Honda Super-N: City Turbo II's Electric Heir Heads to the UK

Honda has announced its retro Super-N EV Kei car is destined for the UK market as a direct challenger for the Renault Twingo. And despite a modest peak output of 94bhp, it’s clear Honda has given thought to the driver, endowing the little city car with a simulated paddleshift transmission, a boost mode, and active sound design.

Taking direct inspiration from the City Turbo II of the 1980s, all the cues are present, from the boxy profile and circular headlights, to the chunky bumpers, widebody stance and four-spoke alloy wheels.

Based upon the existing N-Series family of combustion and electric Kei cars, the Super-N takes over from the Honda e as the brand’s entry-level EV, and will be priced below £20,000 when it goes on sale in July. Battery size is yet to be confirmed, although the existing N-One e points toward a usable capacity in the region of 30kWh. A special City Mode unlocks the claimed 199 miles of range, with Honda also quoting a ‘combined’ range of 128 miles for mixed driving. Its French rival is marginally down on power, but ahead on WLTP range at a claimed 163 miles.

Honda Super-N: City Turbo II's Electric Heir Heads to the UK - rear three quarter view of purple concept car, neutral studio setting

The Super-N is powered by a front-mounted motor delivering a modest 63bhp in its standard setting, but activating Boost Mode unlocks the full 94bhp. Development has taken place on both Japanese and UK roads, and Honda promises the car will be one of the lightest EVs in Europe when it goes on sale, offering an ‘infectious sense of fun’. The simulated transmission – complete with seven ratios – is usually the preserve of premium performance EVs, and could be the Super-N’s joker card.

That sense of fun extends to the colour palette, with a wide range of customisation options, including a two-tone specification that includes a contrasting gloss black finish for the roof panel and rear spoiler, plus distinctive body graphics for those who want to go full Daikoku. The interior is more restrained, carrying the same architecture as the N-Series, although blue ambient lighting pays homage to the City Turbo II, which changes to purple when Boost Mode is engaged.

Honda Super-N: City Turbo II's Electric Heir Heads to the UK - interior and dashboard

Honda Super-N: City Turbo II's Electric Heir Heads to the UK - close up of purple boost button located on the steering wheel

Honda also gives the Super-N a dose of Japanese conceptual framing, describing it as ‘yukai’ (pleasing) when seen, ‘meikai’ (intuitive) in use, and charged with the anticipation of ‘tsukai’ (thrilling) before pressing the starter button.

Like the Twingo, Kei cars have always had a sense of charm about them. Whether the Super-N can match the City Turbo II's cult status remains to be seen – but it's clear Honda has put real thought into the process rather than just mining its heritage.