This summer, Honda is bringing its compact electric car, the Super-N, to the European market, which is based on the Japanese kei car Super-One. The new model features an affordable price and a full factory warranty, making it an attractive proposition for city trips.
Key features and price
Buying a used kei car outside of Japan isn’t overly difficult, but for the last 20 years, buying a new car of this class from an official dealer in the West has been almost impossible. Honda is rectifying this situation by offering the Super-N with a favorable price and a full warranty.
Compact dimensions and practicality
The Super-N is a small electric hatchback, just 3,599 mm long and 1,573 mm wide. Despite its modest dimensions, Honda claims it can comfortably seat four adults. The car features folding rear “magic seats,” which made the Honda Jazz much more practical than the Ford Fiesta.
In normal driving mode, the compact e-Axle delivers 63 hp, allowing acceleration to 62 mph in 14.5 seconds. However, pressing the BOOST button increases power to 94 hp, reducing the acceleration time to 10.0 seconds.
Seven artificial gears
Yes, this doesn’t compare to powerful hatchbacks, but for a car weighing just 1,097 kg, it is noticeable, especially when starting from traffic lights. Honda has even added a simulation of a seven-speed transmission and artificial engine sound. We have seen similar technology in the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, and recently Porsche joined the trend by adding it to the updated Taycan.
Range and equipment
The Super-N’s range makes the city its natural habitat. A small 29.6 kWh battery provides 128 miles (206 km) on the WLTP cycle, although Honda claims this figure can be increased to 199 miles (320 km) in city mode. Fast charging to 80% takes about 30 minutes.
Bose Hifi as standard
For enthusiasts, the biggest appeal is not the range or price, nor even the fact that the infotainment system with CarPlay/Android Auto is connected to the standard Bose audio system. Nor is it that Honda plans to offer several exterior graphic packages to make the small car even more striking.
The real highlight is that Honda used its existing kei car catalog to bring an unusual, affordable, and lightweight car to Europe that appears to be genuinely fun to drive and own. It’s a shame it won’t be available in America.
This move by Honda demonstrates that even in the electric vehicle segment, there is room for small, affordable, and charismatic models that can offer not only practicality but also driving enjoyment. The arrival of the Super-N on the European market could be a signal to other manufacturers that demand exists for compact, inexpensive electric cars with interesting designs, and that it is worth satisfying.