The Honda Super-One recently launched in Japan was clearly inspired by the 1983-86 Honda City Turbo II. But in case that wasn’t obvious enough, Honda has created an even more overt homage to the City Turbo II. Developed by Honda Access, the company’s in-house aftermarket accessory arm, the items will be available for purchase in Japan later this year.
The original car came with a graphic that read “Turbo II” in large letters and “with Intercooler” in smaller letters below that. The Super-One uses the same font as the original but replaces the text with “Bulldog” in large letters and “with Electric Power” in smaller letters.
Described as a hot hatch EV by Honda, the Super-One weighs just 2400 pounds. As a full electric it has no transmission, but its programming mimics a 7-speed shifter that jolts the car on upshifts, blips on downshifts, and even bounces off an artificial rev limiter. It’s based on the Honda N-One kei car, but because of its flared fenders and “boost mode” that puts out 94 horsepower, it no longer meets kei car regulations.
Honda says it considered using the text “Turbo III” but instead went with Bulldog, the nickname for the original. That moniker came from a strange 1980s animated TV commercial, in which the car is likened to a bipedal cybernetic bulldog.
Another nod to the Turbo II are the foglights. The original was known for two yellow rectangular ones prominently placed at the front corners. Honda Access designers replicated that feature with foglights that can project in yellow or, with the switch of a button, white light thanks to LED technology.
The Super-One Bulldog Style is also its own thing, though, and can be ordered with a tailgate spoiler and black emblems for a modern touch. Black 15-inch ME-027 wheels round out the package. With it, those who fondly remember the City Turbo II can relive the 80s with a modern city car. The Honda Access parts will be available in Japan in late May 2026.
Images courtesy of Honda.
Dang, the City should’ve been a 5-door all along!