Honda N-One is renewed for a second generation. Launched
in 2012, the N-One is the oldest N-badged kei car Honda sells in Japan, as the
N-Box got redesigned in 2017 and the all-new N-WGN launched last year. It was
therefore time for a second-generation N-One, which Honda is previewing ahead
of its debut this fall in Japan.
As the photos clearly show, the 2021 Honda
N-One is an evolution of its predecessor from a styling standpoint, retaining
the proportions of the original N-One. The difference is in the details, such
as the refined front end featuring a new grille, full-LED headlights with
incorporated DRLs, as well as the refreshed rear end with new LED taillights
and bumper. Customers will be able to choose between three trim levels:
Original, Premium, and RS. Each of these features a different grille, with the
Premium and RS also adding LED fog lights in the bumper.
Inside, the 2021 Honda N-One adopts a more
minimalist design than before thanks to fewer physical buttons made possible by
the bigger infotainment screen which controls a higher number of features.
Another notable change is the ditching of the front bench seat in favor of
individual seats that offer improved lateral support.
The new N-One adopts the new platform
introduced by the second-generation N-Box in 2017. Given the strict rules that
govern the kei car segment, power still comes from a 0.66-liter turbocharged
three-cylinder petrol engine. However, the good news is customers can have it
with a six-speed manual transmission for the first time.
Mind you, they will need to choose the
range-topping N-One RS model to gain access to the optional manual
transmission. Otherwise, all cars come equipped as standard with a CVT driving
the front wheels. All-wheel drive is optional on Original and Premium trim
levels.
The final piece of information Honda is
willing to share for now is that all 2021 N-One models pack the Honda Sensing
safety suite as standard. The most notable driver assistance systems include
Adaptive Cruise Control with stop-and-go function and rear parking sensors.
Honda will announce more details and pricing closer to the market launch in
Japan later this fall.
