There's a saying, "Don't let the trees obscure the forest," and it's absolutely true. Europe has become obsessed with electric vehicles to reduce CO2 emissions and ease traffic in its largest cities. But if we're honest, this solution is only creating chaos in the automotive sector. All the brands are fighting their own battles with expensive products that also offer limited electric range.
But if we look around, we might find some perfectly valid intermediate solutions. Japanese kei cars aren't popular in Europe , but they're a very effective type of vehicle for urban mobility, both in terms of fuel consumption and size. And although the Old Continent may try to deny the obvious, in Japan they represent 34% of sales, with 1,17 million units sold in 2022. And the top seller is the Honda N-Box, which is launching a new generation.
The aesthetics of the new Honda N-Box follows the line marked in its previous generations...
You might not know it, but Honda is a major expert in kei cars . In fact, the N-Box is their best-selling model, not only in their home country, but also licensed to other brands and with different body styles. Now comes the third iteration with an improved formula, though still adhering to the established principles of these models. Its boxy body measures 3,39 meters long by 1,47 meters wide, with a wheelbase of just 2,52 meters.
In terms of design, the main elements that define its personality are details like the grille and customization options. Its small alloy wheels, positioned at the corners to maximize interior space, are also noteworthy. The second-row doors also feature sliding openings for easier access. Everything else is customizable.
Honda has created several packages to personalize its look. The Fashion Style version includes white door handles and mirrors, as well as wheel covers in the same color as the body. Inside, it stands out for its 7-inch digital instrument cluster with a 9-inch central touchscreen. The dashboard also features a modular cargo tray and, according to the brand, offers the most space in its segment.
As a good kei car, it strictly complies with all the rules to continue being the best seller in Japan...
As we mentioned, the N-Box maintains an exterior length of no more than 3,4 meters. But the most interesting aspect is that the powertrain remains unchanged to comply with current Japanese regulations. This means the gasoline engine is limited to 660 cc with a power output that should not exceed 63 hp . In any case, Honda has not provided data on the power output of this new N-Box, but has announced the versions that will be available.
According to the explanation, at launch it will include turbocharged and naturally aspirated engines . Furthermore, there will be both all-wheel drive and two-wheel drive versions to handle any situation. The saddest part is that these types of vehicles aren't well-received in Europe, even though they are bestsellers in Japan. They offer excellent modularity; the new N-Box even includes folding seats that convert into a bed…
Source – Honda
