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Kei cars aren't as widespread as they used to be, but their tiny size and affordable price mean they're still surprisingly popular in Japan.
As with many ‘cars of the people’ throughout automotive history, the Japanese Kei car – also called the Kei Jidosha, or ‘light automobile’ – was designed during a time of necessity. Following the Second World War, many Japanese citizens didn’t have the capital to buy a car and aid in the rebuilding of the economy, so the Japanese government imposed restrictions on vehicles to make them cheaper and take up less space at the same time.
In 1949, the Kei car was born and was limited to a maximum engine size of 150cc (9.15cui), length of only 9.2 ft, 3.3 ft in width, and 6.6 ft in height. Over the years, the restrictions were adjusted for the times – eventually ending up at today’s 660cc (40.3cui) engine capacity, 11.2 ft length, and 4.9 ft width cars, which are limited to a maximum power figure of 63 hp. Traditionally, Kei cars are front-engine and front-wheel-drive, with the sportier versions featuring all-wheel-drive. Most modern Kei cars feature forced induction – mainly turbochargers – but still adhere to the 63 hp limit, usually fluctuating in torque figures. This class of car is fantastic as it is economical at the pumps, small enough to maneuver between the narrow streets of Japanese cities, and just large enough to be used as family haulers or work vehicles. The biggest Kei car manufacturers are Suzuki and Daihatsu, however other Japanese brands have also made some pretty good vehicles within the segment. Mitsubishi and even Honda are still busy with their own versions, offering alternatives to the norm.
Today, the JDM Kei car segment isn’t as large as it once was due to the lighter restrictions on larger cars, but it is still a popular type of car, especially since they are so cheap to purchase, maintain and drive. With that, here are ten of the coolest compact Kei cars currently on the market in Japan.
The Daihatsu Tanto was first introduced in 2003 and is currently in its fourth generation. The Tanto follows the usual Kei car formula but is now only available with a Continuously Variable Transmission. The fourth-gen Tanto was introduced in 2019 and its first month on sale, it sold more than 37,000 units – more than three times its monthly sales targets.
The Tanto is fitted with a 0.66-liter inline-3 engine, either in naturally aspirated or turbocharged forms. The NA version makes 51 hp, while the turbo produces a maximum of 63 hp. The Tanto has recently been updated and will get a family-camper-style optional upgrade, perfect for traveling in the great outdoors.
Related: This Tiny Kei Car Is The Cheapest JDM For Budget-Minded Collectors
The Honda N-One is one of the most popular Kei cars in Japan. It was launched in 2012 and is currently in its second generation. The N-One has the obligatory 0.66-liter engine – turbo or non-turbo – and is mated to a CVT as standard.
The newer N-One has various upgrades, including an RS version which has a 6-speed manual transmission. This version is also available with Mugen parts, keeping the power at the maximum limit while improving the rest of the car. The N-One Mugen also comes with a subtle body kit and some Mugen logos scattered about the place.
Related: The Honda N-One Style+ Urban Is A Retro-Luxurious Kei Car For Japan
The Honda S660 was the first ‘S’ sports car since the S2000 of the early 2000s. The S660 follows the Kei car restrictions, but puts the engine in the middle, rather than the front. This means that the car is rear-wheel drive and has styling elements from the larger NSX supercar.
The S660 is available with a 6-speed manual or a CVT, which has 7-simulated gears. Unfortunately, the S660 was produced only until March 2022, although there are still brand-new ones available on the market.
The Suzuki Jimny is one of the most adored compact off-roaders ever made and is now in its fourth generation. What many may not know is that the Jimny currently on sale all over the world is the export version.
The JDM Jimny does without the wide wheel arches, fatter tires, and 1.5-liter engine, instead being fitted with the traditional 0.66-liter inline-4 turbo to comply with Kei car rules. Interestingly, it is still fitted with a 5-speed manual as standard, rather than a CVT.
The Toyota Copen – also known as the Daihatsu Copen – is a tiny Kei sports car, which was made famous for its quirky styling and the fact that it featured in the popular Gran Turismo series of racing videogames. The modern version is a bit of a different breed from the original, with many trims available.
One of the more interesting models is the Copen GR, a version tuned by Toyota's in-house tuner, Gazoo Racing. The Copen GR shares its styling elements with the Toyota GR Yaris – especially the front bumper – and adds sportier interior parts and nicer wheels.
Related: We Love These 10 Modified Kei Cars
DAMD is a well-known Japanese aftermarket specialist which offers body kits for Kei cars and other proper Japanese vehicles. One of their more famous creations is the Jimny-based Little-D, which turns the compact off-roader into a mini version of the previous-gen Land Rover Defender.
Another Little-D creation is based on the Daihatsu Taft, which turns it into a tiny version of the Range Rover Classic – square front bumper and everything. The Taft Little-D gets a rather large roof rack and some classic off-roading-inspired liveries, complete with a blacked-out Union Jack. It’s really quite cool.
The Nissan Sakura EV may not be the first of the EV Kei cars, but it is so far one of the best. Launched recently, the Sakura shares much of its styling with the Ariya full-size EV – just a bit squarer. The Sakura is based on the Dayz Kei car, obviously with batteries instead of a gasoline engine.
The Sakura is fitted with a 20 kWh battery pack – small compared to other mainstream EVs – which packs around 110 miles of range. This rather incredible figure is thanks to the light weight and low power, helping the car to edge out as much range as possible.
Related: 10 Coolest Kei Cars We'll Never Get To Drive
The Suzuki Spacia is a fantastic Kei car, not only because of its fuel efficiency, vast interior space, and great price but also because it offers various options to the buyer. While the engine remains the same size, all versions come with a hybrid system and the higher-up version even has a turbocharger.
The trim options are also quite fun as the base model looks a bit bland. There is the normal Spacia X, a crossover-inspired trim called the Spacia Gear, and the fancier Spacia Custom. The Gear is a bit more rugged-looking, while the Custom features Lexus-inspired styling – huge grille and all. It is actually a great little car.
The Daihatsu Rocky is probably one of the least offensive cars currently on sale anywhere in the world. It is unpretentious and has enough room inside for a family, all while conforming to the rules and regulations of Japan’s auto market.
As with most Daihatsu vehicles, the Rocky is also sold as a Toyota, which means there is a GR version called the Toyota Raize GR. Interestingly, the Rocky quite heavily resembles a Subaru Forrester – it even comes with an optional all-wheel drive.
The Suzuki Hustler can be seen as the 4-door version of the Jimny, just without the lift kit and manual transmission. The Hustler has the same 0.66-liter as the JDM Jimny but has the added benefit of being a hybrid as well.
Like the Jimny, the Hustler has an all-wheel-drive; however, a front-drive-only version is available. Like most Kei cars, the Hustler is an excellent vehicle for what it was meant to be, making it one of the coolest Kei cars currently on the Japanese automotive market.
Michael De Kock is passionate about cars and everything from avocados to particle accelerators. He has studied psychology and knows a little bit about fixing cars (old Land Rovers mostly). He also blogs and has a book, 125 Creative Writing Prompts for Petrolheads, available on Amazon. His philosophy in life: Stop the hate - Adopt a V8.