Honda’s All-New N-One Breaks Cover, Is Available With A Manual Gearbox

Honda’s popular N series of kei cars gets further rejuvenated as the 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.

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2021 Honda N-One in base Original trim level

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.

2021 Honda N-One in range-topping RS trim level

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.

2021 Honda N-One Premium

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.