Honda is thinking big about designing a small hatchback that aims to be more than just a commuter electric car. The Super-One was first shown as a concept at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, and has now evolved into a prototype for the Japanese Mobility Expo. The camouflage disappeared, revealing a boxy body with bulging fenders that we didn’t expect to see in such a small car. Although it’s not as nice as the discontinued Honda e, it’s refreshing to see something other than another large SUV.
If you know your Kei cars, the Super-One should feel instantly familiar. The prototype is very similar to the second generation N-One launched five years ago, but with a more aggressive body kit. Despite the obvious similarity. Honda It claims that the prototype actually rides on a new platform developed for its latest N Series EVs.
However, it still looks to us like an electric conversion of the 2020 N-One, which largely carries over the design of the original 2012 model. And in Honda’s defense, there are internal updates to help differentiate the two. For example, the massive gear lever has been replaced by a small selector, and the air intakes are now square rather than round. However, the Super-One looks unmistakably like a kei car inside and out.
Honda isn’t ready to discuss the powertrain in detail. Production numbers are still unknown, but the company has confirmed a custom boost mode developed specifically for the electric car to spice things up. And even though there’s no gas engine, you’ll still hear one. Yes, Honda pumps artificial engine noise through the speakers.
Photo by: Honda
That’s not all. The fakery goes beyond the soundtrack, as the Super-One is designed with a simulated seven-speed gearbox. Whether EVs need something like this, especially ones as compact as this one, is up for debate. As long as these scams can be stopped, there is no real problem. Maybe Honda thinks simulating engine noise and gear changes will appeal to old-school fans, but we’re not so sure.
It remains to be seen whether this small electric car will adhere to kei car regulations or grow into a larger vehicle. A volume increase seems likely, considering Honda’s plans to sell it outside Japan. The production model will make its first domestic launch in 2026, followed by launches in the UK and selected markets across Asia and Oceania.
Depending on the region, it will be sold under different names: Super-N in the UK and Super-One in Japan and other Asia-Pacific countries.
