Strolling through the crowded streets in Japan, you will easily realize one thing, Japanese people are very fond of minicars, small capacity, and are extremely flexible.

What is that? Why is it so popular and loved by many people in Japan and many countries around the world? The answer is “Kei-Car”.

For more knowledge about the type of car, in this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about Kei cars.

What Is A Kei Car?

Kei cars – Light automobiles, also known as “Microcar or Ultramini car”. They are a type of small vehicles in Japan included: kei-class car, kei truck, kei van… These mini-cars are very convenient to carry goods and circulate in the city due to their compact size and considerable carrying capacity, so they are very popular.

Kei went through many stages of change to better suit the conditions of Japan and other countries. These cars are all limited in terms of dimensional and rated horsepower. However, as the standard in 1990, it’s 660cc and 64 hp

History Of Kei Car

This exceptionally handy car was created and developed to promote mechanization in Japan after World War II in 1949. Kei cars were born with the purpose of meeting the life of people who are poor in post-war. In 1949, the Japanese government issued a license to mechanical manufacturers to produce small cars called “Kei”.

They simplify the production process, reduce material costs as well as optimize practicality. Therefore, Kei must be really flexible to help accelerate the modernization of other industries in Japan.

With characteristics such as small size, low price, fuel economy, low power engine…, it’s not wrong to say that Kei is the “savior” of the people as well as the economy that was heavily affected after the War in “Rising Sun” country.

Features Of Kei Car

The common feature of Kei-car models is that the vehicle registration plate is yellow, “yellow plate car” (the black registration number on a yellow background is used for the individual registering and gold registration number on black background for business purposes).

Because the regulations set forth only limit the physical size and cylinder capacity of cars, the manufacturer is free to apply advanced technologies to customers.

For that reason, Kei is often equipped with quite modern and fully equipped despite the small cylinder capacity, such as automatic transmission and stepless transmission, front and rear-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive, air conditioning, navigation system, and many more features.

Top 5 Famous Japanese Kei Cars.

Producing the current Kei line has many “big names”, but in this article, we will introduce to you 5 JDM Kei car brands that created models from Wacky to the Wonderful. They not only owned the special design but also were rated as the best Kei cars in the world.

1. Honda S660

Named the new star of the Kei Car series. Honda S660 Modulo X carries the design language of the NSX, and has a mid-engine configuration like traditional supercars in a length of only 3.3m. S660 Modulo X has had a series of improvements compared to the regular versions. With the support of Honda’s Modulo branch, the S660 has an impressive and stylish design of the NSX supercar with glossy black mirror panels, a special rear bumper, and a rear-wheel-drive.

Honda S660 was equipped with an inline three-cylinder engine that made 63 hp and 104 lb-ft of torque.

In Japan, minicars with a maximum length of 3.4m and an engine capacity of no more than 660cc are very popular because they take up less space on the road, cheaper taxes, and insurance premiums. Japanese manufacturers have created all kinds of different Kei models to satisfy the needs of consumers, including sports cars. In 2015, Honda also launched the S660 in this segment and after 3 years, the company has just announced the Honda S660 Modulo X sports version to refresh the car line.

2. Suzuki Alto

Suzuki Alto is a hatchback model manufactured by Suzuki. Its highlights have included a low price and good fuel economy. Alto has a square design, creating a lot of space inside. High interior space ensures a comfortable feeling for users.

Suzuki Alto in Japan is constructed with a new gas-saving mild-hybrid powertrain. This powertrain includes a 3-cylinder petrol engine, with a capacity of 660cc, producing a maximum capacity of 64 horsepower and a CVT continuously variable transmission.

Thanks to the new technology, Suzuki Alto 2022 will likely become one of the most fuel-efficient models in its segment JDM.

3. Autozam AZ-1

One of the unusual sports cars in Japan’s Kei segment is the Autozam AZ-1. AZ represents all that is called sporty style with a unique blend of Mazada and Suzuki. Besides eye-catching design, Autozam AZ has an impressive weight: 720 kilos. Autozam seems to make anyone fall in love at first sight.

The body is small, the engine both provides a fast and good driving experience. Combined with beautiful design, modern car doors, it is true supercar quality, and the ability to “cram” 2 adults.

4. Honda Beat.

Honda Beat is currently one of the models that has an advantage over other designs in the same segment. Therefore, Honda Beat has been considered the top choice of car enthusiasts. The Beat model is considered by Honda to be its best product.

Although powered by only a 656cc engine, naturally-aspirated three-cylinder engine that managed 63 horses. With its lightweight construction and great design, the Beat has everything Honda has ever created.

5. Suzuki Cappuccino

Like the caffeine-laden name, the Suzuki Cappuccino will take you wherever you want in a stylish, dynamic look. This is perhaps the sportiest of Kei cars, with its styling and engine constantly being improved.

In particular, people also organize a separate racing tournament for Cappuccinos. And if you need a mini sports car, why not choose a Suzuki Cappuccino?

FAQs About Kei Cars

Why are they called Kei cars?

Kei Cars also known as “軽自動車”, Kei in Japanese means ‘lightweight ‘ or “light”. Kei Car is known as the common name of all JDM car models.

Are Kei cars legal in America?

The answer is still a mystery. America bans the importation and registration of any foreign-market vehicle that isn’t at least 25 years old. But there’s still an exception: Some states in America allowed Kei-truck (mini-truck) of any age to be imported as off-road vehicles and registered as ATVs.

Don’t be sad if you don’t have a chance to own the special cars, because many JDM cars can be imported to the USA in 2022. Kei cars in America will be much looked forward to by many people.

Why are Kei cars so cheap?

Kei car is a product that originates from the Japanese tradition of “creative to overcome difficulties”, the idea of producing Kei was born after the end of World War II. To meet the needs of the people at that time, the car manufacturer created Kei at a reasonable price. Due to the size and build quality, Kei is known as one of the cheapest cars you can buy in Japan with the range price :$10000.

Do Kei cars have airbags?

Despite its compact design and super economical price, Kei car still ensures the strict safety standards of Japan with 6 airbags.

Can Kei cars go on the highway?

The answer is “YES” is the Japanese vehicle category for the smallest highway-legal passenger cars.

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