typical gear lever but allows for a lot more storage underneath.
Large cupholders, storage spaces and USB ports are all in easy reach while a large digital dash gives all the vital information the driver needs. All data about your vehicle is available on the Honda app along with information about local charging points and if they are available or not. The rear seats are roomy enough for 3 adults and provide a high level of comfort. The cell phone holders in the rear, along with the air vents are a great touch, but a USB port in the back would have completed the experience.
Getting behind the wheel, it really does feel Honda has done everything possible to make sure the 2019 Clarity is a great driver’s car. Those who have already driven a Hybrid will know about the almost silent drive and how the electric powertrain completely changes your style of driving. Like other hybrid vehicles, regenerative breaking is a massive part of the driving experience in the Clarity. Honda goes one step further and provides a paddle-shift type lever on the steering column which acts like the brakes and effectively recharges the batteries while slowing down.
Traditionally, hybrid vehicles have little trunk space as batteries tend to be stored under the rear seats, thankfully the Clarity’s under-floor battery breaks this tradition and creates a spacious 440L of cargo space!
Starting at $40,100, the 2019 Honda Clarity could be one of the best moves Honda has made in recent years and for those who are keen to embrace the EV world but still want a backup plan just in case with the gas engine, the 2019 Clarity is certainly a top contender.
