Starting at about $21,000, Honda said the electric hot hatch is already exceeding expectations with over 7,000 preorders.
The Honda Super-One affordable EV hot hatch
Honda’s vice president and head of its Japan operations, Hideo Kawasaka, said during a press conference last week that the response to the Super-One “exceeds expectations.”
Since opening preorders in Japan on April 21, Kawasaka said the new EV has secured over 7,000 reservations in about a month.
Honda officially launched the Super-One on Friday, May 22, starting at 3,390,200 yen, or about $21,300. Based on the N-ONE e, Honda’s compact EV sold in Japan, the Super-ONE is a souped-up sportier version aimed at being a “fun” car to drive.
The electric hot hatch retains the boxy, retro design, but gets an upgraded chassis, blister fenders, and a wider, more aggressive stance.
Built on the same lightweight N-Series platform as the standard model, the Super-ONE delivers up to 63 hp (47 kW). When using Boost Mode, which Honda developed exclusively for the electric hot hatch, output increases to 93 hp (70kW).
Boost Mode is one of the five drive modes drivers can choose from, alongside ECON, CITY, NORMAL, and SPORT, which adjust drive settings based on your preference.
The Super-ONE is powered by the same 29.6 kWh battery as the N-ONE e, offering a WLTP driving range of up to 274 km (170 miles) with fast charging (up to 80%) capabilities in about 30 minutes.
Honda took a page from Hyundai’s performance EVs, the IONIQ 5 N and IONIQ 6 N, with a fake 7-speed transmission and Active Sound Control system to emulate the sounds and jerk feeling of an old-school internal combustion engine (ICE) sports car.
The interior is also based on the N-ONE e with a standard 9″ infotainment screen with Google built-in, offering access to Google Maps and more.
The SUPER-ONE is Honda’s first vehicle, electric or gas-powered, to come with a premium Bose sound system, which includes eight speakers and a 13.1-liter subwoofer in the back.
Honda’s electric hot hatch is tiny, measuring just 3,395 mm (133.7″) in length. That’s even smaller than the Volkswagen ID. Polo GTI, the first all-electric GTI.
After unveiling it for the first time earlier this month, Volkswagen said the ID. Polo GTI “feels like a quintessential GTI.” It’s equipped with a single front-mounted electric motor providing 222 hp (166 kW), considerably more than the SUPER-ONE. However, keep in mind that the Super-ONE is based on Honda’s kei car and designed more for fun. The ID. Polo is an actual GTI mode.
According to local media, Honda’s electric hot hatch is off to a promising start, with some claiming it’s already “selling like hotcakes” in Japan.
After launching in Japan, the Super-One will go on sale in Europe, the UK, Australia, and other overseas markets shortly.
In July, the Super-ONE will go on sale as the Super-N in the UK, starting at under £20,000 ($27,000), which is less than the expected £33,500 ($45,000) price for the VW ID. Polo GTI.
Which electric hot hatch would you drive? Let us know your pick in the comments below.
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