Honda Super-N Review: An affordable, fun, spacious electric city car brimming with character
The Super-N is an affordable electric city car. (Cameron Richards)
Honda is a brand that has built up a reputation for innovating, rather than following, though when it comes to EVs, it’s fallen behind Korean and European manufacturers.
The E was Honda’s first attempt at an electric supermini, but it was flawed due to its high price tag and short range.
So, with the electric city car segment growing in popularity, Honda has taken another swing at the compact EV market with the Super-N – a small, quirky and practical alternative to the BYD Dolphin Surf and new Renault Twingo.
Updates
The Super-N is based on the Honda N-One e: electric kei car. (Cameron Richards)
Underneath, the Super-N is based on Honda’s N-One e: electric kei car - a specific category of micro car in Japan that benefits drivers with cheaper road tax, lower insurance rates and registration fees.
Honda has widened the car’s track and flared the wheel arches to give it a more squatted stance, while the suspension has been tuned to give the car a more sportier feel.
A lot of the car’s exterior and design has been inspired by Honda City Turbo II from the 1980s. Plus, there is a purple steering wheel-mounted ‘Boost’ button that provides more power and a synthetic engine note for a more driver-focused experience.
Engines and transmissions
All Super-Ns are equipped with a 29.6kWh battery. (Cameron Richards)
The Super-N is only available with one powertrain: a 29.6kWh battery pack mated to an electric motor.
In terms of power, it produces 63bhp and 162Nm of torque, while 0-60mph takes 14.3 seconds and will reach a top speed of 83mph. Activate Boost mode, and power increases to 93bhp, while the 0-60mph times drops to around 10 seconds.
Honda claims the Super-N can travel up to 128 miles between trips to the plug - that’s 35 miles less than what you’ll get from a Renault Twingo.
All models are compatible with DC rapid charging, although the Super-N can only charge at a maximum of 50kW, enabling a 10 to 80 per cent top-up to be completed in 28 minutes.
Behind the wheel
The Super-N is great fun to drive. (Cameron Richards)
It comes as no surprise that the Super-N feels most at home around town, thanks to its compact dimensions, light steering and peppy powertrain.
The narrow body makes it a doddle to squeeze through tight gaps, and the short 3.4-metre length makes it ideal for parallel parking. Meanwhile, the ‘City’ drive mode activates the car’s one-pedal driving function, which allows the car to come to a complete stop when the driver lifts off the accelerator pedal.
On a twisty road, the car feels energetic and eager, while the responsive steering and limited body lean make it great fun to drive.
What’s more, ‘Boost’ mode adds to the fun with a sharper throttle response, artificial engine note and regenerative braking paddles, which double up as a simulated gearbox.
During our test, the Super-N averaged 4.4 miles per kWh, working out at a real-world range of 130 miles - that’s two miles more than Honda’s officially claimed WLTP figure.
Styling
The standard Boost Violet Pearl paintwork makes the car a real head-turner. (Cameron Richards)
From every angle, the Super-N is bursting with personality from its tall, narrow body to the circular headlights and squatted stance.
At the front, the cylindrical front panel gives it a distinctive identity, while the front air intake, large rear spoiler, rear wheel-arch-style diffusers and sports bumpers are all design nods to the original 1980s Honda City Turbo II.
For a no cost option, the Super-N can be specced in Boost Violet Pearl paint, which makes it turn heads anywhere it goes.
Interior and practicality
It has a very spacious cabin. (Cameron Richards)
The cabin has a simplistic and functional layout, with lots of physical controls and buttons.
At this price point, the materials used throughout feel hard and brittle, but at least they feel built to last.
Up front, there is more than enough space for two average-sized adults, while storage is complemented by a glovebox, door bins, two cup holders, a dashboard shelf and centre storage tray.
In the back, the rear doors open to 90 degrees, while every Super-N comes fitted with Honda’s ‘Magic Seats’, where the rear-seat bases can flip up to allow taller items, such as plants or a bicycle, to be carried in the back. Once you’re inside, there is lots of head, leg and kneeroom, though it’s worth pointing out that there are just two seatbelts, making this Honda a strict four-seater.
Open the very large tailgate and it reveals an extremely low load lip, ideal for lifting heavy items into the back, and a rather small 162-litre boot capacity. Thankfully, the 50:50 split-folding rear seats can be folded completely flat at the flick of a button, expanding that room to 967 litres.
Prices and trim levels
Boost mode brings an extra 30bhp and an artificial engine note. (Cameron Richards)
Honda keeps the Super-N’s model line-up simple as there are just two variants to choose from.
Advance: The standard model that comes positively brimming with equipment, including an eight-speaker Bose premium sound system, heated front seats and steering wheel, adaptive cruise control, automatic headlights, a reversing camera, front and rear parking sensors, keyless entry with push button start and sports seats.
Advance Two Tone: For an extra £975, the Advance Two Tone adds a contrasting black roof, along with a black rear spoiler, door mirrors and upper boot trim.
The Super-N is also available with several option packs such as the Black emblem kit; adding a black front Honda logo and rear brand-specific lettering, while the N Style Pack boasts sportier touches such as the Starry Silver bonnet, roof and tailgate spoiler stripes and side decals.
As the Honda is aimed at the budget end of the market, it isn’t available with handy features such as an energy-saving heat pump or a Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) function, where the car’s battery could be used as a mobile power supply.
Verdict
Honda has struck gold with the Super-N as its an EV that you can buy with heart as well as your head.
With its cutesy charm, clever interior packaging, fun and sporty driving dynamics, this really is a small car that has a big personality.
Its electric range might be a compromise for some, and its interior plastics aren’t the best, but if you want the ultimate city slicker that will turn heads anywhere it goes, the Honda Super-N is in a class of its own.
Pros
Fantastic looks
Fun to drive
Massive amount of interior space
Very efficient
Cons
Diminutive electric range
Small boot
Cheap-feeling cabin
RATING: 4.5/5 ★★★★½
FACTS & FIGURES
Model we’ve tested: Honda Super-N Advance 29.6kWh
Price of test car: £18,995
Engine: 29.6kWh battery with single electric motor
Power: 63bhp (94bhp in Boost Mode)
Torque: 162Nm
0-60mph: 14.3 seconds (10 seconds in Boost Mode)
Top speed: 83mph
CO2 emissions: 0g/km
Efficiency on test: 4.4 miles per kWh (130 miles real-world range)
Claimed electric range: 128 miles
Maximum charging speed: 50kW
