Honda Super-N becomes one of UK’s cheapest EVs

Honda finally announced the official pricing structure for its compact new hatchback, making it one of the most affordable electric cars available in the United Kingdom. The brand set the entry price for the Honda Super-N at exactly $26,086, putting the small hatchback right between the BYD Dolphin Surf and the Fiat 500e.

To keep the entry price low, Honda gave the Super-N a modest 29.6 kWh battery pack. This relatively small battery means that the hatchback delivers a combined driving range of only 128 miles on a full charge. When you look at competing electric cars, Honda's range falls behind alternative options - the Dacia Spring costs less money and offers a better range of 140 miles.

The mixed-scenario range is limited, but the tiny EV excels at low-speed driving. When drivers use it at city speeds, the driving range rises to an impressive 199 miles, aligning perfectly with the vehicle's design objective as an urban commuter car. Most owners will spend their time on narrow city streets rather than tackling long cross-country highway trips, making the short highway range not a big deal for daily use.

One major advantage of the small battery size is the low total curb weight - the Honda Super-N weighs just 2,418 lb, which makes it exceptionally light for modern EVs. The low weight makes the car nimble, sharp, and highly responsive when turning corners or parking in tight urban spaces. In standard driving mode, the electric powertrain produces a conservative 64 metric horsepower (PS). This modest output allows the hatchback to accelerate from zero to 62 mph in a very leisurely 14.51 seconds, before reaching a maximum top speed of 84 mph.

That leisurely driving experience changes completely when you press a large purple control on the steering wheel. This "boost" feature increases the electric motor output up to 94 horsepower. Pushing it slashes the zero to 62 mph acceleration time down to exactly 10 seconds. As an added visual touch, pressing the button bathes the interior cabin in bright purple ambient lighting to make the sudden change in performance even more dramatic.

In addition to the extra power, the performance setting introduces a simulated seven-speed automatic transmission. Drivers can use physical paddles behind the steering wheel to simulate manual gear shifts. To complete the experience, the Super-N has an Active Sound Control system to pipe artificial engine noises directly into the cabin. Many buyers may look at these fake gear shifts as a simple gimmick, but test drivers report that the technology provides an entertaining and authentic sensation.

The Honda Super-N has a distinctively boxy body shape with wide, flared wheel arches. These styling choices give the small vehicle a modified, sporty look right from the production line. The manufacturer sells the car in a single well-equipped trim level, though buyers can choose from multiple paint finishes, including the eye-catching Violet Pearl color option.

The cabin has seating for up to four passengers, matching the seating layout of alternative small EVs like the more expensive MINI Cooper Electric. Honda's popular "Magic Seats" mean the owners can fold the rear seats in several different directions to create extra storage configurations. With the rear seats upright, the trunk offers a very tight 162 liters of luggage space. When you fold the rear seats flat, the total cargo volume expands to an excellent 967 liters.

Inside the cockpit, the dashboard includes a standard 9-inch touchscreen infotainment display that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The car has a premium Bose sound system that is highly unusual for an automobile at this price point. The audio setup includes a large 20-centimeter subwoofer hidden away in a dedicated compartment underneath the trunk floor to preserve the cargo area.

When the battery runs low, owners can use public DC fast chargers to recharge at speeds of up to 50 kW. Although that's a fairly slow speed, courtesy of the small battery size, charging takes only 30 minutes to 80% SoC. The simple controls and easy-to-use technology mean that drivers transitioning from older gasoline vehicles, such as the conventional Honda Jazz, will feel comfortable instantly.

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