Honda N-Box Is Updated for Japan, and Boy Do We Want One

The tiny Honda N-Box kei van is insanely popular in Japan, frequently topping sales charts as the best-selling vehicle in the country. Now entering its second generation, the adorable and practical N-Box was just given a facelift for 2023, upgrading the mini van's style and features. While the N-Box likely wouldn't sell well in America's truck-obsessed market, its quirky shape and efficiency make us desperately wish it was available in the US.

A Brief History Of The Wildly Popular N-Box

The Honda N-Box first debuted in 2011 as a front-wheel drive kei van, entering the minicar segment in Japan. Kei cars like the N-Box feature small dimensions and engine displacements that qualify them for lower taxes and insurance in Japan. The first generation was a success, but Honda really struck gold when the redesigned second generation N-Box came out in 2017.

The Second Generation Took Japan By Storm

When the all-new second generation Honda N-Box arrived in 2017, it became an instant sales sensation in Japan. The boxy styling and increased interior space compared to the first generation made it a hit with Japanese consumers looking for an affordable, practical vehicle.

According to sales data from Top Gear, the N-Box was the best-selling vehicle in Japan in 2017 during its first year on sale. The tiny van retained the sales crown in both 2018 and 2019 as well. Data from Nippon.com shows that the plucky N-Box held onto the title of Japan's most popular model in 2020 before being overtaken by the Toyota Yaris subcompact in 2021. But in 2022 the second generation N-Box reclaimed its sales throne once again.

In summary, the second generation Honda N-Box was Japan's top selling model for an impressive 5 out of its first 6 years on the market. For a kei car limited by size and engine displacement, that kind of sales domination is unheard of.

Why Is The N-Box So Popular In Japan?

The N-Box managed to perfectly blend affordability, efficiency, and practicality into one cute, iconic package. Here's a few reasons it resonates so strongly with Japanese car buyers:

• Ultra-efficient 660cc turbo engine: The N-Box features a 660cc turbocharged 3-cylinder engine, the maximum displacement allowed for kei cars in Japan. This tiny motor sips gas while providing decent zip.
• Seating for four: The clever square shape means the tiny N-Box can squeeze in four seats and four doors, impressive for its size.
• Cargo space: The N-Box boasts multiple cargo configurations and fold-flat seats to haul loads of gear. Some versions include second row removable seats for maximum cargo room.
• Customization: N-Box buyers can choose from a wide variety of accessories and packages to customize their vans. Personalization options help build an emotional connection between owners and their N-Boxes.
• Standout styling: The N-Box's funky, boxy design gives it an iconic, instantly recognizable look on the road that buyers love. The two-tone paint and optional color matched alloy wheels add to the charm.

2023 N-Box Facelift Keeps The Good Times Rolling

The second generation Honda N-Box was clearly already a winning formula in Japan. But for 2023 Honda has given their superstar kei van a facelift to keep it feeling fresh. The updates focus on enhancing the exterior styling and expanding driver assistance features.

Key updates for the 2023 N-Box facelift include:

• Revised front fascia with new grille designs
• Redesigned front and rear bumpers
• New wheel designs, including stylish two-tone 15" alloys on higher trims
• Expanded Honda Sensing safety system featuring autonomous emergency braking
• Available blind spot monitoring
• Available adaptive cruise control
• New body colors and interior fabrics

While not radically different, the tweaked styling keeps the N-Box looking modern. New tech features improve safety and convenience, responding to customer demands. Honda also continues offering a wide range of accessories and the "Custom" model with two-tone paint.

Why The N-Box Is Completely Wrong For America, And Why We Want It Anyway

It's no secret that American car buying tastes skew heavily towards trucks, SUVs, and crossovers. While tiny kei cars make up a huge chunk of sales in Japan, they would be niche vehicles in the United States at best. But that doesn't stop us from desperately wishing we could buy a Honda N-Box of our very own.

America's Best-Selling Vehicles Are All Trucks

You don't have to look far to see how different vehicle preferences are between Japan in the US. Just glance at 2021's best-selling vehicles in America:

1. Ford F-Series Pickup
2. Ram Pickup
3. Chevrolet Silverado Pickup
4. Toyota RAV4 Compact Crossover
5. Honda CR-V Compact Crossover

Yep, the top three spots were all occupied by full-size pickup trucks. The Honda N-Box's 63 horsepower engine would be considered woefully inadequate for most American drivers. Gas prices aren't high enough to make tiny kei cars financially attractive either.

Simply put, the average American buyer wants more size, power, and ground clearance than the compact N-Box can provide. Tiny Japanese vans are just too far outside the mainstream in America.

But We Love The N-Box's Quirky Style

Just because the N-Box doesn't align with America's best-sellers doesn't mean we can't appreciate it from afar. For car enthusiasts, the N-Box represents:

• Efficiency: The thrifty turbocharged 660cc engine achieves excellent fuel economy, something we all wish for when gas prices spike.
• Personality: Far more stylish than generic crossover blobs, the N-Box has oodles of quirky character inside and out.
• Customization: From two-tone paint to accessory add-ons, customizing an N-Box to your taste seems incredibly fun.
• Community: N-Box owners in Japan personalize their vans and form social groups around their beloved kei cars. The friendly community spirit is contagious.

For these reasons and more, the N-Box has attracted plenty of fans outside Japan. Images of customized N-Boxes are frequently shared on social media worldwide. The charming little vans have developed an enthusiastic international cult following.

Breaking Down The Different N-Box Trims And Features

One area where the N-Box really shines is value. Even in the Japanese market where it's popular, the N-Box is priced low enough to be attainable for many buyers. Generous standard equipment and numerous trim upgrades allow for customization at reasonable prices.

N-Box Trims Create A Broad Lineup

Honda offers the second generation N-Box in a wide range of trim levels catering to different buyer priorities:

• N-Box: The base N-Box starts affordable at just $13,000 in Japan. Air conditioning, power windows, and 7-inch touchscreen audio keep amenities high even on the base model.
• N-Box Custom: This trim adds two-tone paint and special edition colors/wheels for increased style at $14,500 base price.
• N-Box Canvas Top: A fixed canvas roof adds outdoorsy rugged appeal on this trim, which starts around $16,000.
• N-Box Fashion: Topping the lineup at about $17,500, the Fashion model includes two-tone 15-inch alloy wheels, blackout trim, and extra exterior chrome for maximum curb appeal.

In addition to trims, Honda offers different door configurations:

• 4-door: The standard N-Box comes with four full doors for easy access.
• 2-door: A two-door option replaces the rear doors with extended front doors, increasing style at the expense of rear access.

This diverse model lineup lets buyers pick the perfect N-Box flavor for their needs and budget.

Helpful High-Tech Safety Options

While affordable, the N-Box doesn't skimp on tech and safety features for buyers willing to pay a little more:

• Honda Sensing: This package bundles valuable driver aids like autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Crucial for safety.
• Blind spot monitoring: Available blind spot cameras help you change lanes safely in traffic.
• Backup camera: A standard backup camera provides visibility behind the vehicle when reversing. Critical in tight urban driving.
• Parking sensors: Proximity sensors alert you if you get too close to objects around the N-Box, great for parking in compact spots.

These modern driver assistance features bring the tiny N-Box's tech up to date with larger Hondas. Helpful for avoiding accidents and minimizing damage in Japan's crowded cities.

5 Fun Custom Accessories That Show The N-Box's Playful Personality

Another area where the plucky N-Box shines is customization. Honda offers a ton of fun accessories that let proud owners customize their vans. These accessories enhance the N-Box's friendly, approachable personality.

1. Illuminated Entry System

This cool upgrade adds LED lights that project an image onto the ground from the N-Box's underside when entering and exiting the vehicle. Choose from several fun designs like flowers, fruit, and more. Makes every arrival and departure more whimsical.

2. Fender Flares

Chunky bolt-on fender flares give your N-Box a tougher, wider stance. Combining the flared fenders with off-road tires and suspension lifts creates a playful mini adventure van vibe.

3. Interior LED Lighting Packages

Custom interior lighting lets owners change the cabin ambiance. From footwell lighting strips to color-changing LED ceiling lights, the choices help make each N-Box unique.

4. Colorful Seat Covers

Seat cover options available from Honda let you pick vivid patterns and colors to transform the N-Box's cabin. Polka dots, camo prints, and bright solids give endless customization.

5. surf Attachment Rack

This rack attaches surfboards or other long objects above the N-Box's roof. Perfect for people who want to use their tiny van for outdoor adventuring. The rack enhances the quirky personality.

FAQs

The Honda N-Box is still an unfamiliar vehicle for most buyers outside Japan. Here are answers to 5 common questions people have about the funky kei van.

Is the N-Box available in the US?

Unfortunately no, the N-Box is not sold in America. It's designed to comply with Japan's kei car regulations, and isn't street legal or crash tested for the US. Don't expect to see it at your local Honda dealer.

How fast is the N-Box?

The 660cc turbo 3-cylinder engine makes a modest 63 horsepower. Acceleration is peppy by kei car standards but slow compared to larger vehicles. Top speed is about 81 miles per hour. But speed isn't the point - efficiency and value are the N-Box's priorities.

How safe is the N-Box?

Very safe for a tiny van! It receives high marks in Japan's stringent JNCAP crash testing with standard autonomous emergency braking and available blind spot monitoring. Airbags and stability control boost safety too.

How reliable is the Honda N-Box?

As a Honda, the N-Box has excellent reliability and build quality. Honda engines are known for longevity. Simple construction limits issues down the road. And low running costs make maintenance affordable.

How customizable is the N-Box?

Extremely customizable! Two-tone paint, special editions, and abundant accessories let owners personalize their N-Box inside and out. Few vehicles offer as many customization options as the funky little Honda.

Why The N-Box Matters, Even In America

The N-Box is highly unlikely to ever be a big seller in America. But it provides an example of smart, efficient transportation that we can still learn from and appreciate. Some key takeaways:

• Small can be practical: The boxy shape shows you don't need to be huge to carry passengers and cargo efficiently.
• Customization builds love: Letting owners customize makes cars more emotional and attached. The N-Box brings joy through personalization.
• Efficiency matters: Turbocharging plus light weight squeezes every last mpg out of a tiny engine. Great for the wallet and the Earth.
• Personality sells: Retro styling and playful touches give the N-Box way more charm than a bland crossover. Personality goes a long way.

For these reasons and more, the plucky little N-Box has won over fans across the globe. It proves that even a tiny kei car can make a big impression. We can only hope that someday North America gets a taste of the N-Box magic too.

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