The Honda Super-One opens at $36,900 drive-away, beating rivals including the Hyundai Inster as Australian pre-orders begin before the planned October 2026 showroom launch.

This compact city car marks Honda's first EV offering locally. Sized similarly to the Hyundai Inster and BYD Atto 1, its retro design draws from the 1980s Honda City II while its electric setup positions it against the Mini Cooper SE and Fiat 500e.

Honda Australia reported over 6500 expressions of interest before pre-orders started on August 4, exceeding interest levels seen for the Civic Type R.

Just 130 units reach Australian buyers in 2026, though volumes are expected to rise substantially the following year.

Two grades launch with the base at $36,900 drive-away. The higher variant adds a black roof and Boost Violet paint for an extra $500.

Although the Atto 1 holds the title of Australia's lowest-priced EV at $23,990 before on-roads, the Super-One undercuts the Hyundai Inster's $39,000 pre-on-road starting point, though the Inster carries a limited $35,990 drive-away deal until September 30, 2026.

It also undercuts the Fiat 500e La Prima from $52,500 before on-roads and the Mini Cooper SE Favoured from $58,990 before on-roads.

Honda confirmed capped service costs of no more than $199 for each of the first five scheduled visits.

Built on a dedicated EV platform, the Super-One features a front electric motor delivering 47kW and 162Nm normally, rising to 70kW in Boost mode.

A 29.6kWh lithium-ion battery supports a 206km WLTP range, with DC fast charging restoring 30 to 80 per cent capacity in 30 minutes.

The car includes a simulated seven-speed transmission for gearshift feel plus an Active Sound Control system that generates engine-like audio.

Full Australian specifications remain pending, yet the model retains Honda's Magic Seats and the leaked configurator showed a Bose audio setup with sports seats.

Front suspension uses MacPherson struts while the rear employs a torsion-beam axle.

Arrival occurs amid ongoing uncertainty over Honda's wider Australian EV strategy following the late cancellation of two 0 Series models previously planned for local sale.

The Indian-market 0 Series Alpha stays as a possible future option after other 0 Series variants were dropped.

Honda Australia continues prioritising hybrids, recently expanding CR-V grades to compete with the Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5.

The Honda Prelude sports coupe also returned earlier this year as a hybrid-only model after a two-decade absence.

MORE: Explore the Honda Super One showroom