Top 3 Latest Kei Cars | Part 6 (End) | "Not cheap-looking, nerdy, and sporty"
The 6th: Top 3 Latest Kei Cars (Part 2)
Not Cheap, Nerdy, and Sporty
Length under 3.40m, width under 1.48m, height under 2.00m, displacement under 660cc—how to create an attractive product while meeting the restrictions imposed on kei cars is where kei car manufacturers showcase their skills.
Yasushi Shitano's top 3 kei cars. What makes them recommended...
Text by Yasushi ShitanoPhotos by Mitsubishi Motors / Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd.
The "Mitsubishi i," with its engine mounted before the rear wheels, unlike the typical front-engine placement. This unusual layout for a modern kei car enables a spacious interior and innovative design.
The "i": Lacking the Cheapness of Kei Cars
The "Mitsubishi i" has been catching the eye quite a bit lately. It's selling well, and its distinctive shape makes it stand out about three times as much as a single car.
This car, which adopts the rare RR (rear engine/rear drive) layout, has a deep connection with Smart. During its development, Mitsubishi had a capital relationship with DaimlerChrysler.
The i comes with two engine options: naturally aspirated and turbo.
It is available only with a 4-speed automatic transmission.
Rear-wheel drive and 4WD are available.
The engine in the newly announced Smart is made by Mitsubishi, but the "i" itself is so well-executed that one might suspect it was a competition entry. It completely lacks the cheapness and 'stinginess' often associated with kei cars. It possesses a richness akin to a 'kei car made by a European manufacturer.'
Because it's an RR with a light front and heavy rear, straight-line stability at high speeds isn't as good as in FF cars. It's not highly recommended for those who frequently use highways. On the other hand, the steering feel is nimble. You can also experience the unique 'sense of forward motion' of RR, which has a certain resonance with the Porsche 911.
Putting aside such deep technical talk, the RR layout allows for the longest wheelbase in a kei car, resulting in a comfortable ride that belies its class. The interior also feels refined and class-defying.
The kei convertible market, once vibrant with models like the "Honda Beat" and "Suzuki Cappuccino," saw the release of the "Daihatsu Copen" after a nearly 10-year hiatus. Its electric retractable hardtop, the "Active Top," allows it to open in about 20 seconds.
Nerdy Power: The "Copen," Comfort and Sportiness: The "Sonica"
The "Daihatsu Copen" is the second car I'd want after the Mitsubishi i. It's a two-seater sports car with a variable metal top reminiscent of the "Mercedes-Benz SLK."
Even with a price tag just under 1.6 million yen, it's rumored that they still can't turn a profit and lose money with every sale. Indeed, achieving this convertible mechanism in a kei car is remarkable. The Japanese are often the last to recognize the power of Japanese otaku culture.
For those who want to moderately satisfy the comfort of the Mitsubishi i and the sportiness of the Copen in a single vehicle, the "Daihatsu Sonica" is recommended.
The powertrain, combining a turbo engine with a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), is powerful and fuel-efficient. This is groundbreaking for a kei car turbo model, which historically hasn't been known for good fuel economy.
Its handling is also excellent, offering a sportier drive on winding roads than the Copen. Despite its stylish, low-profile body, the interior space is surprisingly good.
The Copen comes with only one engine option: a turbo.
A 5-speed manual and a 4-speed automatic are available.
Incidentally, production is largely done by hand by skilled technicians.
Among kei cars, many of which are tall wagons, the "Sonica" has a low enough height to fit in multi-story car parks. It appeals to the 'driving' aspect not only through its design but also through its hardware, such as the turbo engine and CVT.
Lexus Kei Cars!?
However, selecting two Daihatsu models for the top three makes it seem like I'm promoting the manufacturer, but that's not the case.
It's just that, since becoming a wholly owned subsidiary of Toyota, Daihatsu's development capabilities have clearly gained momentum. The profits from Lexus are being used to enhance the appeal of kei cars. This is good news for small car enthusiasts.
(The End)
Flexible seat arrangements, comparable to minivans, are not uncommon in recent kei cars.
The Sonica's seats can also be configured to suit various needs by folding down the front and rear seats.