Compact cars sometimes get a bad reputation. Most of the time, small cars are designed to get good gas mileage and simply be practical cars that get from point A to point B. However, the old saying “slow cars are fun to drive fast” is well-known for a reason. When you have the chance to use almost every bit of a car’s power every day, it often results in the most enjoyable driving, with lots of smiles per gallon fuel efficiency.
These tiny cars are limited in size and engine power, but car manufacturers managed to squeeze every ounce of performance out of them. Fortunately, many of these models from the past are now eligible for import to the U.S., Canada, and other countries. Some small cars, however, were designed for global markets and aren’t considered Kei cars, they’re simply compact vehicles. Let’s take a look at six amazing small cars that we wish we could get behind the wheel of.
The Most Reliable Honda Models Ever Made, Ranked
Honda E
The Honda e is a quirky little electric car designed to be an “urban car.” It’s a compact, budget-friendly vehicle that makes city driving (and navigating tight parking spots) a snap. Unfortunately, the Honda e wasn’t available in the U.S. market due to some factors, one of which is a unique feature. Instead of traditional side mirrors, it uses cameras and displays on each side of the dashboard that show what’s to your left and right. The rearview mirror also relies on a camera.
One of the coolest features is undoubtedly the digital screen that runs almost the entire length of the dashboard. The best part is, it has some of the most unique and friendly styling of any modern car.
Unfortunately, it appears that the drawbacks outweighed the benefits because Honda ended production of the e in January 2024.
Daihatsu/Toyota Copen GR Sport
The Daihatsu Copen is a modern K-cars model that can now be purchased brand new in Japan. To unfamiliar readers, it’s worth noting that Toyota owns Daihatsu, the company behind the GR Corolla, GR86, and GR Supra, and Gazoo Racing, the subdivision responsible for those models, has created a high-performance version of this compact roadster.
Keep in mind that the Kei car engine size restriction remains in effect. The Copen GR Sport utilizes a 660cc turbocharged three-cylinder engine, despite its relatively modest output of 64 horsepower. Key enhancements courtesy of Gazoo Racing consist of specially tuned suspension, chassis reinforcement, a limited-slip differential, Recaro bucket seats, and a Momo steering wheel. This unique combination results in a highly efficient and compact car capable of carving through corners with remarkable agility.
The best part is that it’s available with a manual transmission that has five speeds. It also has a Continuously Variable Transmission, which has a “7-speed” paddle shifter setup, though the fake shift points on CVTs are a bit odd. Currently, at market exchange rates, the Copen GR Sport costs about $16,600. Unfortunately, as you might have inferred, it’s only sold in Japan.
[Image credit: Wikimedia Commons | Cropped and scaled | CC BY 4.0]
Honda Z600
The Z600’s small 600cc engine managed to churn out around 36 horsepower and 32 pound-feet of torque. It was paired with a four-speed manual transmission and was reportedly able to reach 60 miles per hour from a standstill a quarter of the way through the quarter-mile. Still, the manufacturer claimed its top speed was 75 mph, which would allow it to handle normal road speeds in the US. However, we can’t say we’d feel totally comfortable cruising that fast in one.
This car is extremely small, measuring about 10 feet long from the front bumper to the rear bumper and with a wheelbase of just over six feet. Its main goals were reliability and fuel efficiency. Given that it can get nearly 40 miles per gallon and is powered by a simple Honda engine, it’s likely that it succeeded in both of those areas. It’s not the fastest car on the road and has limited space inside, but that’s also part of its charm, making it a enjoyable car to drive.
[via Wikimedia Commons | Cropped and scaled | CC BY 2.0]
Suzuki Cappuccino
If the subject of conversation is fun-to-drive kei cars, the Suzuki Cappuccino is likely to be mentioned soon. This isn’t surprising, given its enjoyable name and distinctive design. Nonetheless, there’s more to appreciate beyond just its engaging name and stylish appearance.
The Cappuccino, similar to the Copen GR Sport, features a turbocharged three-cylinder engine and is more performance-oriented compared to regular kei cars. Its 63 horsepower, coupled with a double-wishbone suspension and an extremely lightweight curb weight of just 1,600 pounds, makes the Suzuki Cappuccino the ultimate expression of the phrase “go-kart for the road.”
If you’re considered “big and tall,” don’t get too excited. The Cappuccino’s overall height is under four feet, and even a shoe horn won’t make it easy to get comfortably seated to drive it. At 6 feet 3 inches and 240 pounds, I gave it my best try to squeeze into one. While I did manage to get in the car, the steering wheel hit my thighs and my head hit the roof. Oh well.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:A(veraging_line.jpg | Cropped and scaled | Attribution | GFDL | cc-by-2.0]
Autozam AZ-1
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Its turbo 657cc engine generated 63 horsepower and 63 lb-ft of torque. Its mid-engine setup and five-speed manual transmission make it a standout vehicle, providing an incredibly enjoyable driving experience, especially when navigating corners.
Unfortunately, like the Cappuccino, the Autozam AZ-1’s interior is incredibly cramped. As you might expect, the gullwing doors have a significant impact on headroom, resulting in limited space for taller individuals.
[Image via Wikipedia.org, cropped and scaled | Licensed under CC BY 2.0]
Honda S660
produced.
Honda designed this mid-engine chassis just for the S660. It’s rear-wheel drive and comes with a manual transmission. Similar to other tiny cars, it’s capped at 63 horsepower due to a 660cc turbocharged three-cylinder engine. There were rumors of an export model with 125 horsepower, but the S660 ended production in 2022. Sadly, our hopes for a US-delivered version sailed with the S660 when it was discontinued.
For now, we’ll have to appreciate it from a distance.
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