Honda is redoubling its Kei-class effort here at the Tokyo Motor Show, and the opening salvo of its new N Series is this square-rigged model, the appropriately named N Box. The N Box is actually launching in two versions, the standard model and the Custom, which includes showier head- and taillamp modules and a unique grille.

Funk Flex


The N Box rides atop a new minicar architecture that employs a new 660cc engine and a center-mounted tank not unlike that of the larger Fit. As is typical for this class of car, there’s a surprising amount of space inside the N Box thanks to its rectilinear proportions and dining chair-like seating. In fact, there’s plenty of room for six-foot adults, save a slightly pinched footwell and limited elbow room because of the car’s narrow dimensions. The rear seat is even more generous, with limo-like legroom and a flip/fold feature that allows for the storage of bulky objects in the passenger compartment. Unfortunately, the rear chairs don’t actually side forward to accommodate more space in the cargo hold, though the seatbacks will fold forward for larger objects.

One of the N Box’s most unique features is its blind spot mirror array, which functions as sort of a poor man’s version of a side view camera system. Basically, a pair of convex mirrors mounted to the inside of the A-Pillar reflect onto a convex mirror mounted on the front of the door-mounted side mirror, allowing the driver to parallel park with ease. There’s also a large convex mirror mounted inside of the rear cargo hatch on the same assembly with the center high-mount stop lamp that doubles as sort of an inexpensive backup camera.

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