Second-generation Mazda Flair Crossover

Looking for a second-generation Suzuki Hustler but stuck at the Mazda dealership? You've come in the right place because Mazda managed to borrow the second-generation Suzuki Hustler for their all-new Flair Crossover, which starts at 1,365,100 Japanese yen plus additional costs.

By the looks of it, the front and the rearview look pretty much the same as the previous model it replaces but look closely on the side and you can spot an extra window on it, meaning that it really is a new model and not a minor change whatsoever.

On the interior, the dashboard has three circles on it and that's something the folks from Mini should learn from it while making their next model but enough encouragement because while the new three-ringed dashboard adds a nice touch to the Hustler's new interior, it really fits through any kind of lifestyle they see fit. It can be a four-seater, a two-seater with the rear seats folded, and a nice little sleeper in case you forgot to bring a tent for the camping trip to the woods.

Running on a HEARTECT platform, the new Flair Crossover promises to be more lively to drive, safer, and more efficient than the previous model and they really mean it as demonstrated by its 4.6m turning radius. City car handling aside, the Hustler's optional 4WD system comes with Grip Control, Snow Mode, and Hill Descent Control, making it capable of getting itself dirty while taking shortcuts in case of traffic jams, which will make you look like a sweet potato when they see you taking it offroad online.

The new Flair Crossover is powered by a new 660cc R06D engine with mild hybrid technology, Eco Cool, and idling stop, and when mated to a CVT, it delivers a 25kmpl fuel economy based on WLTP standards for front-wheel-drive variants. On the turbo variants with the 660cc R06A turbo engine with the same fuel-efficient tech mentioned above, it returns with a 22.6kmpl fuel economy.

In the interest of safety, the new Flair Crossover comes with a suite of driver aids, which makes this kei crossover a certified Safety Support Car S rating.

Feel free to enjoy the Mazda version of the second-generation Suzuki Hustler any time you like.

Photo: Mazda Motor Corporation

Second-generation Honda N-ONE

The Honda N-ONE, a chic and casual kei car that mimics the iconic N360 of the past, is now on its second generation and this new model picks up where the previous model left off while taking advantage of its new style, new interior, and new tech that will cater the youth demographics looking for a small car to live with.

The new Honda N-ONE, priced at a reasonable 1,454,000 Japanese Yen plus additional costs, is the second generation of the neo-classical kei car that caught the attention of many since the previous model made a surprising appearance of, well, let's say a blockbuster that involves a boy and a girl who can change the weather. Did you get it? No? Okay, let's talk about the new model.

The new model is almost as similar to the previous model it replaces, meaning it still carries the same N360-inspired design as the original so you can't really tell the differences between them. Like most kei cars offering different styles to choose from; the new N-ONE is available in three different flavors; the base and vanilla-ish Original, the more luxurious Premium variant, and for the first time, a sporty RS variant for those who want some more fun. Either way, it's still the new N-ONE you are facing now.

Step inside and you will notice that the new interior now boasts a minimalist approach which rather worries some drivers behind the wheel, but don't worry though, you can still toy around the buttons around the car because user-friendliness is what the new N-ONE is made for. For the first time, the new N-ONE features a rear seat notification displayed on the dashboard so you will get notified about what's going on at the back, which is somewhat weird for some drivers. On the comfort side, it still fits up to four people and it has decent boot space for groceries and deliveries.

Depending on the variant, the new N-ONE is mated to an S07B 660cc DOHC 3-cylinder engine in naturally aspirated and turbo configurations. All variants are mated to a CVT gearbox that results in a 23kmpl combined fuel economy per WLTC Mode standards while the RS is mated exclusively with the 6-speed manual gearbox that delivers a 21.6kmpl of combined fuel economy per WLTC Mode standards.

What about handling? With the MacPherson struts on the front, Torsion bar stabilizers all over, Rack and Pinion Electric Power Steering, and other stuff underneath it, the new N-ONE works and feels like what a kei car should and in terms of safety, the new N-ONE now comes with Honda SENSIS functions as standard, corresponding to Support Car S Wide standards. The RS variant, meanwhile, now comes with Adaptive Cruise Control and LKAS for the first time in a 6MT kei car.

Is the new N-ONE better than the previous model it replaces?

Photo: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

2nd Gen Mitsubishi eK Space/3rd Gen Nissan Roox

The kei minivans made under the NMKV joint venture, the Mitsubishi eK Space and the Nissan Roox, have been regenerated for their newest generation, and for this latest generation, these new models are ready to set right all the things that went wrong with their previous generations by delivering honest-to-goodness space, better efficiency, safety, and looks, in the midst of this new normal.

2021 Mitsubishi eK Space

2021 Mitsubishi eK X Space

2021 Nissan Roox

Like the recent smaller equivalents, both the new eK Space and the new Roox are still made by Mitsubishi as part of the NMKV joint venture and even though they look different, they're still the same kei minivans you now see fit.

2021 Mitsubishi eK Space

2021 Mitsubishi eK X Space

2021 Nissan Roox

Keeping in tradition, both the eK Space and Roox featured different styles to choose from. On the Mitsubishi side, there's the normal eK Space for those who are looking for something simple and then there's the eK X (Cross) Space for those who want something outdoorsy. On the Nissan side, the Roox is offered in base and the more stylish Highway Star variant. Either way, they're still good to go for people on the go.

2021 Mitsubishi eK Space interior

2021 Mitsubishi eK Space interior

2021 Nissan Roox interior

Like the previous models, both models are tall enough to let occupants stretch themselves on the inside and that is a good thing because these models offer generous rear legroom and ample spacing fit for all kinds of stuff to do. Whether you can use it for family outings or for small business purposes, even TNVS things, both the new eK Space and the new Roox can do just that decently. And thanks to the fact that it comes with a hands-free sliding door, it's more user-friendly as well.

For more expensive models, you can expect some noticeable stuff you may find, well, noticeable, such as the back table at the back of the front seats, paddle shifters for turbocharged variants, keyless entry, touch panel aircon, and others.

2021 Mitsubishi eK X Space

2021 Nissan Roox

On the performance side, they're still fit enough for city use and because they're small, they can squeeze through places big minivans can't get through. That's because underneath, these kei minivans feature Rack & Pinion steering, front MacPherson struts, rear torsion beams, front ventilated disc brakes, rear reading trailing brakes, and other chassis refinements. With that, they're still decent to drive out from the home and into the city centers.

These models come with a 660cc BR06 three-cylinder DOHC 12V ECI engine bolted with a tiny electric motor and a CVT gearbox. This engine can produce from 52 to 64ps of power and judging from its fuel economy, it's a WLTP-calculated 20.8kmpl, which in outdated JC08 mode standards, is less fuel efficient than its main rival, the Suzuki Spacia.

Safety-wise, both the eK Space and Roox offered a wide range of safety tech from e-Assist to MI-PILOT. Too much information.

The new eK Space starts at 1,399,200 Japanese Yen (around $14,000) while the new Roox starts at 1,416,000 Japanese Yen (around $14,200). They're still cheaper to own than the bigger minivans, making them a fair value in the new normal. So, if you have a choice between them, which one will you choose and why? Because both the new eK Space and the new Roox are typically the same cars, your mystic other-worldly powers will help you decide.

Photo: Mitsubishi Motors Corporation/Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

Daihatsu Taft (LA900S)

In the world of motoring, reviving a name of an old car that is famous to a new car that is not intended to be is something to be called a sacrilege or blasphemy to heritage, an attack on history if you refer. Mitsubishi did this with the Eclipse...Cross, Dodge did with the Dart, and a few others. Now, Daihatsu's on the list with their newest kei crossover that bears a tough name from the past, the Taft.

2021 Daihatsu Taft

Before explaining about Daihatsu's direct competitor against the Suzuki Hustler, let's talk about the Taft name. The original Taft is a "small but terrible" offroader that enjoys being the David of the rough terrain when it first launched in 1974 until it got replaced by the Rugger in 1984. The old Taft means "Tough and Almighty Four-wheel Touring vehicle" but for this kei crossover, the Taft meaning has changed and it's now "Tough and Almighty Fun Tool." It's similar to what happened when Daihatsu revived the Rocky as a little crossover that feels nothing in common with the old one.

2021 Daihatsu Taft

Anyway, while everyone's busy mucking about why Daihatsu revived the tought Taft name for the tiny Hustler rival, consider this; it starts at 1,353,000 Japanese Yen (around $14,000), meaning it's almost a hundred grand more expensive than the latest-generation Suzuki Hustler but by the looks of it, the Taft is slightly better looking than the Hustler, although some say it's like a complete mash-up between the Suzuki Jimny and the old Nissan Cube. Can't blame the design team, right? But there's more to the way it looks because with the optional extra, you can make the Taft look like the one as seen from last January's Tokyo Auto Salon. It's a concept car turned reality and now you can make it look like a concept car for you to try. Slippery, right?

2021 Daihatsu Taft interior

2021 Daihatsu Taft interior

Daihatsu states that the Taft's interior is made under the concept of "Backpack Style" and whatever the reason, the interior is all about comfort, functionality, and practicality fit for anyone who wish to get out of the city without concerning about the c-word the world's talking about lately. On the driver's side, you are greeted by your typical dashboard layout which involves an optional touch screen sat-nav, climate control, USB connectivity, an instrumental panel, and places to store your stuff. That's perfectly normal for a kei car like this but on the back, it's common sense. With the rear seats present, the boot can accommodate up to two luggage bags but if you're into logistics, the rear seats can be folded down to make room for some bigs picks. Best of all, it's easy to clean so you don't need to worry about getting spilled.

For those who are rushing to get to the vantage point in case of a meteor shower but stuck on traffic, the Taft has the ideal solution called the Skyfeel Top, a panoramic moonroof with the shade that can be closed or opened manually, which is nice. With this, you'll never miss those once-in-a-lifetime stuff that comes out in the night sky even when you're pinched by traffic jams.

2021 Daihatsu Taft

How about the way it drives? Well, since it was made to compete against the Hustler, the reborn Taft behaves like the Hustler on city centers and on open roads, only better thanks to its DNGA platform built beneath it and with the optional 4WD with Grip Support, it's not afraid to get wet and dirty. Sadly, it's got no stuff similar to the Citroen C3 Aircross but who cares?

The Taft is powered by a 660cc engine, in NA and turbo configuration, and with the CVT, the Taft delivers a combined WLTP-calculated 20.5km/L fuel economy, which is drastically less than the new Hustler, probably because the Taft doesn't have mild hybrid tech that the new Hustler had. Shame.

Because safety is the top priority in today's cars, the Taft comes with Daihatsu's Smart Assist suite of ADAS. There are 17 driving aids and some others loaded to the Taft to make it one of the safest kei crossovers to drive. Believe it or not, it's got more than the new Hustler had. Fact.

The new Taft may not be as tough and almighty as the original Taft, just like what happened to today's Rocky from last year, and not as efficient as its Suzuki Hustler rival by a drastic margin, but Daihatsu's putting on a show with their newest kei crossover that is bound to grab some headlines even in the "new normal" situation. With crossovers are all in the rage for Gen Z people, the Taft can be the ideal starting point for first time buyers and looks like they're in for a huge gamble in this new normal.

Photo: Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd.

Second-Generation Suzuki Hustler

Since 2013, Suzuki made an oddball kei crossover called the Hustler and it's hard to describe why the mini-me Toyota FJ Cruiser became a hit among young outdoorsy people across Japan. With the arrival of the second-generation model, expect big things to come on the all-new Suzuki Hustler.

2020 Suzuki Hustler

This is the all-new Suzuki Hustler, the second generation model, and it's yours for 1,280,400 (around $13,000) which is rather cheaper to own than its big brother, the Ignis, but before you get your hands on this nearly affordable kei crossover that loves to poke fun against the Daihatsu Cast Activa, let's observe a little about how much has changed since the previous model.

2020 Suzuki Hustler

By the looks of it, the front and the rearview look pretty much the same as the previous model it replaces but look closely on the side and you can spot an extra window on it, meaning that it really is a new model and not a minor change whatsoever.

2020 Suzuki Hustler interior

Speaking of all-new, have you noticed the new Hustler's interior? The dashboard has three circles on it and that's something the folks from Mini should learn from it while making their next model but enough encouragement because while the new three-ringed dashboard adds a nice touch to the Hustler's new interior, it really fits through any kind of lifestyle they see fit. It can be a four-seater, a two-seater with the rear seats folded, and a nice little sleeper in case you forgot to bring a tent for the camping trip to the woods. It's all about utility in such a little car and you can give credit to Suzuki for that.

2020 Suzuki Hustler

Running on a HEARTECT platform, the new Hustler promises to be more lively to drive, safer, and more efficient than the previous model and they really mean it as demonstrated by its 4.6m turning radius. City car handling aside, the Hustler's optional 4WD system comes with Grip Control, Snow Mode, and Hill Descent Control, making it capable of getting itself dirty while taking shortcuts in case of traffic jams, which will make you look like a sweet potato when they see you taking it offroad online.

The Hustler is powered by a new 660cc R06D engine with mild hybrid technology, Eco Cool, and idling stop, and when mated to a CVT, it delivers a 25kmpl fuel economy based on WLTP standards for front-wheel-drive variants. On the turbo variants with the 660cc R06A turbo engine with the same fuel-efficient tech mentioned above, it returns with a 22.6kmpl fuel economy.

In the interest of safety, the new Hustler comes with the Suzuki Safety Support suite of driver aids, which makes this kei crossover a certified Safety Support Car S rating.

The second-generation Hustler may look the same as the previous generation model it replaces but this all-new model really ticks the right boxes of what a city car should and by taking it on the dirt course, this baby elephant knows how to roll in style and substance no doubt. Well done, Suzuki.

Photo: Suzuki Motor Corporation

Toyota Copen GR SPORT

What a pleasant surprise for car enthusiasts across Japan. Having appeared in last January's Tokyo Auto Salon, the Copen GR SPORT is now a living thing but with a major twist; while this is based on the Daihatsu Copen Robe, it's sold as a Toyota, judging by the fact that Daihatsu is under the Toyota umbrella.

2020 Toyota Copen GR SPORT

The Copen GR SPORT joins the Copen range consisting of the Robe, the throwback Cero, the rugged-ish X-Play, and the sold-out Copen Coupe, and since this is sold in most Toyota dealerships despite being a Daihatsu, the 2,380,000 Yen ($24,000 estimated) price tag is reasonable enough for drivers who can't afford either the 86 or the GR Supra, but sadly, that pricing wasn't enough in the case of a newbie that started his driver life with just one million yen in the pocket.

For that pricing, what do you get in this slightly-tweaked Copen Robe? Well, for starters, there's the sporty exterior design, the sporty rims, the RECARO sports seats, the specially-tuned suspension, and that's it. They didn't bother with the turbocharged 660cc engine that can be mated with either a 5-speed MT, which is somewhat a toy to own, or a CVT with 7 simulated gears on it.

It's hard to explain why a Daihatsu Copen Robe is branded as a Toyota with this GR SPORT version but whatever the reason, the so-called Toyota Copen GR SPORT is a reasonably-priced open-top sportscar accessible to almost anyone who wants a fun-sized car with sporty handling that will make them familiarize the way of a sportscar from start to finish and until you are fully satisfied with this car, the Copen GR SPORT could or could not be your first car to start your driving life.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

Daihatsu new Tanto/Subaru new Chiffon (LA650/660S)

The Daihatsu Tanto, known for its signature pillarless Raku-Raku Door on the passenger side, is now on its fourth generation (second generation if you're a Subarist who called this kei minivan the Chiffon), and this new version marks the turning point for Daihatsu because this is the first to don the new Daihatsu New Global Architecture platform, which is just like Toyota's TNGA, only compact. More for that later on but right now, let's look at the new model which starts below the 1.3 million yen mark.

2020 Daihatsu Tanto

2020 Subaru Chiffon

2020 Subaru Chiffon

Like previous generations, the Tanto (or Chiffon for Subarists) is offered in two distinct versions such as the normal Tanto with looks reminiscent of the first-generation Tanto and the Tanto Custom, which is like the little brother of the 3-box hatchback brothers (namely Toyota's Roomy and Tank, Daihatsu's Thor, and Subaru's Justy of course). Either way, these kei minivans stay true to their kei car sizing fit enough for the Japanese suburbs and city streets.

2020 Daihatsu Tanto interior

2020 Subaru Chiffon interior

As a tall kei minivan, the new Tanto's interior is still as tall as the predecessors, of course, meaning there's a lot of room for the six-footers in the club and because it retains the signature pillarless door on the passenger side, it still feels easy to get out of like a glove. As an all-purpose kei car, the new Tanto (Chiffon) has various seating arrangements that will suit their needs, be it for personal or for business use. Whichever you want to do with it, you should be thankful that the new Tanto (Chiffon) does all the stuff like a normal van do in its everyday life.

Now, let's talk more about the Daihatsu New Global Architecture that the new model has and like the TNGA from Toyota, the DNGA platform is a flexible platform that accommodates the new model's design, powertrain, and dynamics. Not only the new platform made it more lively to drive with, but it also made it more fuel efficient than the previous model. With the DNGA platform, 660cc KF-series engine, and a CVT gearbox, it promises a combined fuel economy of 21.2km/L by WLTC mode standards, the same as today's Mitsubishi eK Wagon of course.

In the importance of safety, the new model features an improved Smart Assist with numerous preventive safety features applied all over the kei minivan, be it standard or optional, that will give owners much-needed confidence to drive in a relaxing manner from the beginning to the end of the day. Nothing delightful about the tech but it sure is worth an obvious feat.

The new Tanto (Chiffon) truly is a turning point for a company that makes small cars that can rival Suzuki's Spacia range because of its new platform, new tech, new design, and new interior, while retaining the signature pillarless door on the passenger side that makes the Tanto a Tanto. There's so much to talk about the new model but it's best to leave it for now.

Photo: Daihatsu/Subaru

Mitsubishi eK Wagon (4th Gen) and Nissan Dayz (2nd Gen)

The Mitsubishi eK Wagon is now on its 4th Generation and for this generation, it tries to correct most of the things that went wrong from its previous model aside from the fuel efficiency fiasco that forced Mitsubishi to be part of the Nissan umbrella. For a byproduct of the NMKV joint venture, the fourth-generation eK Wagon has a lot of dirt to clean from the previous model before it takes a good look at the mirror.

2020 Mitsubishi eK Wagon

2020 Mitsubishi eK X

The fourth-generation eK Wagon comes with two different flavors such as the standard eK Wagon, which starts somewhere at the 1.3 million yen bracket, and the SUV-like eK X (Cross), which starts below 1.5 million yen. While the normal eK Wagon looks a bit vanilla on the road, the eK X looks a bit like a shrunken Delica D:5 (which was facelifted recently a few quarters ago this year) but either way, these two city cars have a lot of work to do in order to win back the crowd that felt betrayed from the previous model because of the fuel scandal Mitsubishi needs to clean up.

2020 Mitsubishi eK Wagon interior

2020 Mitsubishi eK X interior

After observing the exterior design of both of these machines, there goes the interior and unlike the previous model, which has a center panel of a high-tech washing machine, the new model has a more modest tone on the inside and while it is small, it's surprisingly not bad to accomodate up to four people as well as the boot in the back. In the eK X, meanwhile, customers can go for an optional extra with the special fabric on the seats that feels somewhat scaly to touch at.

2020 Mitsubishi eK Wagon

2020 Mitsubishi eK X

Both these eK Wagons are powered by a BR06 3-cylinder 12-valve 660cc engine producing 52PS of power and with a mild hybrid system that bolts the 2kW onto the engine as well as the CVT gearbox that doesn't sound exciting at all and the Idle Stop & Go feature, you'll be getting about 21.2km/L of combined fuel economy by WLTP standards, which is rather impressive for a kei car of this size. For the ek X, meanwhile, customers can go for the turbocharged variant for some added sprite to their driving pleasure in the city. As for handling, the new eK Wagon still has Rack and Pinion Power Steering, Torsion Beams on the suspension setup and Disc Reading Trailing Drum Brakes, which makes the driving experience a bit decent to experience, although not as quite as good as a proper European city car. Still, it feels very accessible to drive with and there's nothing wrong with having one in the first place.

With safety as its top priority, the new eK Wagon range features MI-PILOT semi-autonomous tech as well as e-assist suite of safety features for a safer driving that soothes your eyebrows all the way home.

So, has Mitsubishi corrected the mistakes the previous eK Wagon did? If you weren't sure, you could consider having the Nissan equivalent of the new eK Wagon, the Dayz.

2020 Nissan Dayz

2020 Nissan Dayz Bolero

Although similarly priced as the new eK Wagon, the all-new Dayz offers different styles to choose from such as the normal Dayz, the stylish Highway Star variant, and the female-friendly Bolero variant.

2020 Nissan Dayz interior

2020 Nissan Dayz interior

While the Dayz features different faces compared to the eK Wagon, it still has the same interior, the same BR06 3-cylinder 12-valve 660cc engine with mild hybrid and Idle Stop & Go, and the same semi-autonomous driving aids and safety features that will keep drivers noticed all the way home from work or trips to the mall.

So, there we are, as a byproduct of the NMKV venture, both the new eK Wagon and the new Dayz are surely more than enough to correct all the things that went wrong with the previous generation, especially the fuel efficiency fiasco that forced Mitsubishi to be part of the Nissan umbrella. Question is, will it stay being an honest-to-goodness kei car to the very end of its lifespan? Only time will tell.

Photo: Mitsubishi Motors/Nissan

Honda N-WGN (Second Generation)

The rising star of the kei car market, the Honda N-WGN, is now on its second-generation and this new model strives to be a better compact car with its simple design, user-friendly interior, eco-friendly performance, and cutting-edge safety features that can be yours in an agreeable 1,274,400 Japanese Yen price tag.

2020 Honda N-WGN

2020 Honda N-WGN

Time to have a little X-file on the new model, shall we? Okay, while the previous N-WGN looks more like a mini-me StepWGN by the looks of it, the new model undergoes a much simpler, conservative design that looks clean, boxy, and simple, although not as better looking as the previous model it replaces. There are two different styles available on the new N-WGN such as the standard N-WGN that reminded us of a Suzuki MR Wagon Wit several years ago and the Custom variant which is like a bedazzled Vamos by the looks of it.

2020 Honda N-WGN interior

2020 Honda N-WGN interior

Whichever N-WGN you choose, you are still be greeted by its new, user-friendly interior that works just like every other kei car should. From a bright and simple tone from the normal N-WGN to a dark and cool tone from the N-WGN Custom, it still fits like a glove for four people, which is perfect for either trips to the city or for TNVS purposes and then there's the dashboard, which works like it should be. From the touch-screen sat-nav to the long air vents that occupy the rest of the compartment like today's Lexus LS, every usable feature and space on the N-WGN is how this kei car made for the simple simpletons on the road.

With the 660cc S07B petrol engine, CVT, and idling stop at bay, the new N-WGN promises a 23.2kmpl of fuel economy based on WLTC Mode standards, which is by the outdated JC08 terms, it's slightly more efficient than the previous model it replaces and being a small car, it's easy to live with it every single day, for going to work or for weekend trips. Not as exciting as you hoped for, especially when the Custom variant has optional paddle shifters for a manual shifting feel, but in the real world, it's surprisingly noticeable.

With the purpose of being a "Safety Support Car S Wide"-rated kei car, the new N-WGN comes with the Honda Sensing suite of safety features such as Adaptive Cruise Control, CMBS, false start suppression, road-sign recognition, and many others, all in the purpose of being a safe kei car full stop.

The new N-WGN may not be as better-looking as its previous model but with its interior, performance, and safety, it sure is well enough for people who want to spend 1,274,400 Japanese Yen on a car that's all about getting the job done without all the bragging that its opposition loves to do.

Photo: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.