No foray into the insanity of JDM automotive tradition could possibly be full with out trying on the small-but-mighty kei automotive. Keijidōsha (which accurately means ‘mild car’) is a phenomenon that’s uniquely Japanese.
For probably the most half these itsy-bitsy, teeny, little vehicles aren’t the most typical sight on the roads outdoors of Japan. However there’s no denying that their affect has made fairly the mark on the worldwide automotive scene. Keijidōsha is simply one of many many kinds of Japanese automotive that has slowly transcended to iconic standing. So, let’s check out ten of our all-time favourites. However to begin with, let’s reply the often-asked query: what precisely is a kei automotive?
What’s a kei automotive?
It’s straightforward to imagine that – what with many a metropolis in Japan being extraordinarily overcrowded – these miniature autos are solely about ease-of-use and saving house. However, whereas that’s definitely a string to their bow within the trendy period, the idea behind them comes from properly over 70 years in the past. The primary kei vehicles, which appeared within the late Forties, have been strictly restricted to 360cc and designed merely to spice up the postwar financial system. Most Japanese residents on this interval couldn’t afford something however a motorcycle, however the kei automotive solved this drawback. In truth, the rules and authorities tax incentives that got here with them have been very important in restarting the home-grown auto business. It could possibly be argued that with out the kei automotive Japan could be a really completely different place these days, with hardly any of the automotive producers we all know and love nonetheless in existence.
The keitora tax rules have modified just a little through the years. In 1975, the principles have been up to date to permit 550cc engines, and the ‘90s introduced on the 660cc period – a interval between 1990 and 2013 which is seen as one thing of a golden period for the standard keijidōsha. From then till the current day, authorities incentives haven’t been almost as type to kei car homeowners, however the tiny 660cc engines and the kei ethos lives on.
With an official 64bhp restrict and total dimensions having to be not more than 3,490mm lengthy and 1,490mm extensive, kei automotive designers have all the time needed to, let’s simply say, go all out to make their vehicles stand out in a phase that’s simply as crowded because the cities themselves.
1. Autozam AZ-1 (1992-1994)
Regardless of not being all that standard on the time, largely as a result of comparatively hefty price ticket, the Autozam AZ-1 has develop into one thing of a poster boy for the early 660cc period. And it’s straightforward to see why.
Maybe the final word scaled-down supercar, a lot of the AZ-1 was engineered right here within the UK. It was additionally manufactured by Suzuki, earlier than being bought by means of Mazda’s Autozam seller community. And, if that isn’t complicated sufficient, the straightforward undeniable fact that this automotive exists in a market all about low-cost sensible runabouts is fairly complicated, too.
However we guess that none of that truly issues as a result of this pint-sized avenue weapon is a bona fide motoring icon these days. Not solely is the AZ-1 packing a turbocharger strapped to the aspect of its 657cc motor, rear-wheel-drive and an engine mounted proper within the center however, as you’ll be able to see, it’s received gullwing doorways, too. That’s sufficient for us and suffice to say that this one has by no means had bother standing out from the group.
Sadly although, the AZ-1 got here in at a good few Yen greater than the Honda Beat or Suzuki Cappuccino of the day. And, with the recession in Japan in full swing through the early nineties, they didn’t precisely fly out of the sellers. Ultimately lower than 4,500 have been ever produced making the AZ-1 a uncommon beast again then, and considerably rarer now.
2. Subaru Sambar (1961-Current)
Subaru could also be best-known for his or her fire-breathing rally vehicles and agricultural estates, however the six-star badge really has a much more illustrious historical past in terms of kei vehicles. The legendary Sambar microvan is probably the final word instance.
Eight generations have been produced since 1961 and the Sambar pickup has the notable distinction of being the primary ‘truck’ to adjust to all of the keitora tax rules, making it the very first kei industrial.
However, after all, we’re most within the iconic minivan which (apparently) has a retro appeal that made it rather more standard than it’s possible you’ll think about over the previous six many years. Nonetheless, although some later fashions got here with a supercharger to push energy to a heady 58hp, the standard Sambar clearly isn’t the maddest or most exceptional machine on our record. Though all this modifications when these little vans are modified… which occurs quite a bit.
Maybe probably the most iconic Sambar is the fifth-generation microvan. Produced between 1990 and 1999, these have develop into best-known as the bottom for varied child VW Camper conversions all over the world. It’s really a less complicated transformation to realize than you may suppose. You possibly can even purchase bolt-on conversion kits to construct your self a campervan for a fraction of the worth (and measurement) of the true deal. Looks like a terrific concept to us.
3. Honda N-Field (2011-Current)
We will’t assist however love the absurd look of the Honda N-Box and, with almost 2 million of them bought since 2011, so, it appears, does everybody else. In truth, this little wagon remains to be probably the most standard vehicles in Japan, a typical sight in each city and metropolis throughout the mainland.
The N-Field is precisely what it says on the tin – a field on wheels. However, whereas this scaled-down folks service is probably not as overtly wild as a few of our different kei vehicles right here, there’s no denying that it’s a particularly well-thought-out piece of engineering.
Honda’s concept was to provide a kei automotive that’s virtually impossibly spacious inside and so they’ve managed this just by being intelligent and maximising the tiny footprint to the ‘nth’ diploma. With a Tardis-like, retro fashion cockpit, two generations to select from and as much as 58hp (or 63hp if you could find a turbocharged model), the N-Field is assured to present anybody a heat fuzzy feeling inside. If you happen to can certainly name a automotive cute, this must be up there with the very best.
4. Daihatsu Copen (2002-Current)
Who doesn’t love the concept of a miniature drop-top? It’s in all probability why the Daihatsu Copen has been probably the most profitable kei vehicles ever conceived. Even outdoors of Japan these are standard, with lots making their method to the UK over the previous 20 years. The factor is although, the Copen is a type of examples the place it’s each a real JDM kei automotive and it isn’t.
You see, the first-generation Copen got here with two engine choices. A 64bhp, 659cc turbocharged JDM mannequin that’s classed as a kei automotive, and the 86bhp, 1.3-litre naturally aspirated variant that we received right here in Europe. The latter, strictly talking, isn’t a kei automotive in any respect and, even worse, it’s really slower than the less-powerful JDM version.
The second-generation Copen, which got here alongside in 2014 and is barely supplied with a 658cc engine, hasn’t proved fairly as standard on our shores as the primary, however it’s nonetheless fairly the succesful B-road banger. And a real kei automotive as well.
What’s most essential after all, is that the Copen affords a cheeky little hardtop convertible with infinite modifying potential. There’s a bag load of strange particular editions (all sporting flashy bits and items equivalent to BBS wheels and Momo steering wheels) and the legendary Japanese tuner, Liberty Stroll, even affords a full aftermarket widebody package… which is kind of the departure from their extra customary supercar creations. Yep, there’s positively quite a bit to like concerning the Copen.
5. Honda S660 (2015-2022)
Somewhat than merely resembling a scaled-down sportscar, the Honda S660 is the true McCoy. The successor to the legendary Beat (and don’t fear, we’ll get to that one), this mid-engine roadster has develop into infinitely wanted by collectors all over the world. Standard amongst Honda followers for being just a little completely different from the same old Sort-R badged Civics, the S660 shortly earned iconic standing within the modified automotive group too. It’s a head turner for positive, however with out being fairly as gimmicky as most kei vehicles.
A lot of this, after all, is all the way down to the wonderful spec. Somewhat than constructing a automotive to be cute or quirky, Honda took the sportscar ethos extraordinarily critically and outfitted the Beat with a guide gearbox, a succesful chassis and near-perfect weight distribution. And all in a automotive that weighs simply 800kg. Add that to the truth that the S660 is well-served by the aftermarket, with loads of probably the most iconic elements producers falling over themselves to supply upgrades, and it’s clear that what we’ve right here is one thing particular.
Physique styling and suspension upgrades are widespread on vehicles within the second-hand market and the enduring Japanese producer, HKS, even affords a turbocharger conversion to push the usual 64hp to properly over 100. In different phrases, you simply can’t go mistaken.
6. Suzuki Wagon R (1993-Current)
Of all of the kei vehicles on our record, the Wagon R is arguably probably the most accustomed to motorists right here within the UK. As soon as once more although, all is just not because it appears. The Wagon R+ model out there right here in Europe didn’t come alongside till 2017 and wasn’t labeled as a kei automotive in any respect, mainly due to the 1-litre (and later 1.2 and 1.3-litre) engines crammed right into a barely bigger physique shell. The Wagon R+ was primarily a Euro rebadging of the Japanese Wagon R-Huge, a automotive that all the time exceeded the kei automotive rules.
The JDM Wagon R, nevertheless, is a real kei automotive. It comes with the proper dimensions and the 660cc three-cylinder engine you’d count on, however what’s notable is that it’s additionally been the best-selling kei automotive in Japan for over 20 years. With almost 10 million hitting the Japanese streets, and over 3 million bought round Asia (with the majority of them in India), the Wagon R has been one of many greatest success tales for Suzuki.
Then once more, the sheer reputation of this automotive implies that it’s now thought of regular. So, over all 4 generations because the Nineteen Nineties, what offers the Wagon R the best to be on our record of strange kei vehicles? Nicely, the quirkiness of the primary and second-generation fashions is all the time a good speaking level. Up till 2003, most JDM Wagon Rs had a four-door structure with two doorways on one aspect and a single door on the opposite. Sadly, this has developed right into a extra standard five-door structure through the years however, even so, the Wagon R remains to be going sturdy.
7. Daihatsu Cuore Avanzato (1994-1998)
The Daihatsu Mira vary was launched over 40 years in the past, means again in 1980. However don’t fear in case you’ve by no means heard of this mannequin as a result of the Mira has additionally been badged because the Cuore, Charade, Domino and the Handivan. We’re positive Daihatsu had cause for all this – we’re simply unsure what it was.
The JDM model had a 660cc engine and there have been a couple of different distinctly ‘non-kei’ choices out there for the remainder of the world. Most significantly although, these noticed loads of success and remained in manufacturing proper as much as March 2018. It’s not a foul run by anybody’s requirements, although the overwhelming majority have been slightly plain, boring little vehicles. Purposeful is the phrase of the day right here… apart from the Cuore Avanzato TR-XX.
This little avenue rocket got here alongside in 2014 and was constructed on the brand new L500 sequence platform, the primary to permit Daihatsu kei vehicles to return with four-cylinder engines. Even so, we nonetheless can’t assist considering that the Avanzato TR-XX was the results of the engineers being allowed to go just a little wild on the spec. First up they turbocharged the 16-valve, twin cam. Then they threw on an intercooler and made it rev to simply over 8500rpm. After which – presumably to ensure that all 64-horses have been getting used to good impact – they outfitted the chassis with four-wheel drive. And sure, we are saying 64bhp however most specialists agree that there’s fairly a bit extra underneath that miniature-sized bonnet. Like many Japanese vehicles of the period, the official figures are just a little conservative to say the least.
One of the best factor concerning the Avanzato TR-XX is that there’s no good cause why this kei automotive ought to even exist in any respect. There’s not one of the typical 100mpg claims that make a kei automotive a kei automotive, and it’s not what you’d name a easy on a regular basis runabout, both. However, then once more, that simply makes us love this one much more.
8. Honda Beat (1991-1996)
The Beat might have solely been round for 5 years however its legacy is powerful… and never simply because it will definitely spawned the insanely good Honda S660.
This little rear-wheel-drive roadster additionally got here alongside almost a decade earlier than the legendary Honda S2000, and the Beat has the excellence of being the final automotive to be formally signed off by Soichiro Honda himself, simply earlier than he died in 1991.
The mid-engine structure is essential, as is the slightly epic dealing with and the truth that it solely got here with a guide gearbox. However what we love most is the Honda VTEC-like method to laying down the horsepower. You might have solely received 63bhp from a naturally aspirated engine right here, however the engineers have been adamant about constructing a correct sportscar with out resorting to compelled induction. As an alternative – as appears to be customary with sporty Hondas – there’s no turbocharger and the height energy comes proper on the high of the rev vary. It kicks in at 8100rpm in reality, when most different vehicles (and never simply kei vehicles) have future out of puff and altered up a notch.
All this was all the way down to the slightly intelligent 656cc Multi Throttle Responsive Engine Management (MTREC) lump which got here outfitted with an unbiased throttle physique for every of the three cylinders. What the Beat lacks in measurement then, it greater than makes up for in ingenuity.
9. Daihatsu Hijet (1960-Current)
Touchdown in 1960 and evolving by means of eleven generations, the Daihatsu Hijet is likely one of the oldest kei automotive nameplates that’s nonetheless in manufacturing… even when the previous few generations have primarily been re-badged Subaru Sambars.
The Hijet is arguably probably the most profitable industrial kei truck of all of them, with numerous completely different configurations and trim ranges hitting the streets over the previous 60-years. Pickups, panel vans, microvans – the interchangeable chassis format and mid-engine structure has proved infinitely standard, and plenty of have described the Hijet because the archetypal kei automotive. The one they consider above some other.
With so many variations to select from we had just a little bother selecting out our favorite however, at a push, we’d say it’s the Hijet Climber Pickup with its four-wheel-drive, chunky tyres and hardcore diff lock. That is fairly presumably the hardest 660cc off-road mud plugger ever conceived, and greater than sufficient to maintain up with the massive boys.
10. Suzuki Alto Turbo RS (2014-2018)
It’s unlucky, however the Suzuki Alto is a largely forgettable automotive. This tiny hatchback has been round since 1979 and, though it’s nonetheless in manufacturing to today, it all the time conjures up all types of photographs of Grandmama’s buying trolley holding up everybody else within the center lane.
There are a couple of exceptions although: the ‘Works’ fashions constructed for competitors within the ‘80s and ‘90s have been quirky little road-going racers, and these have develop into a few of the most sought-after by even probably the most respectable kei automotive collectors. However with that mentioned, we expect the very best of the bunch must be the eighth era Suzuki Alto Turbo RS.
Not solely does this one seem like one of many angriest little vehicles of all time, scowling like some form of kei automotive pit bull terrier with little man syndrome, however the miniature menace really got here with a good spec, even by ‘large automotive’ requirements. 17-inch wheels on a kei automotive is one thing of a laughable idea in itself however, in response to all experiences, the dealing with, energy supply and gear is significantly better than you’d ever count on too. And we simply love the truth that in addition they made an all-wheel-drive model.
Insurance coverage on your JDM import
Whether or not you’ve chosen a JDM kei automotive or efficiency automotive, we might help you get the best JDM imported car insurance based mostly in your wants. If you happen to’ve gone by means of the method of importing a car, we all know you’ll deal with it with the care and a focus it deserves. Name us on 0800 369 8590 for a quote.
