[2024] Top 10 Low-Price Kei Cars

This time, we’ll be ranking the cheapest minicars as of 2024 ( Reiwa 6 ). We’ll be looking at models currently available for sale. Compared to standard cars, minicars have lower vehicle prices and taxes, so we hope this will be helpful for first-time car buyers, second-car buyers, and those who absolutely need a new car rather than a used one.

Top 10 cheapest minicars released in 2024

After researching light vehicles currently on sale as of January 2024 ( Daihatsu models are in the lineup ), the cheapest models were the Daihatsu Mira e:S and Toyota Pixis Epoch, both priced at 860,200 yen.

Each car manufacturer has adopted its own unique technology, and the interior space is comparable to that of a regular car. Furthermore, fuel efficiency has also improved due to weight reduction and improved engine performance. Considering long-term maintenance, the cost performance is excellent, and there is no doubt that they are very attractive.

The top three cars are all very economical, costing around 1 million yen even when purchased new . However, none of these grades come with safety features. The Daihatsu Mira e:S grade “B “SA III”” at 926,200 yen is under 1 million yen and comes with a full range of safety features, so we recommend considering safety as well as price.

The appeal of minicars

automobile tax

The consumption tax increase took effect on October 1, 2019, and in conjunction with this , tax reforms were made in October 2019 , resulting in different amounts being taxed depending on when a car was purchased.

Motor vehicle tax rate table for newly registered private passenger cars

Automobile tax rate table for private passenger cars over 13 years old

You may have heard that automobile tax increases for cars that are 13 years old or older. The automobile tax for maintaining a car and the automobile weight tax paid at the time of vehicle inspection increase the older the car. Cars that are more than 13 years old or older than new registration are subject to a 15% surcharge under the “special tax rate under the green tax system.”

About Suzuki “Alto”

Suzuki will fully redesign the new Alto, which will be announced on December 10, 2021, and released on December 22, 2021. A teaser site for the Alto was opened on November 25, 2021.

The rival Mira e:S underwent a full model change on May 9, 2017, and sales have grown significantly. Suzuki is also undergoing a full model change to compete with the Mira e:S, marking the ninth generation. This time, the Mira e:S also features an upgraded version of its advanced safety technology, the Smart Assist III. The eighth-generation Alto also received an upgraded radar brake support, and the Alto underwent a minor change (partial improvement) on December 13, 2018, and is now equipped with Dual Sensor Brake Support. The ninth generation also features Dual Camera Brake Support . Six airbags are standard on all models. A 360° camera package for all-round monitoring (a manufacturer option for vehicles equipped with the Safety Package and All-round Camera Package)　 is available. A head-up display is also available. The Alto, known for its affordable pricing, currently features a R06A engine and Ene-Charge combination. A new addition to the lineup is the S-Ene-Charge mild hybrid model, combining the R06D engine with a motor . The exterior will continue to adopt the same angular design as the previous model, but changes will be made to the body color, such as the adoption of a ” white 2-ton roof .”

Suzuki “Alto” equipped with mild hybrid S-enecharge

The new powertrain combines the newly developed “R06D” engine (naturally aspirated) with a newly developed CVT, achieving nimble driving and excellent fuel economy in practical speed ranges from low to medium-high. It also features the “S-ene Charge” simplified hybrid system, which uses an integrated generator (ISG) that combines starter motor and motor assist functions. When accelerating between 15 and 85km/h, the power stored during deceleration is used for motor assist, reducing the burden on the engine and suppressing fuel consumption during acceleration. Furthermore, the starter motor function allows for quiet and smooth engine restarts, while lowering the speed at which re-idling stop is possible increases the frequency of idling stop, contributing to improved fuel economy.

Suzuki “Alto” specifications

Suzuki “Alto” price grade information

About Suzuki “Wagon R”

Suzuki’s Wagon R has undergone a minor change and will add a new model, the Wagon R Custom Z, which will be released on August 30, 2022. Now, about five years after its release, the Wagon R has undergone many changes. Here, we’ve summarized the many differences between the previous model and the current model.

The Wagon R undergoes a minor change, with exterior design changes (new grille and bumper design) and the addition of a new Wagon R Custom Z. The interior now features a new 7-inch display audio system . It is compatible with the new SUZUKI connect service. The safety system is equipped with Dual Camera Brake Support, which can detect pedestrians even at night . It also features Active Cruise Control (ACC) (with full-speed pursuit function) and lane departure control . It is equipped with two USB power sockets (Type-A/Type-C on the instrument panel) .

Suzuki “Wagon R” MT price

Suzuki “Wagon R” Price and Grade

Suzuki Wagon R Stingray price and grade

Suzuki “Wagon R Custom Z” Price and Grade

Suzuki “Wagon R” and “Wagon R Stingray” specifications

About Honda “N-WGN” and “N-WGN Custom”

Honda will make some improvements to the N-WGN and N-WGN Custom and release them on September 23, 2022. Additionally, the company will also release a special edition model, the N-WGN STYLE+ BITTER, from the N STYLE+ brand, which was launched to mark the 10th anniversary of the N series.

The exterior of the N-WGN Custom has been further enhanced, evolving into a design that hints at high performance. New body and interior colors have been added. Seat heaters are standard equipment. The advanced safety driving support system, Honda SENSING, is the first Honda vehicle to feature a sudden acceleration suppression function. If it detects that the driver has accidentally or over-pressed the pedal, it suppresses sudden acceleration and warns with sound and a visual indication on the display. New colors have been added to the N-WGN and N-WGN Custom.

To mark the 10th anniversary of the N-BOX, Toyota has launched a new brand, “N STYLE+,” which will be shared across the N series (N-BOX, N-ONE, N-WGN, and N-VAN). The third addition to the brand is a special edition vehicle, “STYLE+ BITTER.”

Honda “N-WGN” and “N-WGN Custom” special edition vehicles “STYLE + BITTER”

The special edition “STYLE+ BITTER” is the third model in the “N STYLE+” series. While retaining the simple and approachable design of the N-WGN, “STYLE+ BITTER” expresses a more chic and subdued, adult worldview. The exterior has evolved into a design with a stronger presence, including chrome-plated door handles and rear license garnish, and wheel caps finished in a special gray metallic and black color scheme. The charcoal-based interior features a combination of soft, high-quality leather-like prime smooth and tricot fabric seats, creating a space that will appeal to adult sensibilities and create a rich experience.

Honda “N-WGN” and “N-WGN Custom” Price and Grade

N-WGN

N-WGN Custom

Honda “N-WGN” specifications