Honda is the next automaker to finally realize that drivers want small, cheap cars. Unfortunately, the adorable Super-N won’t be coming to the United States.
The Super-N is an electric hot hatch that looks like a lot of fun. Based on the Super-One in Japan, this lightweight 2,800-pound cutie has 63 horsepower — or 93 hp with the Boost Mode feature. It has a simulated 7-speed transmission with an Active Sound Control system that mimics the feeling and sound of a combustion-engine sports car. I usually would say BOOOOO, but it seems a bit quirky and silly when paired with the Super-N.
Honda also claims that the Super-N will have an electric range of 128 miles, which can reach 199 miles with just city driving. With its overwhelming cuteness, fun performance, and convenient city manoeuvring, this is definitely going to be a massive hit. Even better, it’s just $27,000. Unfortunately, it’s only coming to Europe, where it sorta takes the space of the Honda e with its “funky, cute” looks, according to the Head of Honda’s UK operations, Rebecca Adamson.
In an interview with Autocar, she continued to emphasize its affordability: “In terms of what it will do for us, the price point will be very important.”
The Honda Super-N will probably never come to the United States
For the longest time, electric vehicles were getting bigger and more expensive. Automakers mistakenly believed this was the way to go, since fewer people were buying their compact models (come to find out, this was because Americans were too broke even for those). But that’s actually the opposite of what drivers wanted. They wanted cars to become even smaller and even cheaper. Luxury EVs sat in dealerships so long that automakers had to practically give them away earlier this year.
But as people around the world pined for China’s super-cheap EVs, automakers realized they were mistaken. For many, it was too late. China has already been outselling most iconic brands worldwide. Many automakers saw huge profit losses. Not every brand has what it takes to compete directly, so they dramatically pivoted to gas-powered sports cars and other niche markets.
But Honda clearly has what it takes. Known for its affordable commuters, the Japanese carmaker decided to lean into what the public wants: small, cheap cars. And I have to say, the Super-N truly has what it takes to compete with China thanks to its styling and performance. We’ll find out for sure in July 2026.
However, I mean “they” will find out over in the UK. There is currently no word on if America will be getting the Super-N.
There are probably many factors that will ultimately leave us out of the fun once more. First, America is no longer interested in electric vehicles. Our EV sales are nowhere near EV sales in Europe, where governments are still pushing save-the-planet initiatives. Honda canceled multiple EVs it had in the works, including its 0 Series lineup. The idea of introducing another EV to the U.S. market probably seems risky, even if it’s a totally different segment.
“In the U.S., the expansion of the EV market has slowed down due to several factors, including the easing of fossil fuel regulations and revisions to EV incentives,” Honda said. “Honda’s automobile business has fallen into an extremely challenging earnings situation due to various factors, including its inability to respond flexibly to these changes in the business environment.”
President Donald Trump recently claimed he wanted to see more kei cars in the United States after visiting Japan. He said on social media: “These cars of the very near future are inexpensive, safe, fuel efficient and, quite simply, AMAZING!!! START BUILDING THEM NOW!”
Unfortunately, Trump’s passion for tiny cars is overshadowed by his other existing policies. The prices of cars in the United States, especially due to the imposed tariffs, will make it quite difficult for automakers to bring cars that are that cheap to American roads, even if they are smaller. The Super-N would probably be less appealing if it were $35,000, for example (which could happen if it was imported here). A lot of small car options have failed in America before, probably for similar reasons. Even cars around $30,000 are no longer appealing to lower-middle-class American families, making it seem as though nobody is interested, which is driving automakers like Smart out of the market.
Americans are interested. The issue is they can’t afford them at the price they are now. Looks like another FOMO moment for the United States.
