Key points
- Honda has unveiled the third generation of the N-Box kei car in Japan.
- The new model features a revised exterior design, a more practical interior, and a choice of naturally aspirated and turbocharged petrol engines.
- The exterior of the new N-Box is more evolutionary than revolutionary, but there are some significant changes, such as a simpler front-end design, thinner LED taillights, and a revised bumper.
- The interior of the new N-Box is more spacious and practical than the previous model, with a free-standing 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system and plenty of storage compartments.
- The new N-Box will be available with naturally aspirated and turbocharged 658cc petrol engines, producing 58 hp and 63 hp respectively.
- Honda will start accepting pre-orders for the new N-Box in Japan this month, while the official market launch is scheduled for October.
Details
Honda has unveiled the third generation of the N-Box in Japan, which is set to go on sale in the local market in the fall.
Key features of the new Honda N-Box
- Revised exterior design with a simpler front end, thinner LED taillights, and a revised bumper.
- More spacious and practical interior with a free-standing 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system and plenty of storage compartments.
- Choice of naturally aspirated and turbocharged 658cc petrol engines, producing 58 hp and 63 hp respectively.
- Available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
- Standard Honda Sensing suite of safety features, including pre-collision assist, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.
The new kei car features an evolutionary but refined exterior design while maintaining the boxy stance of its predecessors.
Bodywork
The entire bodywork has been redesigned, with a simpler layout on the front, including a body-coloured grille cover, new headlights with round LED graphics resembling human eyes, and a wide lower intake highlighting the sculpted fenders.
The profile retains the black pillars and sliding rear doors but has a slightly tweaked greenhouse and a new character line. The rear end features thinner LED taillights flanking a massive tailgate. Honda is also offering a sportier and more premium version called the N-Box Custom, which has a larger grille, different LED headlights, and a full-width LED bar between them.
Style
It also has sportier intakes on the front bumper, side skirts, faux inlets on the rear bumper, and various style packages with dark chrome trim, black aluminium wheels, and a bi-tone exterior.
Inside the N-Box, there is a free-standing 9-inch touchscreen for the infotainment, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster behind a new two-spoke steering wheel, and plenty of emphasis on storage compartments to improve family-friendly usability.
Equipment
The standard model features light-coloured plastics and fabrics, while the Custom version has a darker theme with leather-style upholstery. The Honda Sensing suite and front and side airbags come as standard equipment.
Though detailed specifications have not been announced, the new N-Box will be available with naturally aspirated and turbocharged petrol engines, likely improved versions of the existing 658cc motors producing 58 hp and 63 hp, respectively. Additionally, Honda may consider introducing a zero-emission variant in the future, similar to the fully electric N-Van.
Pre-orders for the third-generation N-Box will begin in Japan this month, with the official market launch scheduled for October.
Pros of the Honda N-Box (third generation):
- Practicality: The N-Box retains its characteristic boxy design, which translates to a spacious and practical interior. It offers ample storage compartments and amenities, making it a family-friendly car.
- Refreshed Exterior: The evolutionary and refined exterior design with new headlights and LED graphics gives the N-Box a fresh and modern look.
- Customization Options: The availability of the N-Box Custom version and various style packages allow customers to personalize the car according to their preferences.
- Safety Features: The N-Box comes equipped with Honda Sensing suite and front and side airbags as standard, enhancing safety for occupants.
- Engine Options: The car is available with naturally aspirated and turbocharged petrol engines, offering customers some choice based on their performance preferences.
Cons of the Honda N-Box (third generation):
- Limited Availability: As a kei car, the N-Box is primarily designed for the Japanese market, which means it may not be available in some other regions.
- Limited Power: The engines offered in the N-Box are small and designed for city driving. While they may be sufficient for urban commuting, they may lack the power desired for highway driving or carrying heavy loads.
- Design Appeal: The boxy design, while practical, may not be appealing to everyone’s aesthetic tastes, especially those who prefer more sleek and modern-looking vehicles.
- Limited Electric Option: While the possibility of a zero-emission variant is mentioned, at the time of its launch, the N-Box may not have a fully electric version, limiting the car’s appeal to eco-conscious buyers.
- Competitive Market: The automotive market is highly competitive, and the N-Box faces competition from other small cars with similar features, which could affect its market position.
Conclusion
The new Honda N-Box is a significant improvement over the previous model, offering a more stylish exterior, a more spacious and practical interior, and a choice of more powerful engines. The standard Honda Sensing suite of safety features is also a welcome addition.
New Honda N-Box is a great choice for anyone looking for a small, practical, and stylish kei car. It is sure to be a popular choice in Japan, and it could potentially be imported to other markets as well.
