Honda previews new electric city car to rival the tiny Renault Twingo
With cars like the Dacia Spring, BYD Dolphin Surf and the upcoming Renault Twingo gracing our roads, it seems that the city car is back for the electric era.
Honda appears to agree. The Japanese car maker previewed a new small electric city car at the Tokyo motor show, which would effectively act as the replacement for the Honda E.
Called the Super-N, the prototype is a development of the Super EV Concept that was presented at the Goodwood Festival of Speed earlier this year.
The Super-N prototype, built on a Honda N-Series kei car platform, shares a close resemblance to the Japanese market N-One E. However, the Super-N distinguishes itself with a wider stance, reinforced bumpers, aero ducts, and a subtle lip spoiler.
While Honda has yet to reveal any of the SuperN’s technical details, it should be one of the smallest electric city cars available when it goes on sale.
To adhere to kei car regulations, the N-One E measures just under 3400mm in length, making it approximately 200mm shorter than the Fiat 500e. Honda hasn’t said whether the Super-N will use the 63bhp electric motor featured in the N-One E, but has confirmed the new model will feature a Boost mode.
When activated, this feature provides maximum power and artificial sound, mimicking a multi-gear shift. Honda states that this will deliver “enhanced driving engagement unique to a vehicle of this size.”
The production version of the Super-N will go on sale next year in Japan and a “select” number of global markets, including the United Kingdom. The UK will initially be the car’s only European presence.
Pricing details are still unconfirmed. In the UK, the Super-N will take over from the short-lived Honda E as the new entry-level model in the firm's range. It is expected to be significantly more affordable than the E's £37,000 (€42,123, $49,141) price tag.
The Super-N is among several electric vehicles Honda is showcasing at the Tokyo Motor Show. Other models include the 0 SUV, a new entry-level 0 Series model designed for the Japanese and Indian markets, and the RSX SUV prototype for Acura, Honda's performance brand in the US.
