Some people may be wondering, “Isn’t the N-BOX a light car?” It’s true that the N-BOX has a spacious interior and a full range of equipment, giving it a presence that goes beyond the boundaries of a light car. However, the N-BOX is a proper light car. So why is it sometimes said to be “not a light car”? Let’s dig deeper into the reasons.
Is it true that the Honda N-BOX isn’t light?
The Honda N-BOX is categorized as a light vehicle, but why do some people say it’s not “light”? This time, we’ll take a closer look at why the Taft has a presence that goes beyond the boundaries of a light vehicle.
A thorough explanation of the reviews and ratings of the new N-BOX
As of September 2024, when searching for the new N-BOX, it appears that many searches result in “N-BOX is not light.”
The new Taft has received mixed reviews across social media, automotive media, and review sites. Positive comments include its stylish design, spacious interior, and excellent fuel economy. Negative comments, on the other hand, point out its uncomfortable ride and high price.
Reason 1: Overwhelming spaciousness and comfort
The N-BOX’s greatest feature is its spaciousness. Its interior space is so large you wouldn’t think it was a light vehicle, it feels more like a compact car. Not only can it comfortably seat four adults, it also has ample luggage capacity. What’s more, the seat arrangements are versatile, making it suitable for a variety of situations. This spaciousness and comfort has an impact that overturns the image of a light vehicle, and is one of the reasons why it feels like “this isn’t a light vehicle.”
We’ve created a comfortable space, like enjoying a fun gathering with family and friends in your living room at home. Grip-shaped recesses have been added to part of the trunk side lining in the rear seats, allowing small children and the elderly to grip firmly, making it easier to get in and out. The car is equipped with a 7-inch digital in-wheel meter that can be seen from the inside of the steering wheel, and the infotainment system uses a 9-inch navigation system that is compatible with Honda CONNECT connected technology. It is also compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. An optional 12.8-inch rear seat monitor allows rear passengers to enjoy impressive video content.
The car is equipped with Honda CONNECT, an in-vehicle communication module exclusively for Honda vehicles . Honda Total Care Premium is available. Remote operation via smartphone is possible, and the car itself connects to the emergency support center in the event of an accident or other emergency, enabling quick and accurate troubleshooting support. It also comes with an automatic map update service. It also features the Honda Digital Key and Honda App Center, which allow your smartphone to function as a key, and in-car Wi-Fi, which allows you to purchase data capacity in the car and connect to the internet for enjoyment.
Reason 2: Advanced safety equipment and comprehensive features
The N-BOX is generously equipped with the latest safety technology. Various functions to support the driver, such as collision mitigation braking and false start prevention functions, are standard equipment. It is also equipped with a wide range of convenient features to ensure a comfortable drive, such as power sliding doors and automatic air conditioning. These comprehensive features give it a sense of luxury that goes beyond the image of a light car, and are one of the reasons why it is said to be “not a light car.”
| System Equipment | New N-BOX |
|---|---|
| CMBS | ◯ (Daytime and nighttime pedestrians and bicycles) |
| False start prevention function | ◯ |
| Near-Collision Mitigation Braking | ◯ |
| Sudden acceleration control function | ◯ |
| Pedestrian Accident Reduction Steering | ◯ |
| Road departure prevention function | ◯ |
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with traffic jam following function |
◯ (approx. 0km/h~) |
| LKAS | ◯ |
| Preceding vehicle departure notification function | ◯ |
| Sign recognition function | ◯ |
| False backward start prevention function | ◯ |
| Automatic high beam | ◯ |
| Parking Sensor System | ◯ |
| Multi-view camera system | ◯ |
Reason 3: Sophisticated design
The design of the N-BOX is simple yet sophisticated. It has a presence that is hard to believe it is a light car, and it stands out even in the city. In particular, the design of the front mask combines strength and luxury. This sophisticated design is so attractive that it overturns the image of a light car, and is the reason why you feel that it is “not a light car.”
The exterior of the new N-BOX expresses simplicity and friendliness, with a front grille featuring a round hole design and headlights shaped to resemble human eyes.
Honda New N-BOX CUSTOM Exterior
The exterior of the new N-BOX CUSTOM is based on the theme of “PROUD Rhythm,” and aims to convey a more refined and high-performance feel than the previous model. It features a three-dimensional, intricately shaped front grille, horizontal single lights at the front, and direct projection LED headlights. It also features clear lens rear combination lamps that are characteristic of the N-BOX CUSTOM, a design that has been developed for successive models, and a dedicated aero design that takes into consideration a low and wide view and aerodynamic performance.
Usability has been improved with the addition of a large glove box for storing all your luggage in one place, and large side pockets in the rear seats.
New N-BOX full model change specifications
N-BOX
| Specifications | N-BOX | |
|---|---|---|
| full length | 3,395mm | |
| Overall width | 1,475mm | |
| Overall height | 1,790mm | |
| Wheelbase | 2,520mm | |
| engine | 658cc inline 3-cylinder DOHC i-VTEC engine |
|
| Maximum power | 43kW (58PS) / 7,300rpm |
|
| Maximum torque | 65Nm (6.6kgm) / 4,800rpm |
|
| transmission | CVT | |
| Drive system | FF/4WD | |
| WLTC mode fuel economy | 21.6km/L (FF) 19.4km/L (4WD) |
|
N-BOX CUSTOM
| Specifications | N-BOX CUSTOM NA vehicle |
N-BOX CUSTOM Turbo |
|---|---|---|
| full length | 3,395mm | 3,395mm |
| Overall width | 1,475mm | 1,475mm |
| Overall height | 1,790mm | 1,790mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,520mm | 2,520mm |
| engine | 658cc inline 3-cylinder DOHC i-VTEC engine |
658cc inline 3-cylinder DOHC turbo engine |
| Maximum power | 43kW (58PS) / 7,300rpm |
47kW (64PS) / 6,000rpm |
| Maximum torque | 65Nm (6.6kgm) / 4,800rpm |
104Nm (10.6kgm) / 2,600rpm |
| transmission | CVT | CVT (with 7-speed mode) + paddle shift |
| Drive system | FF/4WD | FF/4WD |
| WLTC mode fuel economy | 21.5km/L (FF) 19.4km/L (4WD) |
20.3km/L (FF) 18.4km/L (4WD) |
Honda’s new N-BOX full model change: price and grade
N-BOX
| grade | engine | transmission |
Drive system |
New price (tax included) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| N-BOX | 660cc DOHC |
CVT | 2WD | 1,648,900 yen |
| 4WD | 1,782,000 yen | |||
| N-BOX Fashion Style |
2WD | 1,749,000 yen | ||
| 4WD | 1,882,100 yen |
N-BOX CUSTOM
| grade | engine | transmission |
Drive system |
New price (tax included) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| N-BOX CUSTOM | 660cc DOHC |
CVT | 2WD | 1,849,100 yen |
| 4WD | 1,982,200 yen | |||
| N-BOX CUSTOM Turbo |
660cc DOHC turbo |
2WD | 2,049,300 yen | |
| 4WD | 2,182,400 yen | |||
| N-BOX CUSTOM Coordination Style |
660cc DOHC |
2WD | 2,059,200 yen | |
| 4WD | 2,192,300 yen | |||
| N-BOX CUSTOM Turbo Coordinate Style |
660cc DOHC turbo |
2WD | 2,169,200 yen | |
| 4WD | 2,323,000 yen | |||
| N-BOX CUSTOM Turbo Coordinated Style 2 Tone |
660cc DOHC turbo |
2WD | 2,229,700 yen | |
| 4WD | 2,362,800 yen |
Honda “N-BOX” annual sales volume
| year | Sales volume |
|---|---|
| 2011 | 2,860 units |
| 2012 | 211,155 units |
| 2013 | 234,994 units |
| 2014 | 179,930 units |
| 2015 | 184,920 units |
| 2016 | 186,367 units |
| 2017 | 218,478 units |
| 2018 | 241,870 units |
| 2019 | 253,500 units |
| 2020 | 195,984 units |
| 2021 | 188,940 units |
| 2022 | 202,197 units |
| 2023 | 231,385 units |
| Cumulative total | 2,532,580 units |
Sales volume trends (according to the Japan Light Motor Vehicle Association)
A word from the editorial department
The N-BOX goes beyond the boundaries of a minicar in every aspect, including spaciousness, comfort, safety, and design. This is why some people say it’s “not a minicar.” However, the N-BOX is a genuine minicar, and its appeal is maximized within the framework of a minicar. The N-BOX can be said to be a car that expands the possibilities of minicars and offers new value.
N-BOX
