Honda RS N-One Hatchback Gets Manual Transmission
Honda's tiny, lightweight hatchback has become a properly fun kei car.
Kei To Fun
While we can obviously go out and buy some pretty cool cars in the states, one thing we'll probably never see on domestic soil are kei cars. And that's a shame because these tiny rides are undoubtedly good clean fun. The Honda N-One, which has been on sale in Japan since 2012, is even more so now, thanks to the addition of a manual transmission option.
Photos: Honda
Getting Sporty
The N-One has received a major update from the manufacturer, one that includes the addition of a sporty RS trim. But it's the inclusion of the six-speed manual in that very trim that entices us the most. The RS also features LED fog light and black 15-inch wheels on the outside, with a leather shift boot and steering wheel on the inside.
Photos: Honda
>>Join the conversation about the N-One RS right here in Honda-Tech.com.
Other updates
Other changes to the new N-One, will go on sale this fall, include standard full LED headlights, as well as Honda's Sensing safety suite, which includes adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist, collision mitigation braking, pedestrian avoidance, traffic sign recognition, lane keep assist, rear parking sensors, and automatic high beams.
Photos: Honda
>>Join the conversation about the N-One RS right here in Honda-Tech.com.
Somewhat Limited
Because this is a Kei car, it's limited to 63 horsepower, so that's what you get. The base Original N-One and mid-range Premium trims come with a CVT and are available in either front or all-wheel-drive configuration. The RS, however, is front-wheel-drive only.
Photos: Honda
>>Join the conversation about the N-One RS right here in Honda-Tech.com.
Optional Accessories
Of course, N-One owners will certainly want to customize their rides to make them even more unique, and Honda is happy to give them the option of a slew of accessories for the tiny hatch. For the original, that includes a carbon fiber decal for the headlight surround and matte grey stripes.
Photos: Honda
>>Join the conversation about the N-One RS right here in Honda-Tech.com.
Other Goodies
Those opting for premium trim can nab a chrome-plated front splitter, the aforementioned stripes, and a wood decal for the front grille. Finally, RS buyers can choose from a blacked-out hood decal, Crystal Black Pearl lower fascia trim, and a dark chrome and black fuel filler door.
Photos: Honda
>>Join the conversation about the N-One RS right here in Honda-Tech.com.
Trading Power for Fun
The new N-One might look a lot like the old one, but Honda assures us that it's an entirely new offering. And a cool little one at that. What the tiny hatch might lack in power and speed it more than makes up for in fun, and that's what we love the most about Kei cars.
Photos: Honda