First examples of Honda’s next EV arrive in NZ

The first units of one of New Zealand’s smallest electric vehicles, the Honda Super-One, have arrived on New Zealand shores ahead of the nameplate’s launch event later this month, and retail launch on August 1. 

Based on a kei-car platform but with a widened footprint, the Super-One squares up as a rival for the likes of the BYD Atto 1 and Dongfeng Box. It’s also something of a pseudo replacement for Honda’s recently departed e:N1 as the brand’s sole plug-in nameplate. 

In a press release, the Japanese brand’s local arm said that less than 50 Super-Ones will be available to customers between the model’s launch at the end of the year. But, more volume is expected in 2027. 

Honda New Zealand managing director Carolyn McMahon said local response to the Super-One has been “incredibly encouraging”, adding that there has been “strong early interest from customers across the country.” 

“The first vehicles have now arrived in New Zealand and we can't wait for customers to experience what makes Honda Super-One so unique,” said McMahon.

“With demand continuing to build, and fewer than 50 vehicles available for delivery this year before increased volume arrives in 2027, customers wanting to secure their Honda Super-One in 2026 are encouraged to register their interest or speak with their local Honda Centre as soon as possible.” 

As previously reported, the Honda Super-One will be offered here in two variants; the standard Super-One priced from $41,990, and the limited-run Super-One Kuro Edition priced from $44,990.

Power comes from a front-mounted electric motor producing 70kW of power and 162Nm of torque, fed by a 29.6kWh battery pack. Honda claims the Super-One can travel up to 253km on the NEDC cycle and supports DC fast charging up to 50kW. 

Weighing just 1093kg, it features MacPherson strut front suspension, a torsion beam rear suspension, ventilated front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, and 15-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 185/55 tyres.

Standard equipment inside includes a 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, Bose premium audio, and Honda Connect connected services.

Honda Connect includes remote climate control, digital key functionality, vehicle tracking, geofencing, remote locking and unlocking, and over-the-air vehicle monitoring through a three-year included subscription.

Honda's full Honda Sensing safety suite is standard, including adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, lane-keep assist, lane departure warning, traffic jam assist, front and rear parking sensors, and a reversing camera.