Quick Drive - Honda Super-N
An unfortunate consequence of an increasingly electrified car market is that many enthusiasts are, slowly but surely, being priced out of cars that put fun first. Can Honda’s pumped-up micro car change the record?
From £18,995
Words and images - Oli Hunt
Almost certainly the greatest challenge facing the automotive industry in 2026 is how to survive electrification. Battery technology has matured impressively quickly, but these cars still remain significantly more expensive than their combustion counterparts, and with profit margins already wearing thin in cheaper corners of the market, affordable EVs are still hard to come by. A number of manufacturers are approaching very compelling compromises in the B and C-segments, but it’s difficult to find an A-segment EV that is both cheap enough to entice pragmatic buyers, but interesting enough to have mass appeal to enthusiasts and more image-conscious shoppers alike.
Enter, the Super-N. In a stroke of brilliance, Honda has chosen to market this car as a pumped-up toy. The dinky proportions, flared wheel arches and garish standard body colour sell the aesthetic, ameliorating rather than concealing its kei car origins. Stepping inside reveals a well put together cabin, marred only by the presence of some cheap feeling plastic touchpoints. Not something to lose sleep over in a sub-£20k brand new EV. Of greater importance is the list of standard kit – a very well-judged ADAS suite (including adaptive cruise control!), both popular flavours of smartphone integration, comfortable quasi-sporty and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, all heated. An 8-speaker Bose sound system with an integrated subwoofer is standard too, a real plus in this segment.
Flicking through the driving modes makes a real difference to how the Super-N behaves. City enables one pedal driving with acceleration and deceleration being very easy to modulate, while Eco and Normal adjust the throttle mapping to maximise efficiency and drivability, respectively. Where it gets exciting, though, is Sport. In this mode, the car engages a fake 7-speed transmission shifted with the paddles on the rear of the wheel. This is more than a gimmick and really does engage the driver when driving for pleasure, but the whole car takes on a more playful character when you thumb the shiny purple ‘Boost’ button. This unlocks the full power output of the dinky electric motor, giving the traditional kei car 63hp a 50% bonus, up to a deceptive 94.
Now, this is not a big number, but with a kerbweight of less than 1100kg and the instant torque delivery EVs have become infamous for, it makes the Super-N feel much sportier than the spec sheet would have you believe. Boost mode cuts some 5 seconds off the 0-60 sprint, bringing it well under the 10 second mark. Coupled with the impressive right-foot adjustability of this chassis and the Gran Turismo gearbox, this is one little car that knows how to entertain. The City Turbo DNA is undeniably here.
Shiny purple 'Boost’ button brings out the big kid in us.
Starting from £18,995 after fees, the Super-N makes a very good case for itself. The paltry 128-mile range will render painful any pan-European road trips you may have been planning, but as an everyday runabout dripping with retro chic and real dynamic talent, there is little that comes close to this as an all-round performer.
Special thanks to Listers Honda of Stratford-upon-Avon for providing a test vehicle.
