Cars play a very important role for families with children. They are used in many aspects of daily life, especially when traveling, shopping, and taking children to and from school. Kei cars have the advantages of being fuel-efficient, compact, and easy to park, but recent models have also improved in safety and comfort, making them perfect for families with children. Here we introduce some recommended kei cars as of May 2024.
What is a light vehicle?
The smallest standard in Japanese automobile classification, this refers to three- and four-wheeled vehicles with an engine displacement of 660 cc or less. The overall length is 3,400 mm (3.40 m) or less, the overall width is 1,480 mm (1.48 m) or less, the overall height is 2,000 mm (2.00 m) or less, the engine displacement is 660 cc or less, the seating capacity is four or less, and the cargo capacity is 350 kg or less.
The license plate colours are “black lettering on a yellow background” for private vehicles and “yellow lettering on a black background” for business use, but as an exception, if you have a “Rugby World Cup special edition license plate” or a “Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games special edition license plate”, you can have the license plate with “white background with green lettering” for an additional fee.
What are the advantages of a light car?
The vehicle itself is cheap. Maintenance costs such as taxes and insurance are also low. The vehicle is small and easy to handle.
The vehicle price is low. (Depending on the model, the vehicle price is less than 1 million yen.)
High resale value. (Light cars are in high demand and tend to have high resale values.)
Low maintenance costs. (Many fuel-efficient models and the lowest automobile tax)
Easy to drive. (Light vehicle standards are 3.4m or less in length, 1.48m or less in width, 2m or less in height, 660cc or less in engine displacement, and a seating capacity of four or less. Therefore, they are smaller and more maneuverable than standard cars, making them easier to drive on narrow roads and for those unfamiliar with driving.)
automobile tax
Kei cars have the lowest automobile tax, at 10,800 yen, which is less than half the price of the lowest standard car, the 1000cc, making them very economical.
Motor vehicle tax rate table for newly registered private passenger cars
| Engine displacement | Automobile tax amount |
|---|---|
| 660cc | 10,800 yen |
| 1,000cc or less | 25,000 yen |
| More than 1,000cc but less than 1,500cc | 30,500 yen |
| More than 1,500cc but less than 2,000cc | 36,000 yen |
| More than 2,000cc but less than 2,500cc | 43,500 yen |
| More than 2,500cc but less than 3,000cc | 50,000 yen |
| More than 3,000cc but less than 3,500cc | 57,000 yen |
| More than 3,500cc but less than 4,000cc | 65,500 yen |
| More than 4,000cc but less than 4,500cc | 75,500 yen |
| More than 4,500cc but less than 6,000cc | 87,000 yen |
| Over 6,000cc | 110,000 yen |
[2024] List of car tax types, automobile tax and environmental performance tax amounts
What are the requirements for a car that is useful for raising children?
For families with children, a car is not just a means of transportation, but an important partner that supports their lives. Here we have compiled a list of car requirements that are useful for raising children. Use these requirements to choose a car that suits your family’s lifestyle and budget.
sliding door
It is easy to get in and out of the car while holding a child, and it is also easy to open and close in a narrow parking lot.
minivan
The interior space is spacious, making it easy to install a child seat and change children’s clothes.
Can carry a lot of luggage
It can carry a lot of luggage, such as strollers, children’s luggage, and shopping.
The height is appropriate
It’s easy to get children in and out of the car and to take care of them inside, and it also gives a sense of openness.
safety
Choose a car with high safety features, such as automatic braking and collision mitigation braking.
Economic efficiency
Choosing a car with good fuel economy will help you reduce fuel costs. Choose a car with low maintenance costs, such as taxes and insurance.
Number of passengers
Choose a car with the appropriate number of passengers for your family. Light cars generally seat up to four people, while standard cars generally seat five to eight people.
1. Honda N-BOX
Honda will be fully redesigning its tall wagon-type minicar, the N-BOX, with the model announced on October 5th, 2023 , and released on October 6th, 2023. We’ve checked out the specifications and summarized the details. Attention is focused on how the N-BOX, Japan’s best-selling car as of 2023, will evolve.
About the new N-BOX full model change
The exterior of the new N-BOX features a front grille with a round hole design .
The exterior of the new N-BOX CUSTOM features a precisely shaped front grille with a three-dimensional feel, horizontal single lights at the front, and direct projection LED headlights .
Honda’s first 7-inch TFT LCD meter .
Adopts a “multi-view camera system.”
New safety features include a “sudden acceleration control function” and a “near-collision mitigation brake . “
The exterior adopts a new design while maintaining the same concept. Continuing with the current model, it employs Honda’s now traditional ” center tank layout ” and adopts a ” super sliding passenger seat ” (available for different types). The rear seat slide is standard on all vehicles, and instead of a bench seat, it is a separate seat that allows for a walk-through. An electric parking brake and auto brake hold are also adopted. Honda SENSING is standard on all models. The full model change has resulted in engine improvements and a revised platform, which are expected to reduce weight and increase rigidity, as well as slightly improve fuel efficiency. Usability has been improved with the adoption of a “7-inch TFT LCD meter” that clearly displays Honda SENSING functions and various information, a large glove box that can store luggage all in one place, and large side pockets in the rear seats.
New N-BOX exterior
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.
New N-BOX CUSTOM exterior
The exterior of the new N-BOX CUSTOM features a front grille with a detailed, three-dimensional design, horizontal single lights at the front, and direct projection LED headlights . It also features the clear lens rear combination lamps that are characteristic of the N-BOX CUSTOM that have been developed in previous models, and an exclusive aero design that takes into consideration a low and wide view and aerodynamic performance.
New N-BOX interior
We have 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 hold on tightly, making it easier to get in and out. The car is equipped with a 7-inch digital meter and 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 is available, allowing rear seat 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.
N-BOX price
| 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 price
| 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) |
New N-BOX full model change price and grade
N-BOX
| grade | engine | transmission |
Drive system |
New price (tax included) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| L | 660cc DOHC |
CVT | 2WD | 1,648,900 yen |
| 4WD | 1,782,000 yen | |||
| Fashion Style | 2WD | 1,749,000 yen | ||
| 4WD | 1,882,100 yen |
N-BOX CUSTOM
| grade | engine | transmission |
Drive system |
New price (tax included) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| L | 660cc DOHC |
CVT | 2WD | 1,849,100 yen |
| 4WD | 1,982,200 yen | |||
| L Turbo | 660cc DOHC turbo |
2WD | 2,049,300 yen | |
| 4WD | 2,182,400 yen | |||
| L Coordination Style |
660cc DOHC |
2WD | 2,059,200 yen | |
| 4WD | 2,192,300 yen | |||
| L Turbo Coordinate Style |
660cc DOHC turbo |
2WD | 2,169,200 yen | |
| 4WD | 2,323,000 yen |
▼For more details, please refer to this article.
2nd place: Suzuki Spacia
Suzuki will release the new light height wagons “Spacia” and “Spacia Custom” on November 22, 2023. Based on the concept of “A Spacia that’s full of excitement! A safe and comfortable Spacia that you can use freely,” the original appeal of the Spacia has been improved, including its design, comfortable and cozy interior space, and safety features.
Suzuki’s new “Spacia” full model change
The exterior design has been changed.
It features a memory navigation system with a large 9-inch HD display .
The car is the first to feature an electric parking brake and auto brake hold, both of which are Suzuki’s first features .
Equipped with a rear seat center armrest, ottoman, and personal table .
Uses the latest “R06D engine.”
The Spacia’s digital speedometer and multi-information display (color) and steering wheel heater are adopted for the first time in a Suzuki minicar.
The platform is made of “HEARTECT,” and by using a ring-shaped frame structure and structural adhesives, body rigidity and handling stability have been improved. In addition, damping adhesive has been used on the underbody joint surfaces, and sound-insulating baffles have been installed in a total of eight places on the left and right sides, resulting in a very quiet interior.
In addition to the rear step ground clearance (345mm) and sliding door opening width (600mm) and opening height (1250mm) that make it easy to get in and out of the rear seats, the ease of getting in and out has been improved by the ingress/egress grip with an enlarged handle.
Suzuki’s new “Spacia” full model change exterior
The exterior will retain its concept, but the design will be changed to give it a completely new image.
The standard model “Spacia” keeps the concept almost the same as the previous model, but the front design has been slightly changed. The “Spacia Custom” has a silver painted front design, giving it a more high-quality and glamorous look, and although it is a different company, it has a bold design reminiscent of Toyota’s “Vellfire”. Furthermore, the headlights are equipped with ” DRL (Daytime Running Lights) ” and ” LED Sequential Turn Lamps (flowing turn signals) “.
Suzuki’s new “Spacia” full model change interior
The interior has been redesigned with more user-friendly layout and space. The newly designed steering wheel is equipped with a steering wheel heater. It is equipped with a large 9-inch HD display with memory navigation , digital meters and LCD, and finally, the long-awaited first adoption of Suzuki’s “electric parking brake” and “auto brake hold”. For a minicar, the rear seats are equipped with comfortable features, such as a “rear seat center armrest” and a “multi-use flap” that prevents luggage from falling and can also be used as an ottoman. The “personal table” has a stopper that allows you to place a tablet or other device on it.
For more details, please refer to this article.
Suzuki’s new “Spacia” full model change: price and grade
The Spacia will be available in two models, “HYBRID X” and “HYBRID G,” while the Spacia Custom will be available in three models, “HYBRID XS TURBO,” “HYBRID XS,” and “HYBRID GS.”
| grade | engine | transmission |
Drive system |
Price (10%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spacia HYBRID G |
Inline 3-cylinder 660cc <R06D type> + motor (mild hybrid) |
CVT | 2WD | 1,530,100 yen |
| 4WD | 1,656,600 yen | |||
| Spacia HYBRID X |
2WD | 1,705,000 yen | ||
| 4WD | 1,824,900 yen | |||
| Spacia Custom HYBRID GS |
2WD | 1,801,800 yen | ||
| 4WD | 1,925,000 yen | |||
| Spacia Custom HYBRID XS |
2WD | 1,995,400 yen | ||
| 4WD | 2,115,300 yen | |||
| Spacia Custom Hybrid XS Turbo |
Inline 3-cylinder 660cc <R06D type> Turbo + motor (mild hybrid) |
2WD | 2,073,500 yen | |
| 4WD | 2,193,400 yen |
Suzuki’s new “Spacia” full model change: specs
The powertrain is a mild hybrid that combines an R06D engine that produces a maximum output of 36kW (49PS)/6500rpm and a maximum torque of 58Nm (4.1kgfm) with a WA04C motor that produces a maximum output of 1.9kW (2.6PS)/1500rpm and a maximum torque of 40Nm (4.1kgfm)/100rpm.
The turbo models include the R06A type, which produces a maximum output of 47kW (64PS)/6000rpm and a maximum torque of 98Nm (10.0kgfm)/3000rpm, and the R06B type, which produces a maximum output of 2.3kW (3.1PS)/1000rpm and a maximum torque of 50Nm (5.1kgfm)/100rpm.
| Specifications | Spacia | Spacia |
|---|---|---|
| full length | 3,395mm | 3,395mm |
| Overall width | 1,475mm | 1,475mm |
| Overall height | 1,785mm | 1,785mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,460mm | 2,460mm |
| engine | Inline 3-cylinder 660cc <R06D type> + motor (mild hybrid) |
Inline 3-cylinder 660cc <R06D type> Turbo + motor (mild hybrid) |
| Maximum power | 36kW (49ps) / 6,500rpm |
47kW (64ps) / 6,000rpm |
| Maximum torque | 58Nm (5.9kgm) / 5,000rpm |
98Nm (10.0kgm) / 3,000rpm |
| Motor maximum output | 1.9kW (2.6ps) / 1,500rpm |
2.3kW (3.1ps) / 1,000rpm |
| Motor Max Torque | 40Nm (4.1kgm) / 100rpm |
50Nm (5.1kgm) / 100rpm |
| transmission | CVT | CVT |
| Drive system | 2WD (FF) / 4WD | 2WD (FF) / 4WD |
| Passenger capacity | 4 people | 4 people |
| WLTC mode fuel economy | 22.2km/L (2WD) 20.2km/L (4WD) |
19.8km/L (2WD) 19.2km/L (4WD) |
For more details, please refer to this article.
3rd place: Daihatsu Tanto
Daihatsu released a full model change of the new Tanto/Tanto Custom on July 9, 2019. The new model employs the newly developed platform “DNGA (Daihatsu New Global Architecture).” It also features the newly developed “Miracle Walk-Through Package” and “Next-Generation Smart Assist.” The vehicle’s structure has been revised to reduce weight, improving vertical bending rigidity by 30% compared to the previous model. The upper body’s high-tensile strength ratio has been increased by 10%, resulting in an overall vehicle weight reduction of approximately 80 kg. The transmission and engine have also been improved, including Japan’s first “multi-spark” system. The engine’s compression ratio has been improved, and fuel efficiency has been improved through refinements such as injector atomization. This further reduces weight and improves fuel economy. The transmission employs a newly developed “DCVT (Dual mode CVT)” featuring the world’s first “power split technology.” Engine improvements have also been made, resulting in a JC08 cycle fuel economy of 27.2 km/L.
New Tanto
About the new Tanto/Tanto Custom specs
| Specifications | New Tanto/Tanto Custom | Tanto Custom |
|---|---|---|
| Engine type | NA | turbo |
| full length | 3,395mm | 3,395mm |
| Overall width | 1,475mm | 1,475mm |
| Overall height | 1,755 to 1,775 mm | 1,755 to 1,775 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,460mm | 2,460mm |
| engine | 658cc inline 3 DOHC engine |
658cc inline 3 DOHC turbo engine |
| Maximum power | 38kW (52ps) / 6,900rpm |
47kW (64ps) / 6,400rpm |
| Maximum torque | 60Nm (6.1kgm) / 3,600rpm |
100Nm (10.2kgm) / 3,600rpm |
| transmission | CVT | CVT |
| Drive system | FF/4WD | FF/4WD |
| JC08 mode fuel economy | 27.2km/L (2WD) 25.4km/L (4WD) |
25.2km/L (2WD) 23.8km/L (4WD) |
| WLTC mode fuel economy | 21.2km/L (2WD) 20.2km/L (4WD) |
20.0km/L (2WD) 18.8km/L (4WD) |
| price | 1,220,400 yen ~ 1,684,800 yen |
1,549,800 yen ~ 1,873,800 yen |
For more details, please refer to this article.
New Tanto price and grade
Tanto
| Model | engine | transmission |
Drive system |
Price (10%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| L ( vehicles without Smart Assist ) |
Inline 3-cylinder DOHC 0.66L |
CVT | 2WD | 1,243,000 yen |
| 4WD | 1,369,500 yen | |||
| L | 2WD | 1,331,000 yen | ||
| 4WD | 1,457,500 yen | |||
| X | 2WD | 1,490,500 yen | ||
| 4WD | 1,617,000 yen | |||
| X “Selection” | 2WD | 1,490,500 yen | ||
| 4WD | 1,617,000 yen | |||
| X Turbo | Inline 3-cylinder DOHC 0.66 L turbo |
2WD | 1,589,500 yen | |
| 4WD | 1,716,000 yen | |||
| X Turbo “Selection” |
2WD | 1,644,500 yen | ||
| 4WD | 1,765,500 yen |
Tanto Custom
| Model | engine | transmission |
Drive system |
Price (10%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Custom X | Inline 3-cylinder DOHC 0.66 L turbo |
CVT | 2WD | 1,721,500 yen |
| 4WD | 1,842,500 yen | |||
| Custom X “Selection” |
2WD | 1,749,000 yen | ||
| 4WD | 1,870,000 yen | |||
| Custom RS | 2WD | 1,853,500 yen | ||
| 4WD | 1,974,500 yen | |||
| Custom RS “Selection” |
2WD | 1,881,000 yen | ||
| 4WD | 2,002,000 yen |
For more details, please refer to this article.
Daihatsu New Tanto Partially Improved Released December 1, 2020
[2024] List of cars with sliding doors – Recommended summary
2023 Kei Car Ranking
In the minicar category , the Honda N-BOX took the top spot with 218,478 units sold. In second place was the Suzuki Spacia with 133,410 units sold, and in third place was the Daihatsu Tanto with 124,862 units sold. These are regulars in the minicar rankings.
| Ranking | Manufacturer | Car name | Sales volume |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st place | Honda | N-BOX | 218,478 units |
| 2nd place | Suzuki | Spacia | 133,410 units |
| 3rd place | Daihatsu | Tanto | 124,862 units |
| 4th place | Suzuki | Hustler | 92,456 units |
| 5th place | Daihatsu | Move | 76,174 units |
| 6th place | Suzuki | Wagon R | 73,388 units |
| 7th place | Suzuki | Alto | 67,798 units |
| 8th place | Nissan | Luke’s | 66,978 units |
| 9th place | Daihatsu | Mira | 54,766 units |
| 10th place | Mitsubishi | Delica Mini /eK | 52,427 units |
▼For more details, please refer to this article.
