Honda Super-N Supermini Arrives to add some Fun to City Streets

Honda may be retreating from it’s electric car programs, but one car has survived the cull. If you’re expecting a Honda e replacement, or a successor to the e:Ny1, or the launch of the AFEELA Sony collaboration, or were excited by the Series 0 concepts, you’ll be disappointed, because they have all been axed.

However, if you’re a big fan of small, fun hatchbacks, hang around as the Super-N could make an interesting proposition as the last electric car available from Honda. Well, outside of Japan, that is.

Starting at £18,995, Honda has un-Kei’d its Kei car by flaring out the wheel arches. It provides some menacing road presence, but wearing those flares means it no longer fits the strict dimensions of Kei car rules. It doesn’t matter in the U.K., but is this quirk of the Japanese automotive industry enough to tempt British city dwellers?

Battery, Range and Charging

Weighing in at just 1,097 kg it’s in Dacia Spring territory, but lighter than the new Renault Twingo, so it should offer a decent efficiency for that relatively small 29.6 kWh battery pack. Honda claims 128 miles on a combined WLTP test cycle, but also quotes 199 miles for city driving (WLTP), which is where the Super-N is intended to spend most of its time.

Recharding takes 30 minutes from a 50 kW DC rapid charger.

Performance

Honda wanted to add some fun to its new city car so it has added BOOST Mode that increases power from 64 hp to 95 hp at the prod of a button, slashing the 0-62 mph sprint from a strolling 14.51 seconds in Normal Mode to a rather perky 10 seconds.
It’s no tarmac eating hot-rod, but these cars are born and bred for the rather slow pace found on inner city streets, with the advantage of squeezing through the traffic.

But, to build on that fun factor, Honda has added a simulated seven-speed gearbox and - when coupled to its Active Sound Control system with a simulated engine sound - entertaining driving returns with a more immersive and emotive experience, especially with an EV’s instant throttle response and torque.
It will undoubtedly leave drivers with a smile on their faces as they rev the little purple pimple through the city streets, nipping in and out of the traffic.

Michael Doyle, Head of Automobile, Honda UK, said:  “Priced at just £18,995, the Super-N delivers Honda’s ‘Joy of Driving’ philosophy to more customers than ever before. Not only is this one of the most affordable small EVs available, it’s also one of the most fun. It’s been designed to embody the Japanese philosophies of Yukai and Tsukai, which translate as delight and exhilaration respectively, and as a result it delivers a sense of excitement the moment you see it. Ultimately, it’s a car that’s been developed by a group of passionate engineers that believe in Honda’s abilities to turn dreams into reality.”

Dimensions and Space

Honda claims that its 3,599mm long and 1,573mm wide supermini fits adults comfortably thanks to its extreme boxy proportions, but it goes further with Honda’s renowned ‘Magic Seats’ that can be folded in multiple ways.
This ensures the boot can be extremely versatile, with a maximum capacity of 162 litres with the rear seats up. Fold the seats and space increased to near van-like proportions of 967 litres. Honda says it’s “one of the largest in the A-segment”.
Additionally, the rear seat base can be flipped backwards to allow large items to be stowed in the rear passenger compartment on a flat floor.

The Super-N is available with a wide range of paint colours, from the signature Boost Violet Pearl to a two-tone finish with a contrasting gloss black roof panel and rear spoiler.

Inside

The front seats are bolstered for optimal support and comfort. And to pay homage to the original city car, the interior gets some distinctive blue highlights just like the original City Turbo II. Ambient lighting adds to those accents with cool blue lighting across the dashboard that changes to purple when BOOST Mode is activated.

There’s also wired and wireless smartphone mirroring with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay plus - as standard - a Bose sound system that has been tuned for the interior’s dimensions and acoustics through its eight-speakers. There’s also a 20cm subwoofer that fits under the Super-N’s boot floor, providing a deep and rich bass.

The Honda Super-N is available to order from the 22nd of June with a starting price of £18,995.

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About the Author

Graeme Cobb is a lifelong car enthusiast with a passion for writing about cars, EVs, industry updates and more.

You can find Graeme on 𝕏 at @graeme_cobb