It has been officially announced that Honda’s popular minicar, the N-ONE , will undergo a minor change in November 2025. This update will see significant improvements in functionality, including the adoption of a 7-inch digital meter and the inclusion of Honda CONNECT.
For those considering purchasing the current model, an important decision point is whether to buy now or wait for the new model. In this article, we will thoroughly explain the detailed improvements to the new N-ONE and the best time to purchase it.
Key improvements to the new N-ONE | Detailed explanation of the seven improvements
1. 7-inch full LCD meter comes standard on all vehicles
The new N-ONE comes standard with a 7-inch full LCD meter, which has been well-received on the higher-end N-BOX model, on all grades. This is a significant upgrade from the previous analog meter, improving visibility and information display capabilities.
LCD Meter Main Features:
- High-definition display for clear images
- Supports a variety of display modes
- Integrated display of fuel economy and navigation information
- Customizable layout
2. Honda CONNECT significantly improves convenience
The new N-ONE will be equipped with Honda’s latest connected service, ” Honda CONNECT .” This feature allows you to connect to your smartphone and use the following convenient functions:
Key features of Honda CONNECT:
- Remote control of air conditioner from smartphone
- Vehicle location confirmation and tracking
- Providing in-car Wi-Fi
- Emergency support services
- Automatic notification of maintenance information
3. Front parking sensors are standard equipment on all vehicles
As part of the safety improvements, front parking sensors are now standard on all models, which detect obstacles ahead and make parking much safer.
4. New special edition “Original Craft Style”
The previous BLACK STYLE will be replaced by a new ” Original Craft Style ” model, which has an elegant and sophisticated design inspired by Scandinavian design.
CRAFT STYLE exclusive equipment:
Exterior-specific equipment:
- White front grill decoration
- Special color wheel cap
- White trim on outer door mirrors
- White decorative outer door handles
- Rear license plate garnish in white
Interior-specific equipment:
- Front seat color (Taupe x Platinum White)
- Door armrest (taupe)
- Instrument panel garnish (taupe wood)
- Heated front seats
- Drive recorder pre-wired
5. Improving the product appeal of Premium Tourer
The “Premium Tourer” grade has been redesignated as the top grade, significantly improving the product appeal of the CVT model. With more refined equipment and quality, it offers a premium kei car experience.
6. N-ONE RS | Pursuing sportiness with a 6-speed manual transmission
The sports grade ” N-ONE RS ” no longer has the CVT that was previously available and is now exclusively equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission . This change means:
- Providing a purer sports driving experience
- Dedicated meter for manual transmission
- Cost optimization through improved production efficiency
- Clear differentiation as a sports car
N-ONE RS 6-speed MT specification features:
- Engine: 660cc turbo (64ps/10.6kgm)
- The first MT light vehicle to continue supporting ACC and LKAS
- Dedicated sports meter
- Dedicated suspension settings
7. Enhanced Honda SENSING functions
Honda SENSING, the latest safety support system, has been further improved to provide more advanced safety features. In particular, the performance of the ACC with Traffic Jam Following function is expected to improve.
New N-ONE pricing system | Pricing by grade
Estimated price range (including consumption tax)
| grade | Drive system | Estimated Price |
|---|---|---|
| Original | FF | From 1.74 million yen |
| Original | 4WD | From 1.87 million yen |
| Premium | FF | From 1,930,000 yen |
| Premium | 4WD | From 2.06 million yen |
| Premium Tourer | FF | From 2.04 million yen |
| Premium Tourer | 4WD | From 2.17 million yen |
| RS (6 speed MT) | FF | From 2.16 million yen |
| Original CRAFT STYLE | FF/4WD | Price adjustment in progress |
Factors behind the price increase:
- Rising raw material and logistics costs
- Cost of new equipment (LCD meter, Honda CONNECT, etc.)
- Expected price increase of approximately 100,000 yen
2025 New N-ONE Minor Change | Release Schedule Details
Announcement and release schedule
- Advance orders will begin in October 2025
- Official announcement : November 2025
This schedule allows potential buyers to make advance reservations approximately one month in advance.
Should I wait for the new N-ONE? | Purchase timing guide
Cases where you should wait for the new model
1. People who value the latest technology
- I want to take advantage of the convenience of Honda CONNECT
- The advanced 7-inch LCD meter is appealing
- Smartphone connectivity is important
2. People who prioritize safety
- Front parking sensors as standard equipment
- I want to use the latest Honda SENSING features
3. People who are interested in special edition vehicles
- I’m attracted to the Original Craft Style design
- Looking for elegant specifications with a Nordic feel
4. Those considering the N-ONE RS manual transmission
- Expectations for pure sporty performance with a 6-speed manual transmission
- I’m attracted to the special equipment, such as the MT-specific meter.
Cases where you should choose the current model
1. Those who prioritize cost
- I want to avoid the price increase (approximately 100,000 yen) of the new model.
- Satisfied with the current model’s functionality and performance
2. Those who want immediate delivery
- Delivery delays are expected for the new model after its release
- Current models can be delivered in a relatively short period of time.
3. Those who want the RS CVT specification
- The CVT will be discontinued in the new model, so the current model is the last chance
- Emphasis on ease of use like automatic transmission
The appeal of the current N-ONE | Continuing basic performance
Engine performance (continued in new model)
- Naturally aspirated engine : 58ps/6.6kgm
- Turbo engine : 64ps/10.6kgm
- Fuel economy : WLTC mode 23.0km/L
Enhanced basic equipment
- LED headlights as standard equipment on all vehicles
- Electronic parking brake
- Auto brake hold function
- Honda SENSING standard equipment on all vehicles
Superior interior space
- Spacious interior thanks to center tank layout
- Easy-to-use overall height for a light semi-tall wagon
- Good comfort in the front and rear seats
Comparison with competing models | Positioning of the new N-ONE
Main competitors
- Suzuki Alto Works : Focusing on sportiness
- Daihatsu Copen : Open sports car
- Suzuki Hustler : Crossover SUV style
- Daihatsu Cast : A diverse range of styles
Competitive advantages of the new N-ONE
- Advanced technology with Honda CONNECT
- Visibility of the 7-inch LCD meter
- 6-speed MT x turbo combination
- Honda brand reliability
- Balanced pricing
Pre-purchase checkpoints | How to choose without making a mistake
Things to check when considering purchasing a new model
1. Delivery time
- Immediately after release, delivery is expected to take 3 to 6 months
- Popular grades and colors may be extended further
- Impact if it overlaps with demand at the end of the fiscal year
2. Items to check at the dealer
- Pre-order conditions and benefits
- Preferential treatment for those switching from current models
- Maintenance pack and other service details
3. Insurance and other expenses
- Insurance premium changes for new cars
- Latest registration fees
- Voluntary insurance vehicle rate class
If you purchase the current model
1. Stock and discount status
- Clearance sales before and after new model announcements
- Increased discounts before model change
- Check availability of desired grade and color
2. Equipment Compromise
- Would you be satisfied without the LCD meter and Honda CONNECT?
- The need for front parking sensors
- Possibility of adding new features in the future
Future outlook for the new N-ONE | Stepping stone to electrification
Responding to electrification
Honda has announced a plan to make 100% of new car sales electric vehicles by 2030, and the N-ONE will also have the following future plans:
- Equipped with a mild hybrid system
- Adoption of e:HEV (strong hybrid)
- N-ONE e: The potential of an electric vehicle
The significance of this minor change
The inclusion of Honda CONNECT and digital meters is also part of the infrastructure development for future electrification, and is positioned as part of a long-term product strategy.
Summary | Guidelines for judging the new N-ONE minor change
Those who recommend waiting for the new model
- Emphasis on the latest features : Honda CONNECT and LCD meters are appealing
- Safety first : Front parking sensors are important
- Want a special edition car : Interested in the CRAFT STYLE design
- Pure MT experience : Looking forward to the RS 6-speed MT exclusive
Recommend the current model
- Cost-conscious : Want to avoid a price increase of approximately 100,000 yen
- Delivery priority : I want the car delivered immediately
- RS CVT : Needs specifications that will be discontinued in the new model
Final decision point
The new N-ONE, scheduled for release in November 2025, will undoubtedly have superior product value compared to the current model. However, price increases and delivery delays are unavoidable.
The new model is well worth the wait , and the combination of Honda CONNECT and the 7-inch LCD meter in particular has the potential to set a new standard for light vehicles.
On the other hand, the current model also has sufficient basic performance, so if you are concerned about cost performance, the current model is also a wise choice.
Ultimately, it’s best to make your decision based on your individual needs, budget, and delivery schedule. The most logical approach would be to wait until October 2025, when detailed information about the new model will be released, before making a final decision.
