Honda’s New Retro Hatchback Tempts with Affordability and Enthusiast Thrills

The Japanese automaker has a new hot hatch on the way that’s sure to be an appealing option, especially given the price of gas.

Rear view of a purple Honda car with black tinted rear window and illuminated rectangular taillights.

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By Gray Van Dyke

Published April 14, 2026

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When Honda previewed the Super-One at the Japan Mobility Show last year, the hot hatch made a big splash despite its pint-sized footprint.

Rightly so. Being a performance-oriented version of the brand’s all-electric N-One kei car, it not only promised small-scale thrills but also a retro design inspired by ‘80s icons like the legendary City Turbo II.

Compact purple Honda Super-N car with black roof and circular LED headlights on a gray studio floor. — Honda is selling the Super-One as the Super-N in the UK, though it’s still the same adorable Kei car.

Now, word from Honda has arrived that the Super-One is about to go on sale in the UK as the Super-N. While it was an attractive vehicle back in the fall, the latest details to emerge are sure to make it even more tantalizing for those of us in the United States.

An affordable enthusiast appeal

Chiefly because of how much it’ll cost. According to the automaker’s release, the Super-N will hit the market with a starting price of less than £20,000 (about $27,000), which makes for a deep discount over the brand’s current cheapest option in the £28,475 (about $38,000) Jazz.

Two compact Honda cars, a white vintage model with yellow headlights and a purple modern model with circular LED headlights, side by side in a studio. — The retro styling draws inspiration from compacts in the Honda back catalog like the City Turbo II.

Nevertheless, Honda has made a concerted effort to give the EV some honest, enthusiast-grade appeal. Around the outside, the Super-N brings a wider stance, larger bumpers and aero ducts, and there’s even a small spoiler at the rear.

It’s not just a styling package, either, as the little hot hatch does bring some distinct features compared to the standard version. For instance, Honda has given the Super-N a ‘Boost Mode’ that temporarily raises output for the front-mounted electric motor from 63 horsepower to 94 horsepower.

Close-up of a car steering wheel with cruise control buttons, including a purple "BOOST" button and paddle shifter. — A ‘Boost Mode’ enables a temporary increase in the output of the front-mounted motor.

What’s more, the EV touts a simulated seven-speed transmission and a digital ‘tach’ for faux shifting engagement, and Honda has also given it an Active Sound Control system that reproduces faux engine noises within the cabin.

Much as those efforts may rub some enthusiasts the wrong way, the Super-N does at least promise to be an engaging urban runabout. Along with being lightweight (just 2,403 pounds in Japan), the UK version will come with a suspension setup tuned specifically for British roads.

Compact purple hatchback car with black roof and sporty black alloy wheels on a gray studio floor. — The tiny hatchback somehow manages to squeeze in a second row and rear doors.

Freedom from the fuel pump

In any case, given the price of gas nowadays, artificial engine noises probably aren’t top of mind for most potential buyers. Rather, the Super-N shines because it promises efficient commuting in addition to affordable fun.

After all, it is based on a Kei car, so it’s incredibly compact and easy to park. At the same time, though, the Super-N manages to squeeze in a second row and some rear doors, so it’s more passenger-friendly than subcompacts like those from Smart.

Minimalist car interior with black and blue fabric seats, digital dashboard, touchscreen infotainment, and push-button gear selector. — Even though the Super-N is a lot more affordable than Honda’s current cheapest vehicle in the UK, it’s equipped with a Bose sound system and a central infotainment display.

Moreover, in combination with the low curb weight, the compact footprint means that the Super-N offers some decent juice for its size. Honda claims a combined driving range of 128 miles, but there’s also a city-mode that allows that total to be pushed to 199 miles.

There’s no word yet on battery specs, though if it’s anything like the N-One, it’ll offer a 50-kW fast-recharge rate. In its more sedate counterpart, this allows for 20 percent to 80 percent top-ups in as little as 30 minutes.

Purple Honda Super-N compact car with black roof and rear lights illuminated, shown from rear side. — Honda will be offering buyers a variety of paint schemes and two-tone colorways.

Availability and pricing

Honda hasn’t yet confirmed exact pricing for the Super-N in the UK, but it’s set to be available this July. As mentioned, it’ll arrive with an MSRP of less than £20,000.

Pre-orders will open in Japan on April 16th. While there’s no word yet on availability in the United States, hopefully, ever-changing trade agreements and regulatory measures will one day allow for something like this to land stateside.

Compact purple Honda Super-N car with black roof and round LED headlights on a gray studio floor.

2026 Honda Super-N

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About the Author: Gray is an associate editor at Gear Patrol, covering cars, motorcycles and anything else with wheels. When he’s not chasing the latest industry news, he’s probably wrenching on one of many projects. For better or worse, he believes classics make perfectly practical daily drivers.

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