Honda offers a service-activated warranty that lasts for up to eight years. The Super-N’s service plan is pricey, at £700, while the Inster’s three-year plan is just over half that, at £376.
Verdict
Winner: Honda Super-N
The Honda Super-N is a fantastic example of a car that amounts to more than the sum of its parts. Clever packaging makes the most of the Japanese model’s small footprint, and there’s decent space for four people, while the Magic Seats in the back do wonders for the car’s general versatility.
A short range means the Honda is better suited to life as a second car, but the low list price means this is an option that more people will be able to take. Add in a driving experience that can be fun when you want it and mature at all other times, and it’s a breath of fresh air in the city-car segment.
Runner-up: Hyundai Inster
There’s plenty of appeal in the Hyundai Inster. Until the Honda Super-N came along, it had the market for quirky-looking Far Eastern city cars sewn up, while its larger dimensions and bigger battery meant that it could fit the bill in a single-car family where the Super-N falls short.
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It’s quiet, refined and sprightly in town, while only road noise spoils its motorway ability. But a bigger issue is the Hyundai’s slow-witted infotainment system. The Inster was already quite pricey when compared with existing small cars, but the Honda makes it look even more expensive.
Prices and specs
Model testedHonda Super-N 30kWh AdvanceHyundai Inster CrossPrice from/price as tested£18,995/£20,365£23,755/£29,005Powertrain and performance Powertrain1x electric motor1x electric motorPower/torque94bhp/162Nm113bhp/147NmTransmissionSingle-speed/fwdSingle-speed/fwd0-62mph/top speed14.5 seconds/83mph10.6 seconds/93mphBattery capacity29.6kWh49kWhOfficial range128 miles229 milesTest efficiency/range4.7mi/kWh/139 miles4.1mi/kWh/201 milesMaximum DC charging50kW (15-80% in 30 mins)85kW (10-80% in 30 mins)Dimensions Length/wheelbase/width/height3,599/2,516/1,626/1,608mm3,845/2,580/1,610/1,610mmFront door opening width/height/sill height680/1,110/323mm685/1,045/380mmRear door opening width/height740/1,070mm835/1.035mmRear knee room/headroom/elbow room710-840/895/1,230mm613-830/960/1,315mmBoot opening width/height865/935mm1,070/755mmBoot space (seats up/down)162/967 litres238/1,059 litresBoot length/width/height490/883 520mm460-630/955/775mmKerbweight/payload/towing weight1,097/404kg/N/A1,335/410kg/N/ATurning circle10.6 metres10.6 metresCosts/ownership Residual value (3yrs/36,000)/depreciation£8,947/47.10%/£10,048£11,451/39.48%/£17,554Insurance group/quote/VED27/£546/£20023/£451/£200Three-year service cost£700£376Annual tax liability std/higher rate£151/£303£231/£463Annual fuel cost (10k miles)£525£602Basic warranty/recovery3yrs (90,000 miles)/3yrs5yrs (unlimited miles)/1yrExtended warrantyService activatedNo (up to 8yrs/100k) Driver Power manufacturer position17th13thNCAP Adult/child/ped./assist/starsN/A70/81/70/67/4_ (2025)Equipment Metallic paint/wheel size£675/15 inches£650/17 inchesParking sensors/cameraFront & rear/rearFront & rear/rearSpare wheel/Isofix pointsRepair kit/twoRepair kit/twoKeyless entry & go/heat pumpYes/noYes/yesSeat upholstery/leatherFabric & leather/noFabric/noHeated seats/steering wheelYes/yesYes/yesScreen size/digital dashboard9.0 inches/6.5 inches10.25 inches/10.25 inchesClimate control/sunroof/wireless chargingYes/no/noYes/yes/yesUSBs/Wireless CarPlay/Android AutoTwo/yes/yesTwo/yes/yesBlind-spot warning/head-up displayNo/noYes/noAdaptive cruise/steering assistYes/yesYes/yes
What we would choose
Honda Super-N
There are black, grey and white options, while Boost Violet is the standard shade and arguably suits the Super-N best. You can add a contrast black roof for £300, plus Honda offers decal packs and black badges as accessories.
Hyundai Inster
White is a £325 option, while matt Amazonas Green is £850 and exclusive to the Cross model. One other option is vehicle-to-load capability (£500), which also includes the ability to use your smartphone as a car key.
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