The automotive world loves a good throwback, and Honda has masterfully dipped into its heritage with the Honda N-One, a kei car that beautifully echoes the charm of the classic Honda N360. Regrettably for enthusiasts outside Japan, the N-One remains a domestic market gem. However, thanks to guest writer David Lovett’s experience in Japan, we bring you an insightful test drive review of this delightful vehicle.
The Honda N360 is undeniably a captivating little car. Its endearing 36 horsepower, 360cc air-cooled inline-twin engine makes it hard not to fall in love. Weighing a mere 475 kilograms (1045 lbs), this kei-class engine provided surprisingly sprightly performance. In the realm of 360cc kei jidosha, the N360 stands tall alongside icons like the Suzuki Fronte Coupe, Subaru R2 SS, and Mitsubishi Minica Skipper.
Honda’s designers clearly share this admiration, as evidenced by their series of enticing concept cars that hinted at a retro revival. Among these concepts, the diminutive EV-N stood out as a particular favorite. These design explorations ultimately culminated in the production-ready Honda N-One, which debuted on November 1st.
Eager to experience this modern reincarnation of the N360, a test drive was essential. A visit to the local Honda dealership led to an incredibly positive dealer experience, culminating in the keys to a Honda N-One Premium 2WD model.
First Impressions: Design and Styling
The immediate impression is undeniable: the Honda N-One is undeniably cute. However, a minor design element on the front fascia does raise a slight concern. A small gap between the hood and the black grille serves as an air intake, channeling air to a substantial duct for the 660cc turbocharged inline-three engine’s intercooler. Visually, this gap gives the impression that the hood is perpetually ajar.
Beyond this minor detail, the N-One’s aesthetics are thoroughly appealing. The extended wheelbase, with wheels positioned at the extreme corners of the vehicle, is a design highlight. The square elements composing the brake lights are beautifully executed. As a safety feature, hard braking at speed activates flickering brake lights, enhancing visibility for drivers behind.
Interior and Practicality: Surprisingly Spacious
Stepping inside the Honda N-One reveals a minimalist interior that evokes classic automotive design. A standout feature is the front seat, resembling a bench seat in its layout. While difficult to fully capture in photographs, this seat design contributes to the retro ambiance and offers a unique and welcoming space. A wide, foldable armrest between the front seats provides comfortable shared use for both the driver and passenger.
The interior space of the N-One is genuinely surprising. This kei car comfortably accommodates even larger occupants. Remarkably, rear passenger space remains generous even with the front seats fully pushed back. The dealership representative highlighted Honda’s design intent: to accommodate four 95th percentile American males, or individuals up to 190 centimeters (six feet one inch) in height.
The dashboard maintains a clean and uncluttered aesthetic, with easily legible gauges. The Honda N-One offers an optional infotainment screen integrated into the dash. A notable feature is smartphone connectivity via USB, enabling music playback and even displaying phone-based navigation on the screen – a truly intelligent integration.
Driving Experience: Agile and Zippy
Behind the wheel, the Honda N-One immediately impresses with its excellent visibility. The elevated seating position provides a commanding view of the road ahead, although a slightly lower position might be preferable for some drivers. The windshield offers expansive visibility, complemented by surprisingly slender A-pillars. Honda’s utilization of high-tensile strength steel allowed for minimizing pillar thickness without compromising structural integrity in crash situations. Despite weighing around 900kg (1,985 lbs), nearly double the original N360, the N-One feels remarkably light and nimble.
The test model was equipped with the turbocharged engine variant, though a naturally aspirated version is also available. Both engines are DOHC three-cylinder units. The turbo engine, adhering to kei car regulations, produces 64 horsepower, while the naturally aspirated version delivers a respectable 58 horsepower. The turbo engine provides ample torque, making the car feel surprisingly quick off the mark. Turbo boost arrives almost instantaneously upon pedal input. Acceleration surpasses many full-size one-liter cars currently on the market. However, the Honda N-One is exclusively available with a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission).
The absence of a manual transmission is a notable drawback for driving enthusiasts, as a stick shift would undoubtedly amplify the fun factor. Paddle shifters and simulated gears attempt to compensate, but they cannot fully replicate the engagement of a clutch pedal and the tactile satisfaction of manual gear changes.
The steering system is electrically assisted, a design choice likely influenced by the densely packed engine bay. While it effectively mimics hydraulic power steering, it lacks exceptional feedback. Nonetheless, steering remains solid and stable at higher speeds, and light enough for effortless parking maneuvers at lower speeds.
The extended wheelbase, a consequence of pushing the wheels to the vehicle’s edges, contributes to a stable driving feel and provides above-average trunk space for a kei car. For context, the N-One’s wheelbase measures 2,520mm, while the significantly larger Toyota Corolla has a wheelbase of just 2,600mm. Unlike many kei cars that can feel unstable at highway speeds, the N-One’s wheelbase and power enable comfortable cruising at 120kph (75mph), comparable to larger vehicles like the Corolla or Nissan Versa.
Overall Impression: A Well-Crafted Kei Car with Retro Appeal
In conclusion, the Honda N-One is an outstanding vehicle. While many modern kei cars can feel budget-oriented, the N-One exudes a sense of quality craftsmanship. This premium feel is reflected in the price; the test model carried a price tag of ¥1,400,000, approximately $17,000 USD. The base non-turbo 2WD G Model starts at ¥1,150,000. At the higher end, the turbo 4WD Premium Tourer L Package reaches ¥1,791,950. A personally configured model came to a more palatable ¥1,230,000, representing excellent value for such a well-engineered and enjoyable new car. For those interested in exploring configurations, Honda’s N-One builder offers a fun online tool.
The Honda N-One has clearly resonated with Japanese consumers, experiencing high demand that outpaces Honda’s production capacity. Waiting times extend to two months for the base G model and a substantial 10 months for the desirable two-tone Premium model like the test vehicle.
Is the Honda N-One a worthy successor to the iconic N360? The answer is a resounding yes, with the caveat of the missing manual transmission. There remains a glimmer of hope, as the dealer mentioned Honda’s initial desire to offer a manual option. If fortunate, a manual version might materialize later in the N-One’s lifecycle. Until then, purists might be tempted to seek out a well-maintained original N360, offering similar fuel efficiency in an even smaller, lighter, and arguably more engaging package.
