Honda has introduced the N-One sporting an economy-minded 660-cc engine which is the latest entry to its Japan-only N Series of mini-vehicles. The main feature of the N-One is a spacious cabin that can seat four people and which has a lightweight but rigid body. Honda said that those who want luxury can choose the N-One Premium model with a high-quality exterior and interior “beyond those of any models in the mini-vehicle category.”
The N-One is offered with either a 660-cc DOHC naturally aspirated engine, or a 660-cc DOHC Turbo powerplant. The two engines are partnered with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with excellent fuel economy of 27.0km/L realized. Honda claims that the performance of a N-One Turbo is comparable to that of a vehicle with a 1.3-liter in the class.
So what makes this N-One interesting? To start there are 5 colour combinations for the 2-tone color style which more effectively highlights the individual tastes of customers. The Interior design is simple and yet great attention was paid to ensure the quality feel of materials in every detail. Comfort and a sense of security were pursued with the large-size bench seat. With these factors, a comfortable cabin space was achieved that people will not grow tired of even after prolonged use. A flat and cleanly fit audio system display was adopted. By connecting a smart phone using “InterNavi Pocket,” a genuine navigation system application developed by Honda, the navigation screen can be displayed on the screen of the audio system (manufacturer’s option).
Safety features are very good with, Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) system, which responds to sudden braking and quickly blinks hazard lamps automatically to alert the drivers of trailing vehicles, is featured as standard equipment on all types. VSA (Vehicle Stability Assist) system is standard equipment on all types.
HSA (Hill Start Assist) system that temporarily prevents the vehicle from rolling backward when starting on an upward incline is standard equipment on all types. The side curtain airbag system which helps mitigate head impacts in a side collision and the front seat i-side airbag system are standard equipment on select model types. The Pedestrian Injury Mitigation Body, which features structures that absorb the impact of a collision on a pedestrian’s head and legs in case of a collision, was adopted. Class-leading omni-directional collision safety performance was realized with the newly-designed engine and new load distribution structure.
The N-One is offered with either front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive configurations with prices that start from 1,150,000 yen while a range-topping four-wheel drive N-One has a starting price of about 1,707,750 yen.
