2nd-gen Honda N-One launched in Japan: Features, variants, engine details

KUALA LUMPUR: Honda has given its kei car, the N-one a full makeover. Now, in its second-generation the said Honda car looks almost identical to the ongoing version, with major changes reserved for the cabin.

Let's now discuss the 2021 Honda N-One in detail, starting with the exterior changes -

At the front, we see a new front fascia supported by the model's trademark blacked-out panel that goes around the circular headlights. Speaking of which, the exterior lighting is fully revised with the headlamps getting round positioning lights that double as turn signals. The single bumper air intake at the front is broader than before.

On the side, are present 15-inch Y-spoke alloy wheels that get a two-tone finish in Premium and matte black tone in the RS model.

At the rear, we see black bumper applique that carries the reflectors. As for the revised lighting units, the car now gets full LED taillights with a slim red outline.

For the 2021 model, Honda has kept the variations between the trims to the minimum. However, there are a few elements that separate the three N-One variants from one another.

With the RS, Premium, and Turbo trims sharing the same front bumper the former two benefit from a wide grille, front LED fog lamps, chrome front & rear bumper garnish, clear tail lamps, and a rear spoiler. Further, the door handles, window strip, and additional mouldings are finished in gloss black tone in RS and chrome in the Premium variant.

2021 Honda N-One interior revisions

Unlike the new N-one’s exterior, the cabin features a bulk of changes, both on the aesthetics and tech front. Starting with the dashboard layout, it’s brand new and includes a floating head unit, a large upright decorative panel, a revamped twin-meter colour digital instrument cluster, a dedicated climate control panel, and different air-vents shapes - rectangular for the passengers and circular for the driver.

At the front are present individual bucket seats, resulting in a spacious centre storage compartment, cupholders, and three USB ports.

Other key highlights include -

• An electronic parking brake with automatic brake hold function
• New Rear Seat Reminder
• Auto High Beam & Reverse Pedal MIsapplication Control

2021 Honda N-One Powerplant details -
Powering the 2nd-gen N-One is a 658 cc three-cylinder mill available in two versions - naturally-aspirated and turbo version. The former version is found under the Original and Premium models and makes a maximum power of 58 PS at 7,300 rpm along with a peak torque of 65 Nm at 4,800 rpm. The Premium Tourer and RS model benefit from the turbocharged version that develops 64 PS at 6,000 rpm and 104 Nm at 2,600 rpm.

On the transmission front is present a CVT unit with either a front or all-wheel-drive option. Further, for the first time, the RS model comes with a six-speed manual transmission that sends power to the front wheels.

2021 Honda N-One Safety Kit -
The kei car benefits from Honda Sensing features that now is standard across the lineup and includes -

• Autonomous Emergency Braking
• Lane Keeping Assist
• Traffic Sign Recognition
• Lane Centring Assist
• Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go

In Japan, Honda N-One price range starts from 1,599,400 yen (RM 63,100) and goes up to 1,99,800 yen (RM 78,900).

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