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Meet Honda’s $21,000 electric hot hatch [Images]

Honda’s electric hot hatch went on sale in Japan on Friday, starting at about $21,000. The Super-ONE EV will launch in Europe, the UK, and other overseas regions soon.

Honda Super-One is an affordable EV hot hatch

The Super-ONE delivers an “exciting and uplifting experience,” Honda said, after launching the compact EV in its home market on Friday.

Based on the N-ONE e, Honda’s mini EV sold in Japan, the Super-ONE is upgraded with a dedicated chassis and a wider, sportier design.

The souped-up electric hot hatch is built on Honda’s lightweight N-Series platform, delivering up to 63 hp (47 kW). When Boost Mode is active, an exclusive feature for the Super-ONE that unleashes the vehicle’s full potential, the max output increases to 93 hp (70kW).

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Boost is one of five drive modes you can choose from, alongside ECON, CITY, NORMAL, and SPORT, which adjust the vehicle’s settings based on your preference.

Like Hyundai’s performance EVs, the IONIQ 5 N and IONIQ 6 N, Honda’s electric hot hatch features a simulated 7-speed transmission and an Active Sound Control system that make it feel like you’re driving an old-school sports car, with fake gear changes and jerkiness.

The interior features a standard 9″ infotainment display with Google built in and exclusive sports seats. It’s also Honda’s first compact vehicle (EV or gas) equipped with a premium Bose sound system. The setup includes eight speakers and a 13.1-liter subwoofer that’s installed in the back. Not bad for an entry-level model.

Measuring just 3,395 mm (133.7″) long, the SUPER-ONE is even smaller than Volkswagen’s EV hot hatch, the ID. Polo GTI, which was unveiled last week.

Powered by the same 29.6 kWh battery as the N-ONE e, the SUPER-ONE offers a WLTP driving range of up to 274 km (170 miles) with fast charging (up to 80%) capabilities in about 30 minutes.

Honda launched the SUPER-ONE in Japan on May 22, priced from 3,390,200 yen, or about $21,300. The electric hot hatch will go on sale in the UK in July as the Super-N, starting at under £20,000 ($27,000), undercutting the expected £33,500 ($45,000) price for the VW ID. Polo GTI.

Which electric hot hatch would you drive? Honda’s or Volkswagen’s? Drop us your pick in the comments below.

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Avatar for Peter Johnson Peter Johnson

Peter Johnson is covering the auto industry’s step-by-step transformation to electric vehicles. He is an experienced investor, financial writer, and EV enthusiast. His enthusiasm for electric vehicles, primarily Tesla, is a significant reason he pursued a career in investments. If he isn’t telling you about his latest 10K findings, you can find him enjoying the outdoors or exercising