The Honda N-One keeps its retro styling intact, but it’s all-new under the sheetmetal. The most exciting part of this refresh is the turbocharged RS trim, featuring a six-speed manual transmission!

In case you’re unfamiliar, Honda’s N line includes four retro-themed models: the N-One, N-Box, N-Van, and N-Wagon. The “N” stands for “Nippon,” which is actually how you say Japan in Japanese. All models feature retro styling inspired by the Honda N-360 hatchback from way back in 1967. Think of them as a new take on Nissan’s Pike Cars of the early 90s. Japan just can’t get enough of these neo-retro cars. 

Despite the retro styling, the N-One hatchback can be optioned with the latest tech features from Honda, and is one of the first kei cars to feature LED daytime running lamps. Additional options include in-car navigation, full-automatic air conditioning, adaptive cruise control, Honda Sensing parking aids and more. At just 3.4 meters (~11.2ft) long, it really packs a ton of features in a small package.

The new N-One hatchback will be available in three grades; Original, Premium Tourer, and RS. The sporty RS trim features a 64hp turbo engine, up from 57 hp in the regular version. This is mated to a refined version of the S660 roadster’s six-speed manual transmission. To further the Honda lineage, an S2000-inspired leather-wrapped shift knob is also included in the package. Power is delivered to the front wheels, adding to the already impressive lineage of fun FWD cars from Honda.  All of that comes together to make a nice little hot hatch with just enough sporty touches to keep you smiling from town to touge. 

Although kei cars are unlikely to find themselves in other markets, we’re glad to know that tiny hot hatches are still well and alive in the JDM world. If you’re lucky enough to be in Japan, then take advantage of Honda’s amazing offerings like this and the S660 Roadster. We love to see a company keeping sporty manual cars alive, and we look forward to more great drivers’ cars from Honda in the next decade.

Information for this article was sourced from an article on Yahoo Japan. 

@DownTheDori takes pictures of weird and interesting cars found on the streets of Japan. Follow @downthedori on Instagram to see what’s happening on the streets of Japan.