keicar

Kei car, short for kei jidōsha, is a category of small automobiles in Japan defined by government regulation. Kei cars are designed to be affordable, fuel-efficient, and easy to maneuver in crowded urban areas, and they remain a popular choice for first-time drivers and small households.

Current limits under the category include engine displacement up to 660 cubic centimeters and maximum power output around 47 kW (approximately 64 horsepower). Exterior dimensions are restricted to 3.4 meters in length, 1.48 meters in width, and 2.0 meters in height, with corresponding weight and safety requirements.

The kei car category originated in postwar Japan to promote accessible, efficient mobility. Rules have evolved over time, with the present 660 cc standard established in the late 1990s, enabling advances in lightweight design, safety features, and compact packaging while preserving the class’s economic appeal.

Most kei cars are front-engine, front- or four-wheel drive layouts, with boxy, tall bodies that maximize interior space within the size limits. Variants include passenger cars, kei vans, and kei trucks. Notable models include the Honda N-Box, Suzuki Wagon R, and Daihatsu Move, plus utility models like the Honda Acty and Daihatsu Hijet.

In Japan, kei cars account for a substantial share of new-car registrations due to tax breaks, lower license and registration costs, and insurance savings. Their compact size benefits urban parking and congestion. Critics point to limited performance, interior space relative to larger cars, and lower crash protection compared to larger vehicles.

Outside Japan, kei cars are mostly available as imports in limited markets or as used vehicles; some automakers occasionally offer kei-based models abroad or adapt designs for export markets, but they remain a domestic-focused category.