Honda’s Adorably Retro Hatch Is the Budget Enthusiast Fix America Needs

Honda first pulled the wraps off its endearing Super-One last year at the Japan Mobility Show. From the tiny hatch’s retro styling to its dynamic performance, it promised a tempting vision of affordable enthusiast-worthy transport.

Following an overwhelmingly positive reception, it wasn’t long before the Super-One got the green light. Honda opened pre-orders for Japanese buyers last month, also confirming plans for UK arrival to follow.

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Now, the Big Red has officially launched the model in its home market. While there’s still no word yet on whether it’ll ever one day come to the States, I’m sure that it has more than a few fans among American drivers.

Honda

Wallet-friendly enthusiast thrills

After all, it’s already proving to be a hit in Japan. During a press conference last week, Honda vice president Hideo Kawasaka stated that the response “exceeds expectation,” noting that the Super-One has managed to rack up more than 7,000 reservations since April.

It’s easy to see why when you consider everything the model brings to the table. As part of Honda’s bid to give the Super-One true hot hatch appeal, the car sports some slick styling touches in the form of a wider stance, sculpted bumpers, aero ducts and even a little spoiler.

Honda

Importantly, it’s not just a styling package slapped on top of a standard N-One. In addition to its racy new digs, Honda’s Super-One features a ‘Boost Mode’ not unlike Hyundai’s N Grin Boost that temporarily raises output. In practice, it bumps the total from 63 horsepower to 94 horsepower.

While that might not sound like much on paper, you have to remember that this car is a relative featherweight. According to Honda, the Super-One tips the scales at just 2,403 pounds, making it the lightest vehicle in its class.

Moreover, Honda widened the tread width by 10mm to improve the handling through corners. To up the driver engagement even more, there’s also a function that simulates a seven-speed gearbox, replete with its own artificial engine noises.

Honda

This EV needs to come to America

While a 63-horsepower all-electric kei car might seem like a poor fit for American roads, there’s a case to be made for the Super-One coming to the United States. It’s an EV that’s made all the more tempting following Honda’s cancellation of its 0 Series.

Granted, it’s not going to allow for lengthy road trips. With a maximum range of 170 miles, it’s best suited to short commutes or grocery-getting duties. However, for those kinds of urban applications, it’s the perfect runabout.

Honda

With five distinct drive modes, the Super-One also offers ECON, CITY and NORMAL functions for more sensible driving scenarios. In the case of CITY mode, specifically, drivers even have the option of one-pedal operation.

What’s more, being such a small EV, charge time is also pretty reasonable all things considered. Even assuming you don’t have access to a supercharger, a trickle top-up will take around 4.5 hours total. Fast charging takes as little as 30 minutes.

Honda

Ultimately, though, it’s really the price that’s bound to be so appealing. Honda had stated that it was targeting a £20,000 starting price in the UK, and it’s already managed to deliver in Japan. At 3,390,200 yen, the Super-One works out to a little over $21,000. That’s a price that anyone who’s feeling the squeeze at the pump can appreciate.

Availability and pricing

Honda’s Super-One is now available in Japan, starting at 3,390,200 yen. With a standard Bose speaker setup and a 13.1-inch subwoofer, it’s only made better by a wide array of color options, including everything from Boost Violet Purple to Charge Yellow.

With Honda pushing for hybrids, we won’t likely see this one anytime soon. Still, that can’t stop us from dreaming.

Honda

Honda Super-One

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