Honda N Box. 2011 to date (prod. 240,000 approx. to end of 2012). 5-door wagon. F/F, F/A, 658 cm³ (3 cyl. DOHC). Diminutive kei jidosha car, showing that Honda had not lost its engineering magic. By the end of 2012, it was the top-selling car in its class in Japan. Commissioned by Honda boss Takanobu Ito, and first to Honda’s N cars. Most of the length for passenger space, with compact engine tucked neatly into front; willing engines develop 58–64 PS, suitable for N Box’s envisaged urban use. Stop–start from Honda hybrids. Good ride, vague steering, and a little noisy at higher speeds; interior materials on the cheap side. N Box Plus model, débuting mid-2012, has an extendable ramp (called the Universal Bridge) to aid loading; vehicle stability assist and hillstart assist among features.

Manufacturing location: Japan

Marque: Honda