Hold on tight, because Honda's about to launch an electric car in Australia that might just redefine what we expect from EVs... and not necessarily in the way you think. The upcoming 2026 Honda Super-One is poised to be one of the least powerful electric vehicles on the Australian market. But before you write it off, consider this: could a focus on affordability and driving fun actually make it a surprising success?
Here's the lowdown: Honda's first all-electric offering for Australia, the Super-One, will pack a single, front-wheel-drive electric motor producing a modest 70kW of power and 162Nm of torque. This information comes directly from Honda Singapore, where the Super-One will debut. But here's where it gets controversial... These numbers place the Super-One near the bottom of the EV power rankings in Australia, only managing to edge out the BYD Atto 1 Essential (65kW) while matching the BYD Dolphin's power output.
And this is the part most people miss... While its power output is on the lower end, it's important to consider the torque figures. The Super-One's 162Nm only surpasses the Hyundai Inster's 147Nm. The BYD Atto 1 and Dolphin boast 175Nm and 180Nm, respectively. Does this mean the Super-One will be a slowpoke on the road? Not necessarily.
Outputs, however, are only half the story. Vehicle weight plays a crucial role in performance. Honda has been upfront about the Super-One not being a speed demon. Instead, they're emphasizing a 'fun' driving experience, complete with features like a simulated gear shifter and artificial engine noise. Some might find this gimmicky, but others might appreciate the attempt to recapture the feel of a traditional gasoline-powered car. What do you think?
Tipping the scales at a relatively light 1092kg, the Super-One boasts a respectable power-to-weight ratio of 64.1kW per tonne. To put that into perspective, the BYD Atto 1 Essential has a 50.2kW/t rating, the BYD Dolphin Essential is pegged at 46.5kW/t, the Hyundai Inster boasts a 51.6kW/t rating, while the Fiat 500e has a 67.4kW/t figure. This suggests the Super-One might feel more sprightly than its raw power figures suggest.
Beyond power and torque, Honda is keeping other critical EV specifications under wraps for now, including battery size and driving range. However, we do know that the Super-One is based on the N-One e kei car, but it's wider, longer, and taller. The N-One e kei car features a 29.6kWh battery, providing a WLTP-rated range of 295km. Given that the Super-One's output exceeds the N-One e kei car's 47kW by nearly 50 per cent, we can expect the driving range to decrease if Honda uses the same battery pack.
Production models of the Super-One will feature 15-inch alloy wheels, a 9-inch infotainment touchscreen, and an eight-speaker Bose sound system in international markets. In Singapore, the Super-One is priced at $SGD178,999, which translates to roughly $AU207,500. It's important to note that this price includes significant taxes and fees specific to the Singaporean market. However, given its positioning relative to the BYD Dolphin in Singapore, the Super-One could potentially be priced around $35,000 in Australia. This is purely speculative, of course.
Full pricing and specifications for the Australian Super-One will be revealed closer to its launch in the fourth quarter (October – December) of this year.
Ultimately, the success of the 2026 Honda Super-One in Australia will depend on more than just its power output. Its affordability, driving dynamics, and overall value proposition will be crucial factors. Will Honda's focus on 'fun' outweigh its modest power figures? Can a car with lower specs carve out a niche by being more accessible? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Do you think prioritizing affordability and driving 'feel' is a smart move for Honda, or are Australians primarily concerned with raw power and range when it comes to EVs?
