Honda N-Box Joy Debuts in Japan as an Adventure-Ready Kei Car
The Japanese market is witnessing a growing trend in camping-themed kei cars, and the Honda N-Box Joy has made its debut as a quirky and adventure-ready option. Building on the standard third-generation N-Box kei car, the N-Box Joy is designed specifically for outdoor enthusiasts, incorporating several additional features and equipment to enhance the camping experience.
Visually, the N-Box Joy presents an adventurous aesthetic with several enhancements over its standard counterpart:
Redesigned Front Bumper: The vehicle features a new front bumper with horizontal air intake, giving it a more robust look.
Black-Hued Front Grille: The front grille adds to the adventurous appeal, complemented by a more elaborate use of plastic underbody cladding.
Retro-Inspired Wheels: Riding on two-tone silver and black steelie wheels, the N-Box Joy evokes a nostalgic vibe that pairs well with its outdoor theme.
While the N-Box Joy has a more subdued appearance compared to other kei cars aimed at outdoor activities, Honda offers a range of optional accessories to amplify its ruggedness. This includes:
An all-black front grille with the Honda logo
Bumper-mounted LED fog lamps
Roof racks for carrying extra gear
Rear spoilers to enhance aerodynamics
Various funky wheel and decal options for customization
The adventure-themed enhancements continue inside the N-Box Joy, where practicality meets style:
Water-Repellent Fabric Upholstery: The seats are covered in a stylish tartan pattern, blending black and beige tones that are both attractive and functional.
Flat-Folding Rear Seats: The rear seats can be flat-folded, transforming the cabin into a spacious flat bed, ideal for camping trips.
Hidden Storage Compartment: Underneath the boot space area, there’s a hidden compartment that provides additional storage even when the seats are folded down.
The cabin is designed as a blank canvas, allowing owners to personalize their space with practical storage solutions. Standard equipment includes a 9-inch central infotainment display and a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, both derived from the standard N-Box model, ensuring that users still enjoy modern connectivity and information display.
In terms of performance, the N-Box Joy retains the same powertrain options as its standard version.
Base Model: Equipped with a 658-cc 3-cylinder naturally aspirated engine that delivers 58 HP.
Up-Spec Model: Features a turbocharged version of the same engine, producing 63 HP.
Both engine variants are paired with a CVT automatic gearbox, offering either front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations, catering to different driving preferences and terrains.
Now available for purchase in Japan, the Honda N-Box Joy starts at JPY 1.844 million (approximately RM53,760) for the baseline naturally aspirated 2WD model. For those seeking more power and capability, the top-spec turbocharged AWD model is priced at JPY 2.178 million (around RM63,498).
Key competitors in the JDM market include:
Suzuki Spacia Gear
Daihatsu Tanto FunCross
Mitsubishi Delica Mini
The Honda N-Box Joy is an exciting addition to the kei car segment, designed with outdoor enthusiasts in mind. With its adventure-ready features, practical interior, and customization options, the N-Box Joy stands out as a fun and functional choice for those looking to explore the great outdoors. As camping-themed vehicles gain popularity in Japan, the N-Box Joy is poised to capture the hearts of adventure seekers and kei car enthusiasts alike.
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