Honda Super One Prototype Review Super Fun

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Estimated reading time: 10 minutes


Key Takeaways:

  • Honda is strategically balancing its commitment to hybrid technology with a growing investment in electric vehicles (EVs), showcasing a unique long-term vision distinct from many market leaders.
  • The Honda Super-One Prototype, a compact and spirited EV, embodies Honda's "fun-to-drive" DNA, leveraging augmented sounds and simulated gear shifts to create an engaging experience that prioritizes driver feel over raw speed.
  • While technically sharing its platform with the N-One e, the Super-One is positioned as a character-rich "pocket rocket," hinting at Honda's intent to deliver emotional connection alongside sustainable mobility.
  • Despite its prototype status, evidence strongly suggests the Super-One, or a production version, is destined for markets like Malaysia, promising a uniquely Honda EV experience.
  • Honda's commitment to user-centric design is evident in the Super-One's interior, featuring practical hard buttons, a clear differentiator from many EV competitors.

Table of Contents


Is the Honda Super One Prototype really as fun as they say? Dive into our comprehensive review to uncover its features, performance, and the sheer joy of the ride.

In a global automotive landscape rapidly pivoting towards electric vehicles, one country has undeniably seized the pole position: China. Its remarkable success in the EV sector has not only redefined market expectations but has also compelled established automotive giants to scramble, often at great financial cost, to keep pace. While European and American manufacturers grapple with significant investments and shifting strategies, the Japanese automotive industry, particularly Honda, has adopted a markedly more measured approach. For a long time, Honda seemed to be largely absent from the EV segment, at least in key markets like Malaysia, with the recently introduced e:N1 making only a modest splash. Yet, during a recent immersive trip to the Japan Mobility Show and a revealing Q&A session with Honda's top brass, a distinctive philosophy emerged that challenges the pervasive narrative: While many proclaim EVs as the singular solution for future mobility, Honda steadfastly believes that hybrids still play a pivotal role. But does this cautious optimism extend to their future EV offerings? And more importantly, Is the Honda Super One Prototype really as fun as they say? Dive into our comprehensive review to uncover its features, performance, and the sheer joy of the ride. This article will delve deep into Honda's unique EV strategy, examine the exciting Super-One Prototype firsthand, and explore whether this compact electric marvel truly encapsulates the "fun-loving DNA" that Honda promises, offering a glimpse into a future where sustainable driving doesn't have to sacrifice exhilaration.


Honda's Cautious EV Journey: A Different Path

While the electric revolution has seen many carmakers, particularly from China and even Tesla, championing EVs as the ultimate panacea for global mobility and environmental challenges, Honda has chosen a path less traveled. Their consistent message reiterates a strong belief in the continued significance of hybrid vehicles in the broader transport ecosystem. This isn't to say Honda is ignoring the electric future; quite the contrary. The company is actively intensifying its research and development in electric cars, with several new models slated for a 2026 launch. Among these exciting prospects is the Honda Super-One Prototype – a compact, undeniably fun electric car that, as I discovered, injects a healthy dose of Honda's signature 'fun-loving DNA' into its very circuitry. Having had the privilege of driving it, I can attest to its unique character, but first, let's understand what exactly this prototype is.


The Super-One Unveiled: A Kei Car Spirit for the Electric Age

The Super-One Prototype instantly evokes memories of the spirited Honda City Turbo from the 1980s, primarily due to its striking kei car-like proportions. For those unfamiliar, a quick search defines a kei car as a "light vehicle that sits in a category of small, lightweight vehicles in Japan that must meet specific regulations for size, engine capacity and power." These stringent regulations include a maximum length of 3.48 meters, width of 1.48 meters, height of two meters, and an engine displacement limit of 660cc. While the electric Super-One prototype naturally doesn't adhere to the traditional engine capacity rule, its visual footprint perfectly embodies the essence of a kei car. It's small, nimble, and inherently cheeky in its appearance.

During its product presentation, two words resonated repeatedly: "fun" and "joyful to drive!" The Super-One, the presenter emphasized, was meticulously developed to be "fun to drive, which is part of Honda's fun loving spirit." This isn't just marketing speak; it's a core philosophy. The Super-One shares its underpinnings with the N-One e: (yes, that colon is official!) and the N-Van e:, all built on Honda's lightweight platform for N Series models. This platform lineage extends further, with the N-One e and Super-One prototype loosely based on the true kei car, the petrol-powered Honda N-one, first introduced in 2020.

It's worth noting the N-One e is powered by a 29.3kWh battery pack, delivering a WLTP range of 295km. This specification, while for the base car, provides crucial context for our discussion of the Super-One's potential performance.


Behind the Wheel: The Joy of the Drive

So, the million-dollar question: Is the Honda Super One Prototype really as fun as they say? Dive into our comprehensive review to uncover its features, performance, and the sheer joy of the ride. Absolutely. My experience around Honda's Tochigi proving ground confirmed its delightful character. A significant element contributing to this fun factor is the meticulously engineered augmented engine sound. This isn't just noise; it's a precisely calibrated acoustic experience designed to mimic the roar of a sporty engine, complete with a simulated seven-speed transmission. The artificial sound even perfectly replicates the satisfying 'blip' of rev-matching during downshifts.

Interestingly, other members of the press reported experiencing "power cuts"—also known as fuel cuts—between these artificial shifts. A power cut, in traditional ICE cars, is that momentary interruption of power during a gear change, where the engine cuts out as the clutch engages. Some EV manufacturers are now artificially replicating this to infuse a sense of sporting character into vehicles that might otherwise feel too quiet or sterile for driving enthusiasts. While I personally didn't push the car hard enough to experience this specific sensation, having felt it in the Honda Prelude I drove afterward, I can affirm it significantly enhances the feeling of driving a performance car. Honda's official press release proudly states the Super-One prototype's "simulated seven-speed transmission reproduces the gearshift feel of a traditional multi-gear transmission."

The car's diminutive size is also a huge part of its charm. If you've ever had the pleasure of driving a small, turbocharged car – perhaps even a Perodua Kancil with an engine swap – you'll understand the visceral appeal. The Super-One's speed isn't breathtaking, but when 'Boost mode' is activated, the accompanying sound makes it feel like a proper pocket rocket. The steering-mounted paddle shifters, mimicking gear changes, trick your senses into believing you're accelerating rapidly. Yet, a glance at the digital instrument cluster reveals a more modest pace. This perceptual magic is what truly matters; the Super-One prototype expertly crafts an illusion of speed and engagement, making every drive feel immensely enjoyable. The car makes you feel good, and that's its ultimate achievement.

Further differentiating itself from its N-One e sibling, the Super-One features a steering-mounted 'Boost' button. While it's not explicitly confirmed if this button adds raw power, its activation undeniably makes the car sound and feel incredibly purposeful. Honda explains that Boost mode "stimulates the driver's senses – including visual and auditory senses, as well as a tactile sensation of acceleration and vibration." This holistic sensory experience is central to its appeal.


Interior Design: Where Practicality Meets Fun

Let's address the elephant in the room: the Super-One is a small car. The rear seats feel undeniably cramped, and the boot space can, in the most Malaysian colloquialism, only be described as "boleh, lah" (just okay). As a tall individual, alongside the equally broad Honda engineer during my test drive, we found ourselves almost shoulder-to-shoulder. However, once you move past its compact dimensions, the interior presents a dashboard that is simplistic yet highly functional. Crucially, Honda has opted for hard buttons for all key controls. This is a significant lesson learned from real-world user feedback—a lesson that some Chinese EV manufacturers and even Tesla are still grappling with. Hard buttons, for many, represent intuitive control and enhanced safety on the move.

Much of the interior switchgear is familiar, sourced from Honda's extensive parts bin. Window switches resemble those in the Honda City, as does the infotainment system. The gear selector buttons are borrowed from the Honda e:N1, but the distinctive two-spoke steering wheel will be a novel sight for Malaysian drivers, though its integrated buttons are again lifted from other Honda models. The seats, while similar in form to the N-One e, are upholstered in a compelling mix of materials, including what appears to be denim, suede, and faux leather, all unified by vibrant blue stitching. Honda's official materials describe this interior as "a space that heightens anticipation for an excellent driving experience," a claim that truly holds up.


Tech Specs & Projections: What Lies Beneath

Earlier, I mentioned the battery and range of the N-One e, and here's why that information is critical: Honda is keeping the Super-One's technical specifications tightly under wraps. However, given that both cars share the same platform—despite the Super-One's flared arches, angrier stance, and 'go-fast' aesthetic bits—it's highly probable that their powertrains are largely identical. The N-One e utilizes a 29.3kWh battery pack, providing a WLTP range of 295km. For charging, it supports a 6kW AC charger, taking approximately 4.5 hours for a full recharge, or a 50kW DC fast-charger, achieving an 80% charge in a brisk 30 minutes.

While definitive information on the Super-One's specific tech remains scarce, the shared platform strongly suggests that these powertrain and charging figures will be highly representative. In essence, one could easily view the Super-One as the more spirited, characterful sibling of the N-One e, designed specifically to inject a dose of fun into daily electric driving, rather than being a bland, utilitarian EV. The steering-mounted Boost button remains central to this distinction, embodying the prototype's mission to elevate the sensory experience.


Will the Super-One Prototype Land in Malaysia?

The question on many enthusiasts' minds: Will we see the Honda Super-One Prototype, or a production version of it, in Malaysia? Honda has stated that the Super-One prototype "has undergone testing on various road surfaces and under diverse climate conditions in Japan, the UK, and other countries across Asia to further enhance its driving performance." Crucially, the Super-One has already been spotted undergoing testing in Malaysia. This isn't a mere coincidence. Honda is not a company that would fly a contingent of international journalists to Japan to test drive a vehicle that has no intention of reaching their shores. The real question, therefore, isn't if it will arrive in Malaysia, but when.

Furthermore, the Super-One prototype's showcase at the iconic Goodwood Festival of Speed in the UK speaks volumes. This strategic presentation underscores Honda's desire to position it as a "unique car with new possibilities of a new joy of driving unique to Honda EVs." After my personal experience, I am confident that driving enthusiasts, especially those in Malaysia who appreciate compact, engaging cars, will find immense satisfaction in this vehicle. It's a powerful reminder that sometimes, you don't have to go blindingly fast to have a genuinely good time behind the wheel.


Summary: Redefining Electric Fun

Honda's Super-One Prototype represents a refreshing and distinctive approach to the electric vehicle market. Far from blindly following the crowd, Honda is carefully crafting EVs that not only embrace sustainability but also honor their rich legacy of creating engaging, driver-focused cars. The Super-One, with its kei car charm, augmented sensory experience, and commitment to tactile controls, delivers a pure, unadulterated dose of driving joy. It stands as a testament to Honda's belief that electric mobility can be both responsible and exhilarating, proving that fun isn't always about horsepower figures, but about how a car makes you feel. For those seeking an EV that speaks to the heart of driving, the Super-One Prototype offers an incredibly compelling vision of the future.


What are Your Thoughts on Honda's Electric Future?

Having read our comprehensive review, what are your impressions of the Honda Super-One Prototype? Do you think Honda's unique, hybrid-inclusive EV strategy will pay off in the long run? Share your thoughts and predictions for Honda's electric future in the comments below! If you're intrigued by Honda's other innovative mobility solutions, be sure to explore our reviews of the Honda e:N1 or delve deeper into the world of Japanese kei cars.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)


What makes the Honda Super-One Prototype "fun to drive" if it's not exceptionally fast?

The Super-One Prototype achieves its "fun to drive" character through a combination of factors that prioritize sensory engagement over raw speed. These include meticulously engineered augmented engine sounds that mimic a sporty petrol engine, simulated gear shifts that provide tactile feedback via paddle shifters, and a 'Boost' button designed to stimulate multiple senses. Its compact, nimble kei car-like dimensions also contribute to a dynamic, 'pocket rocket' feel, making it enjoyable even at moderate speeds. It's about the feeling the car provides, not just the numbers.


Is the Super-One Prototype a true kei car?

While the Super-One Prototype shares the visual proportions and compact design philosophy of a Japanese kei car, it doesn't strictly meet all traditional kei car regulations because it's electric-powered. Kei cars typically have specific engine displacement limits (e.g., 660cc) for internal combustion engines. However, its small footprint and focus on urban mobility perfectly align with the spirit and utility of kei vehicles, and it's built on a platform shared with Honda's N-Series kei models.


How does Honda's strategy for EVs differ from other major automakers?

Honda distinguishes itself by maintaining a strong belief in the continued relevance of hybrid vehicles alongside its EV development. While many automakers are rapidly transitioning to an all-EV future, Honda views hybrids as a crucial bridge and a sustainable solution in their own right. This allows them to diversify their offerings and cater to a broader range of consumer needs and market readiness, rather than exclusively pushing battery electric vehicles as the "be-all and end-all" solution.


What are the likely battery and charging specifications for the Super-One Prototype?

Although Honda has not released official specifications for the Super-One Prototype, it shares its lightweight platform with the N-One e:. Therefore, it's reasonable to assume similar powertrain characteristics. The N-One e: uses a 29.3kWh battery, offering a WLTP range of 295km. It supports 6kW AC charging (4.5 hours for full charge) and 50kW DC fast-charging (30 minutes to 80%). The Super-One is expected to have comparable performance and charging capabilities.


Why are "hard buttons" in the interior a significant feature?

The inclusion of hard buttons for key controls in the Super-One Prototype is a significant user-centric design choice. In contrast to many modern EVs (including some from Tesla and Chinese manufacturers) that rely heavily on touchscreen interfaces, hard buttons offer tactile feedback and allow drivers to operate functions like climate control or audio volume without taking their eyes off the road. This enhances safety, intuition, and overall driving experience, appealing to drivers who prefer physical controls.

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