We test drive the Honda Super-ONE at the Motegi test track in Japan
The Honda Super-ONE is a compact electric hot hatch that was shown at the Japan Mobility Show 2025 and it stands out for its focus on delivering an engaging, fun-to-drive experience through simulated engine sounds and gear shifts, a unique approach for an EV. This is the WORLDS FIRST ELECTRIC CAR to have this!
We were invited to test drive it at the Motegi circuit and managed to get a whisper from one of the senior Honda executives that its proposed selling price in Japan will be around USD 22,000 to USD 23,000 which means it will arrive in Malaysia and sold for a possible RM120,000 or so (import duties included).
Well, in the past week, this Honda Super-ONE has been spotted being tested in and around Malacca which is where the Honda Malaysia assembly plant is located.
Meanwhile, this Honda Super One EV is special for its combination of a sporty driving experience with an electric powertrain, which is achieved through an “organic” throttle feel, optional “Boost Mode,” and a simulated manual gear shifting system that includes fake engine noise, blips, and downshifts.
Additionally, its chassis is engineered for agile handling with a wider track and beefier suspension, making it a fun, engaging, and city-friendly compact car.
Like we mentioned earlier, we drove it on the Motegi track and discovered how well the Super-ONE’s dedicated chassis is with a widened track and flared fenders to enhance stability and provide a nimble, go-kart-like handling. The low center of gravity, achieved by placing a thin battery pack centrally under the floor, contributes to its agility on winding roads
Fun driving dynamics was delivered at every corner with its simulated gearbox shifts and downshift sound. Then there was the most distinctive feature which is its “Boost Mode,” which, when activated, synchronises the power output with a simulated seven-speed gearbox and a virtual engine soundtrack played inside the cabin. The “Boost Mode” increases power output that revs to a high 6,000rpm.
This system includes tactile feedback, such as simulated shift shock and throttle blips on downshifts, to emulate the visceral feel of a traditional engine-powered sports car.
So, this latest Honda EV is the worlds first electric car to feature a simulated manual gearbox that provides a convincing, jolt-like upshift and downshift feel with accompanying noises, and can be controlled via steering-mounted paddles.
Honda Super-ONE has practical and fun features
The car is designed for city driving, with a compact size that is easy to manoeuvre and park in tight spots.
The cabin design, while retro-styled, offers a surprisingly roomy interior for its size, with enough space for four people.
The Super One supports bidirectional charging, allowing it to be used to power external electrical appliances (V2L) or act as a power source for a home (V2H).
The vehicle will come equipped with a range of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) under the “Honda Sensing” umbrella.
