Honda has launched its third generation N series small car, the Honda N-One kei car in Japan with a small turbocharged 660 CC petrol engine which is capable of delivering a whooping 27 KMPL of mileage with the performance which is equivalent to a 1.3 litre naturally aspirated petrol engine unit. The N-One features an efficient start-stop micro-hybrid system which helps this small wonder achieve such an impressive mileage along with the performance numbers.
The small engine is coupled to a CVT automatic transmission system which helps to use the engine power efficiently under varying speed conditions and provide a stress free drive of an automatic. The third generation of N-One has been in concept phase for past sometime and it has finally hit the production lines.
The N-One will retail around a price tag of approximately Rs. 7.5 Lakhs when converted to Indian currency and may seem steep for a small car from Indian perspective, but with the features and safety set offered on the Honda N-One in Japan, it fits well in the domestic price segment well.
The N One comes with high tech safety features like ABS, Airbags, CVT automatic gearbox, in-built infotainment system, steering mounted controls, eco-mode, start stop system, many small storage spaced and cubby holes etc. The interiors also come with option of beige and dark interiors colour theme.
The first question which comes to our mind when we see these Kei cars is that will it be launched in India? Well it may not come to India with a 660 CC turbo-charged Petrol unit, but Honda may bring it to other Asian markets including India with naturally aspirated 800 CC to 1000 CC petrol units. So far, Honda Cars India has not announced any plan to launch a car below Honda Brio in India. In fact, the next launch of Honda Cars India is expected to be Brio sedan with a diesel engine. Maybe in the coming years, Honda may bring it to India to enter the segment below Brio where the cars like Alto 800, Chevrolet Spark and Hyundai Eon rule the segment with not so much of a competition. If the N One comes to India, it will let go of many features and frills to cut down on the cost of the car to offer higher value for money which is one of the deciding factors for Indian car buyers.
Apart from Honda, Volkswagen and Skoda are also likely to bring their small car below Polo and Fabia respectively which maybe a strip down version of the VW Up or Skoda Citigo to claim their share in the pie of small cars priced between Rs. 2 to 4 Lakhs. Stay tuned to Car Blog India for latest updates.
