4 Minutes
Honda revives the 80s spirit in an electric hot hatch
Forget the hushed, clinical experience of many modern EVs. Honda has taken a bold detour back to the 1980s with the new Super One, a compact electric hot hatch that deliberately fakes the drama of a gasoline-engined sports car. Unveiled as a production model after a concept at the Japan Mobility Show, the Super One aims to reshape expectations for small electric city cars.
Retro inspiration, modern engineering
Honda positions the Super One as the spiritual successor to the iconic City Turbo II. Rather than just dressing up the N-One e, the Super One gets a wider body, strengthened chassis, lower suspension and a noticeably more aggressive setup. At the same time, Honda injects playful analog character into an electric package by simulating engine revs and gear shifts inside the cabin.
Visually the Super One stands out. Redesigned bumpers include functional air inlets, pronounced flared wheel arches and a roof spoiler. New 15-inch alloy wheels in matte black wrapped in wider Yokohama tires give it a purposeful stance. The car is 98 millimeters wider than the standard N-One e, a change that pushes it out of Japan's kei car category and into the compact passenger car class. Honda also debuts a new Pearl Purple paint inspired by lightning, reinforcing the car's retro-electric personality.
Interior: sporty cues with modern convenience
Inside, the dashboard remains similar to the N-One e, but character comes from broader bolstered seats and purple trim accents. A 7-inch digital instrument cluster features bespoke graphics and, when the boost mode is engaged, displays a simulated tachometer to mimic the feel of a revving petrol engine.
The theatrics continue with an active sound control system. Through eight speakers in a premium Bose audio setup, the Super One plays synthesized engine roars and faux gear changes, giving drivers an audible connection to their throttle inputs. The car also includes a 9-inch infotainment screen, heated seats and steering wheel, and Honda's full suite of driver assistance systems for everyday comfort and safety.
Performance and chassis tuning
Power comes from a front-mounted electric motor. Honda has not published the full official specifications yet, but earlier information indicates the motor produces roughly 94 horsepower in boost mode, up from the standard N-One e's 63 horsepower. While that number is modest by sports-car standards, the combination of lighter weight, a wider track and a lowered suspension promises livelier handling and more engaging responses in urban driving.
Key highlights:
- Boost mode with simulated tachometer and shift sounds
- Approximately 94 hp in boost, versus 63 hp standard
- 98 mm wider track and reinforced chassis for better handling
- 15-inch matte black alloys and wider Yokohama tires
- Premium Bose 8-speaker audio and 9-inch infotainment
Market positioning and pricing
Honda expects the Super One to arrive first in Japan, where media estimate a starting price between 3.0 and 3.5 million yen, roughly 19,700 to 22,900 USD. After the domestic launch, Honda plans to expand availability to the UK, Europe, Australia and selected Asian markets. The Super One targets buyers who want an urban electric car with sporty style and emotional appeal rather than raw performance figures.
Why it matters
The Super One is a reminder that electrification doesn't have to mean sterile driving experiences. By blending retro design cues, simulated mechanical feedback and modern electric efficiency, Honda is offering a niche but distinct alternative in the growing market of electric hot hatches and urban EVs. For enthusiasts who miss the sensory drama of older small sports cars, the Super One may be one of the most intriguing city EVs to watch this year.
Comments
atomwave
Interesting concept, but is the faux engine noise legal in noise regs? also 94 hp feels a bit weak, if that's real then... curious how it actually drives
driveline
Whoa, Honda actually leaned into the 80s vibe, fake revs and all. Kinda fun, but will buyers want canned drama? Love the purple tho, retro vibes.
Leave a Comment