Meet the Honda Super-N, an affordable electric kei-car blending 80s retro style with modern EV power. Explore its features and pricing here!
Honda is about to shake up the European city car market. Coming this July, the Honda Super-N is not just another electric vehicle; it is a bold reimagining of the traditional Japanese kei-car, designed to prove that you don’t need massive horsepower to have a thrilling driving experience.
A Retro Icon Reborn for the Modern Era
The Super-N is essentially the European sibling of the Japanese Super-One, which itself evolved from Honda’s successful N-series. However, the Super-N adds a heavy dose of nostalgia. Drawing inspiration from the legendary City Turbo II, the car features aggressive front bumpers and oversized wheel arches, giving it a muscular stance that makes competitors like the Dacia Spring look bland by comparison.
Performance with a Twist: The “Boost Mode”
Measuring a compact 3,590 mm in length, the Super-N is built for agility. Its front-mounted electric motor delivers between 63 and 94 horsepower, with the higher output triggered via a specialized “Boost Mode.”
But this isn’t just about raw power. To appeal to internal combustion engine (ICE) enthusiasts, Honda has implemented a simulated 7-speed gearbox and artificial engine sounds, similar to the innovative approach seen in the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N. This creates a tactile, emotional driving experience reminiscent of the hot hatchbacks of the 1980s, proving that affordable EVs can still be fun to drive.
City-Centric Range and Practicality
Designed primarily for urban environments, the Super-N offers a respectable range that fits the needs of the modern commuter:
- Urban Driving: Up to 320 km on a single charge.
- Combined (City & Highway): Approximately 206 km.
While not intended for long-haul highway journeys, these figures are more than sufficient for daily city trips and short commutes.
Interior Ambience and European Tuning
Inside, the cabin is designed to keep the driver engaged. The Super-N features supportive seating and stylish blue accents. Adding to the futuristic yet retro vibe, the interior lighting shifts to a vibrant purple whenever Boost Mode is activated.
Honda has also ensured the car feels at home on European roads, with a suspension system specifically tuned for the unique terrain and driving conditions of the UK and EU markets.
Market Positioning and Competition
With a price tag set under £20,000 (approximately $26,900), the Super-N is positioned as an accessible entry point into the EV world. However, the road to dominance won’t be easy. Honda will face stiff competition from Renault, which is slated to launch its own stylish new Twingo in Europe this year, also targeting the sub-£20,000 price bracket.
Whether you are a nostalgic fan of 80s hatchbacks or a city dweller looking for a quirky, efficient runabout, the Honda Super-N is shaping up to be one of the most interesting EV launches of the year.