If you needed another reason to envy European car buyers for the diversity of their car market, here it is: the Honda Super-N electric city car is coming to the UK market this July.
Based on Honda’s iconic N Series kei car platform sold in Japan, the Super-N is inspired by the legendary 1980’s City Turbo II. The Super-N boasts a striking exterior design featuring bulged wheel arches and sporty side sills for a distinctive wide stance, as well as more aggressive bumpers with incorporated aero ducts.
A Kei Car With a Widebody Kit and Boost Mode
Customers will be able to choose from a wide range of colors and customization options, including body graphics and a two-tone specification that features a contrasting gloss black finish for the roof panel and rear spoiler.
Inside, the electric kei car gets enhanced seats that offer greater support and comfort, blue highlights that pay homage to the original City Turbo II, and ambient lighting, which switches from a cool blue at night to a rich purple when Boost mode is selected.
While the City Turbo II was gas-powered, the Super-N features an all-electric powertrain consisting of a compact front motor rated at a puny 63 hp (47 kW) in normal operation. However, there’s a Boost mode that turns it up to 94 hp (70 kW) when the driver feels like having some fun.
And you can indeed have fun with the Honda Super-N because it’s one of the lightest EVs available in Europe, with a curb weight of just over 2,400 pounds (approximately 1,092 kg). Contributing to the low weight is the relatively small battery pack of 29.6 kWh.
The fact that the battery is mounted under the floor also keeps the center of gravity low, which, along with the wide 185/55 R15 Yokohama Advan Fleva tires, enhances stability.
It Simulates Combustion Engine Sounds and a 7-Speed DCT
Speaking of driving fun, the Honda Super-N, sold as the Super-One in Japan, simulates a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and an engaging gas engine sound via an Active Sound Control system. The automaker says this combines the instant response of an EV with “the strong emotional connection of driving a combustion engine vehicle.”
The Super-N also features an uprated suspension and chassis tuned by Honda engineers for enhanced dynamic performance, having undertaken extensive testing on various road surface conditions in Japan and the UK.
“The Super-N promises to bring Honda’s ‘Joy of Driving’ and the thrill of EV performance to a whole new audience. With its iconic looks, driving dynamics tailored to UK roads, and unique features such as BOOST Mode, every aspect of this model has been engineered to bring exhilaration and fun to every journey, no matter how short,” said Michael Doyle, Head of Automobile, Honda UK.
Since we’re talking about an EV, it’s worth pointing out that the Super-N has a combined range of 128 miles, which is nothing to write home about. However, if you drive it only in the city, the range increases to 199 miles, which is a decent amount for normal users.
UK buyers will be able to buy the Super-N starting in July for a base price of under £20,000—the equivalent of $26,900 at the current exchange rate. That will make it one of the most affordable EVs on sale in Europe, competing with the likes of the Renault 5 E-Tech, BYD Dolphin Surf, Hyundai Inster, Citroën ë-C3, and other similar small EVs.
