A collaboration between Sony and Honda had been announced for some time. Sony is looking for new sales opportunities, Honda needs to improve its electromobility. The previous models did not leave the impression that such a major brand is pursuing this branch with enthusiasm. After several announcements, there’s now a preview of the Afila 1 Series models at CES – though don’t expect one in the short term. The sedan will be sold only in the United States through mid-2026; Europe will probably not be supplied until 2027.
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Micro LED TVs that are not heise onlinetechnical data
The initial key data is not exceptional, but rather average in the target segment. The two electric motors on the front and rear axle produce 180 kW, which means that at times of general performance inflation the Afila 1 does not stand out among electric cars. The battery is said to have an energy content of 91 kWh, which is no longer a figure that can beat the competition. Range on the US EPA cycle is stated at 300 miles. That would be around 500 km. The Afila 1 is unlikely to have exceptionally low fuel consumption. The maximum charging power of 150 kW is also not a value to shine. We can only hope that this charging power is available at least over a wide window. With these key figures, it seems brave to bring a sedan to market with a price starting at $90,000 in a year and a half.
large display
The Afila 1 aims to impress its target group, among other things, with exceptionally powerful entertainment electronics. It won’t be easy to survive here, especially when the pace of growth is so fast. Inside, you can see a captivating display that extends from door to door. Sony is responsible for the sound and display. Sure, Amazon, Spotify, Tune-In, and Audible exist. Possibly TikTok too, although that’s not certain.
The support must also be particularly advanced. Honda and Sony are advertising at CES that the Effila 1 has 40 cameras. If the sedan really wants to be at the forefront of this issue, a solid Level 3 presence is the lower limit of what customers can expect. This will mean that the driver will no longer have to constantly monitor the car, at least in a precisely defined scenario, but will also be able to take control of the vehicle again within a few seconds at any time.
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hardly any option
Sony Honda Mobility wants to revolutionize the travel experience and improve relationships with people through intelligent mobility, Sony Honda Mobility CEO Yasuhide Mizuno said during the presentation of the Afila 1 at CES. How and whether it will succeed remains to be seen. It is already certain that the Japanese, like some competitors, want to keep production costs low through very obvious choices. Customers only have to choose between three paint finishes (gray, white or black), two interior colors (gray or black) and two trim levels.
The entry-level model is called “Origin” and costs at least $89,900. The initial top version “Signature” will be sold starting at $102,900. The rear infotainment system, Center Camera Monitoring System (C-CMS), which monitors the interior, and 21-inch rims are also standard. However, the decisive factor for success is not that, but whether the joint venture will be able to sell a battery-electric sedan with the best average technical data at a higher price.
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