One of the best JDM kei automobiles

No foray into the insanity of JDM automobile tradition could possibly be full with out wanting on the small-but-mighty kei automobile. Keijidōsha (which accurately means ‘mild automobile’) is a phenomenon that’s uniquely Japanese.

For essentially the most half these itsy-bitsy, teeny, little automobiles aren’t the commonest sight on the roads outdoors of Japan. However there’s no denying that their affect has made fairly the mark on the worldwide automobile scene. Keijidōsha is simply one of many many kinds of Japanese automobile that has slowly transcended to iconic standing. So, let’s check out ten of our all-time favourites. However initially, let’s reply the often-asked query: what precisely is a kei automobile?

What’s a kei automobile?

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 fashionable period, the idea behind them comes from nicely over 70 years in the past. The primary kei automobiles, which appeared within the late Nineteen Forties, had been strictly restricted to 360cc and designed merely to spice up the postwar economic system. Most Japanese residents on this interval couldn’t afford something however a bike, however the kei automobile solved this drawback. In actual fact, the laws and authorities tax incentives that got here with them had been very important in restarting the home-grown auto business. It could possibly be argued that with out the kei automobile Japan can be a really completely different place these days, with hardly any of the automobile producers we all know and love nonetheless in existence.

The keitora tax laws have modified a bit over time. In 1975, the principles had 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 common-or-garden keijidōsha. From then till the current day, authorities incentives haven’t been almost as form to kei automobile 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 large, kei automobile designers have all the time needed to, let’s simply say, go all out to make their automobiles stand out in a section that’s simply as crowded because the cities themselves.

1. Autozam AZ-1 (1992-1994)

Regardless of not being all that common on the time, largely as a result of comparatively hefty price ticket, the Autozam AZ-1 has turn out to be one thing of a poster boy for the early 660cc period. And it’s straightforward to see why.

Maybe the last 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 offered by way of Mazda’s Autozam vendor community. And, if that isn’t complicated sufficient, the straightforward incontrovertible fact that this automobile exists in a market all about low-cost sensible runabouts is fairly complicated, too.

However we guess that none of that really 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 in the course of the early nineties, they didn’t precisely fly out of the sellers. In the long run lower than 4,500 had 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 automobiles and agricultural estates, however the six-star badge truly has a much more illustrious historical past with regards to kei automobiles. The legendary Sambar microvan is probably the last 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 laws, making it the very first kei industrial.

However, in fact, we’re most within the iconic minivan which (apparently) has a retro appeal that made it way more common than chances are you’ll think about over the previous six many years. Nonetheless, though some later fashions got here with a supercharger to push energy to a heady 58hp, the common-or-garden Sambar clearly isn’t the maddest or most outstanding machine on our checklist. Though all this modifications when these little vans are modified… which occurs rather a lot.

Maybe essentially the most iconic Sambar is the fifth-generation microvan. Produced between 1990 and 1999, these have turn out to be best-known as the bottom for numerous child VW Camper conversions world wide. It’s truly a less complicated transformation to realize than you would possibly assume. You may even purchase bolt-on conversion kits to construct your self a campervan for a fraction of the value (and dimension) of the true deal. Looks as if an ideal thought to us.

3. Honda N-Field (2011-Current)

We are able to’t assist however love the absurd look of the Honda N-Box and, with almost 2 million of them offered since 2011, so, it appears, does everybody else. In actual fact, this little wagon remains to be one of the crucial common automobiles in Japan, a standard 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 provider is probably not as overtly wild as a few of our different kei automobiles right here, there’s no denying that it’s a particularly well-thought-out piece of engineering.

Honda’s thought was to provide a kei automobile that’s nearly impossibly spacious inside they usually’ve managed this just by being intelligent and maximising the tiny footprint to the ‘nth’ diploma. With a Tardis-like, retro type cockpit, two generations to select from and as much as 58hp (or 63hp if yow will discover a turbocharged model), the N-Field is assured to present anybody a heat fuzzy feeling inside. In case you can certainly name a automobile cute, this must be up there with the perfect.

4. Daihatsu Copen (2002-Current)

Who doesn’t love the thought of a miniature drop-top? It’s in all probability why the Daihatsu Copen has been one of the crucial profitable kei automobiles ever conceived. Even outdoors of Japan these are common, with loads making their approach 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 automobile 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 automobile, and the 86bhp, 1.3-litre naturally aspirated variant that we received right here in Europe. The latter, strictly talking, isn’t a kei automobile in any respect and, even worse, it’s truly slower than the less-powerful JDM model.

The second-generation Copen, which got here alongside in 2014 and is just supplied with a 658cc engine, hasn’t proved fairly as common on our shores as the primary, nevertheless it’s nonetheless fairly the succesful B-road banger. And a real kei automobile in addition.

What’s most vital in fact, is that the Copen provides a cheeky little hardtop convertible with limitless modifying potential. There’s a bag load of extraordinary particular editions (all sporting flashy bits and items similar to BBS wheels and Momo steering wheels) and the legendary Japanese tuner, Liberty Stroll, even provides a full aftermarket widebody package… which is kind of the departure from their extra customary supercar creations. Yep, there’s undoubtedly rather a lot 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 turn out to be infinitely wanted by collectors world wide. Widespread amongst Honda followers for being a bit completely different from the standard Sort-R badged Civics, the S660 rapidly earned iconic standing within the modified automobile neighborhood too. It’s a head turner for certain, however with out being fairly as gimmicky as most kei automobiles.

A lot of this, in fact, is all the way down to the wonderful spec. Somewhat than constructing a automobile to be cute or quirky, Honda took the sportscar ethos extraordinarily critically and geared up the Beat with a handbook gearbox, a succesful chassis and near-perfect weight distribution. And all in a automobile that weighs simply 800kg. Add that to the truth that the S660 is well-served by the aftermarket, with loads of essentially the most iconic components producers falling over themselves to supply upgrades, and it’s clear that what we have now right here is one thing particular.

Physique styling and suspension upgrades are widespread on automobiles within the second-hand market and the long-lasting Japanese producer, HKS, even provides a turbocharger conversion to push the usual 64hp to nicely over 100. In different phrases, you simply can’t go unsuitable.

6. Suzuki Wagon R (1993-Current)

Of all of the kei automobiles on our checklist, the Wagon R is arguably essentially the most aware of motorists right here within the UK. As soon as once more although, all just isn’t 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 automobile 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-Broad, a automobile that all the time exceeded the kei automobile laws.

The JDM Wagon R, nevertheless, is a real kei automobile. It comes with the right dimensions and the 660cc three-cylinder engine you’d anticipate, however what’s notable is that it’s additionally been the best-selling kei automobile in Japan for over 20 years. With almost 10 million hitting the Japanese streets, and over 3 million offered 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 recognition of this automobile implies that it’s now thought-about regular. So, over all 4 generations because the Nineteen Nineties, what provides the Wagon R the best to be on our checklist of extraordinary kei automobiles? Properly, the quirkiness of the primary and second-generation fashions is all the time an honest 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 advanced right into a extra standard five-door structure over time 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 certain Daihatsu had a great purpose for all this – we’re simply undecided what it was.

The JDM model had a 660cc engine and there have been a number 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, though the overwhelming majority had been quite plain, boring little automobiles. Useful is the phrase of the day right here… aside from the Cuore Avanzato TR-XX.

This little avenue rocket got here alongside in 2014 and was constructed on the brand new L500 collection platform, the primary to permit Daihatsu kei automobiles to come back with four-cylinder engines. Even so, we nonetheless can’t assist pondering that the Avanzato TR-XX was the results of the engineers being allowed to go a bit wild on the spec. First up they turbocharged the 16-valve, twin cam. Then they threw on an intercooler and made it rev to only over 8500rpm. After which – presumably to ensure that all 64-horses had been getting used to good impact – they geared up the chassis with four-wheel drive. And sure, we are saying 64bhp however most specialists agree that there’s fairly a bit extra below that miniature-sized bonnet. Like many Japanese automobiles of the period, the official figures are a bit conservative to say the least.

One of the best factor concerning the Avanzato TR-XX is that there’s no good purpose why this kei automobile ought to even exist in any respect. There’s not one of the common 100mpg claims that make a kei automobile a kei automobile, 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 robust… 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 automobile to be formally signed off by Soichiro Honda himself, simply earlier than he died in 1991.

The mid-engine structure is vital, as is the quite epic dealing with and the truth that it solely got here with a handbook gearbox. However what we love most is the Honda VTEC-like strategy to laying down the horsepower. You will have solely received 63bhp from a naturally aspirated engine right here, however the engineers had been adamant about constructing a correct sportscar with out resorting to pressured induction. As a substitute – as appears to be customary with sporty Hondas – there’s no turbocharger and the height energy comes proper on the prime of the rev vary. It kicks in at 8100rpm in truth, when most different automobiles (and never simply kei automobiles) have long term out of puff and altered up a notch.

All this was all the way down to the quite intelligent 656cc Multi Throttle Responsive Engine Management (MTREC) lump which got here geared up with an impartial throttle physique for every of the three cylinders. What the Beat lacks in dimension then, it greater than makes up for in ingenuity.

9. Daihatsu Hijet (1960-Current)

Touchdown in 1960 and evolving by way of eleven generations, the Daihatsu Hijet is likely one of the oldest kei automobile nameplates that’s nonetheless in manufacturing… even when the previous few generations have primarily been re-badged Subaru Sambars.

The Hijet is arguably essentially 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 common, and lots of have described the Hijet because the archetypal kei automobile. The one they consider above another.

With so many variations to select from we had a bit bother choosing 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 automobile. 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 pictures of Grandmama’s buying trolley holding up everybody else within the center lane.

There are a number of exceptions although: the ‘Works’ fashions constructed for competitors within the ‘80s and ‘90s had been quirky little road-going racers, and these have turn out to be a few of the most sought-after by even essentially the most respectable kei automobile collectors. However with that stated, we expect the perfect of the bunch must be the eighth era Suzuki Alto Turbo RS.

Not solely does this one appear to be one of many angriest little automobiles of all time, scowling like some type of kei automobile pit bull terrier with little man syndrome, however the miniature menace truly got here with an honest spec, even by ‘massive automobile’ requirements. 17-inch wheels on a kei automobile is one thing of a laughable idea in itself however, in keeping with all stories, the dealing with, energy supply and gear is a lot better than you’d ever anticipate too. And we simply love the truth that additionally they made an all-wheel-drive model.

Phrases by Midge Burr

With 20 years’ expertise writing and enhancing modified automobile magazines, Midge Burr is an professional in all issues automobiles. He attracts on his experiences as a professional mechanic, long-time automobile builder and keen street rally participant, and is satisfied he’s just about pushed each kind of auto below the solar, from touring automobiles and racing lorries to monster vans and rally automobiles.

Insurance coverage on your JDM import

Whether or not you’ve chosen a JDM kei automobile or efficiency automobile, we can assist you get the best JDM imported automobile insurance coverage primarily based in your wants. In case you’ve gone by way of the method of importing a automobile, we all know you’ll deal with it with the care and a spotlight it deserves. Name us on 0800 369 8590 for a quote.