Honda invited us to Japan for an exclusive preview of its upcoming technologies and future plans for India. But the real highlight was not at the Japan Mobility Show — it was at the Honda Tochigi Proving Grounds, where we drove the Honda Super ONE Prototype, a compact EV designed to revolutionise daily urban mobility.
And from the moment it was on the track, one thing became clear:
The Honda Super ONE is not a typical city EV — it behaves like a playful, lightweight performance hatchback.
Set to launch in Japan in 2026 and later in the U.K. and select Asian markets, the Super ONE is built with Honda’s “e: Dash BOOSTER” philosophy, focusing on making everyday driving genuinely fun.
A Compact EV Engineered for Driving Fun
The Super ONE Prototype is based on a widened, re-engineered version of Honda’s N-Series platform. With broader track width, flared fenders, and a low-mounted battery pack positioned at the centre, Honda has created an EV that offers:
- One of the lowest centres of gravity in its segment
- Quick, direct, and responsive steering
- Impressive stability during tight manoeuvres
Compared to most small EVs that feel upright or utilitarian, the Super ONE feels balanced and composed — more like a sporty hatchback than a city commuter.
Track Impressions: Light, Agile, and Surprisingly Stable
At Honda’s Tochigi handling course, the Super ONE showcased its dynamic character instantly. Through tight bends and fast sweepers, it demonstrated the kind of agility you normally expect from performance-oriented petrol hatchbacks.
On the track, the Super ONE feels:
- Playful and eager, similar to a go-kart with Honda precision
- Controlled and planted, thanks to its stiffened chassis
- Remarkably stable, even during rapid lane changes
- More capable than expected, considering its compact footprint
The driving experience is engaging and confidence-inspiring, making it stand out sharply from the usual crop of A-segment EVs.
Boost Mode + Simulated 7-Speed Gearbox: Honda’s Secret Weapon
One of the most innovative features of the Super ONE is its Boost Mode, paired with a simulated 7-speed gearbox. This is where Honda adds emotion and theatrics to electric driving.
With Boost Mode engaged:
- Power delivery becomes sharper
- Acceleration feels noticeably stronger
- A realistic, sporty sound is simulated
- The virtual gearbox mimics real gearshifts
Honda has engineered this simulation with surprising detail. You feel virtual kickdowns, downshift blips, and engine braking sensations — all calculated in real time. It’s crafted to bring back the joy of traditional performance driving in an EV era.
Who Is the Super ONE For?
Honda positions the Super ONE for buyers who want:
- An EV for city use
- A compact footprint
- A fun, emotional driving experience
This is a rare combination. No A-segment EV currently offers this level of engagement. It feels alive at low speeds, making even short urban trips enjoyable.
Battery & Performance Expectations
Honda hasn’t revealed full specs yet, but the Super ONE clearly uses a peppier setup than the electric N One e it is derived from.
Expected upgrades include:
- More powerful motor
- Possibly a slightly larger battery
- Quicker and more driver-focused steering
- Wider tyres and a stiffer chassis
For reference, the N One e uses:
- 29.6 kWh battery
- 64 PS motor / 160 Nm
However, the Super ONE feels significantly more powerful during testing, suggesting that Honda has tuned it for spirited performance.
Will Honda Bring the Super ONE to India?
Honda is currently evaluating multiple EVs for India, and the Super ONE’s platform is under review — but the model itself is not confirmed.
However, the car fits perfectly into India’s needs:
- Compact size for crowded cities
- Quick and manoeuvrable
- Fun even at low speeds
- Premium yet efficient
More importantly, the Super ONE could transform Honda’s brand image in India. Enthusiasts have long wanted Honda to return to fun, emotional cars. This EV could deliver exactly that.
If Honda prices it competitively, the Super ONE could become one of the most talked-about urban EVs in the country.