Since 2011, Honda revitalized their kei-car lineup with their N cars beginning with the N-BOX, Honda's answer to the Daihatsu Tanto, and as kei cars keep getting more fuel efficient and safer, looks like the underdog kei car feels like it's throwing towel but they're not because with the arrival of the second-generation Honda N-BOX, this tiny little minivan is ready to take on the streets with added fuel efficiency and safety tech a class above the rest.
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| 2018 Honda N-BOX |
Here it is, ladies and gentlemen, your new, second-generation Honda N-BOX. Now pay attention because this is an all-new model you never heard of and this is the ideal time to talk about the brand new N-BOX. Starting with the design and like the previous model, the all-new N-BOX is offered with two different styles to choose from; in the normal N-BOX, it looks almost like the previous model when it first came out six years ago so you couldn't really tell the difference between the old and the new. On the new N-BOX Custom, meanwhile, that front face looks pretty much like the Hondas of today, particularly the Shuttle because one closer look on the Custom variant and you know that it's got its Shuttle face on. Talk about identity crisis, if you know what I mean.
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| 2018 Honda N-BOX interior |
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| 2018 Honda N-BOX Custom interior |
On the inside, it's now modernized than ever judging by the look of the dashboard and it's now even more user-friendly than ever because the new N-BOX offers new stuff that no kei cars of that size ever offered. One such example is the brand new
Super Slide Seat which allows the user to slide the front passenger seat forwards or backwards for better accessibility on. Need space on the front? Slide it backward. Need more legroom on the back, slide it forward. It's that simple. Apart from the Super Slide Seat made exclusively for the new N-BOX, it features unique rear seats that can be slid forward or backward, separately, or even tucked up for improvised rear space for your thrift store hauls, and then there's the hands-free sliding door that can be operated at the lift of your foot. With such convenient features, the new N-BOX is by no means the most user-friendly kei car ever built for the most demanding people during work days.
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| 2018 Honda N-BOX |
Performance, what is it on the new N-BOX? Well, for starters, the 660cc petrol engine that powers it produces 58PS of power output and 65Nm of torque, and when mated with a CVT, fuel efficiency is around 27kmpl based on JC08 Mode standards, which is becoming irrelevant right now. Of course, you can exercise your options with the available turbocharged engine and four-wheel drive if today's weather update calls for more clouds and rain.
As for handling, the new N-BOX has been improved thanks to its Agile Handling Assist for better stability in cornering as well as its Hydraulic brake boost. With very good visibility and minivan sizing, the N-BOX is shaping up to become a kei car fit enough for the 9-to-5 lifestyle and because it's made for people who are working 9-to-5, its Honda Sensing should not be underlooked because, with the stereo camera, millimeter-wave radar and sonar sensor on sight, the Honda Sensing features on the new N-BOX is more than prepared to get through all sorts of traffic with ease while taking advantage of safety tech such as collision mitigation braking system, false start suppression, pedestrian accident reduction steering, outdoor departure suppression function, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist system, auto high beam, road sign recognition function, and so much more, all in the name of safety.
So, now that you already know about the new, second-generation N-BOX from Honda, let's take a look at the price; it starts at 1,385,640 Japanese Yen for the normal N-BOX while the Custom variant starts at 1,698,840 Japanese Yen. By comparison, that's more pricey to own than the Daihatsu Tanto range but with all those class-leading features, the new N-BOX is all about being a class above the rest thanks to its user-friendly features that is both accessible and accommodating. If you still don't know about the new, second-generation N-BOX from Honda, you better rush to your nearest Honda dealer so you can uncover the truth. Come on, it's not that hard.
Photo: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
