Filed under: Economy, Japan, Hatchbacks, Honda
Honda Zest Sports G now more dynamic, special
Click above for a high-res gallery of the Zest Sports G
This little kei wagon on Matchbox-sized wheels is the Honda Zest Sports G (Dynamic Special), and yes, that parenthetical appears to be part of the official name. What makes it more dynamic and special than the regular Zest Sports? Well, not a whole lot. The Zest Sports G (Dynamic Special) gets new 14" wheels, HID lamps, and body-colored trim just under the main grille. There are five exterior colors, and if you like black interiors, you'll be happy, because that's the only shade offered. Automatic A/C and a CD stereo are included, the latter of which will come in handy when it's time to mask the buzz of the kei-spec 660 cc 3-banger underhood. Best of all, you don't even need to park it. You just call it into its Pokeball, put it in your coat pocket and walk away. OK, not really, but that would have made it totally dynamic and special.
[Source: Honda]
_opt_thumbnail.jpg)
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Pluton 11:07AM (5/16/2008)
Make it under 14k and I'll buy 2.
Reply
-blank- 5:48AM (5/17/2008)
wow....i think i'd actually be willing to take one of those. weird. I'm not a box liker at all either.
500 11:07AM (5/16/2008)
Ok, now cue all the fanboys saying "Honda's so stupid not to bring this over; they'd sell millions!" Right.
Reply
geo.stewart 11:58AM (5/16/2008)
all those who wish that was over here, please move over there.
that way, those of us who have outgrown their pedal-n-go or big wheel can drive around in something that is big-boy size, like B-class and up.
Torrent 11:24AM (5/16/2008)
Hello new Element...
Reply
SPG 12:26PM (5/16/2008)
Hardly, but it's still kinda neat.
tankd0g 11:30AM (5/16/2008)
If this gets the same milage as a ForTwo, then the German's might as well give up now.
Reply
JGL 11:31AM (5/16/2008)
Honda's so stupid not to bring this over; they'd sell millions!
I do like it, though. Be nice if it came with their RT-AWD.
Reply
blackstripe77 11:45AM (5/16/2008)
It does come with AWD.
The ForTwo does 22km/l. The Zest can do 19km/l.
And it costs only US$11k.
If only you guys could get your hands on one, eh?
JGL 11:51AM (5/16/2008)
Note: the "Honda's so stupid..." comment was completely tongue in cheek - although I do consider myself a Honda fan.
I'm still not completely sold on the ForTwo, personally. I would consider one after they've matured a little more. But yes, I would like seeing the Zest Sport in the US at some point :)
Big Jim Slade 1:26PM (5/16/2008)
Honda's "AWD" certainly isn't "AWD".
Not worth paying extra for an "AWD" badge if you're not actually getting it.
JGL 1:33PM (5/16/2008)
I'm fully aware of the differences between "RT-AWD" and "AWD". And really, at 11K-14K are you really paying extra for anything?
tanooki2003 11:40AM (5/16/2008)
LMFAO Calling it into it's pokeball?? HAHAH sorry that comment killed me.
Reply
-blank- 5:48AM (5/17/2008)
Same. That kicked ass!
why not the LS2LS7? 11:56AM (5/16/2008)
Is the Zest a new name for the Honda Z?
Reply
Red 12:12PM (5/16/2008)
To my knowledge no. This is just a 4 door hatch. The Z was a two door mini SUV. Both kei sized of course.
A little known (or cared for) trivia, the Zest was the first kei car to feature optional side curtain airbags. If I could buy one, I actually would. I have no need for an SUV at all, and I really wouldn't have much need for a car, even B-segment, if I could get the fuel efficiency these things get. I'd just deal with being slower at speed by leaving earlier.
blackstripe77 12:00PM (5/16/2008)
Those wheels also appear to be the same as those from the Honda Life Diva.
I have yet to find out what a 660cc engine feels like heheh. I must go for a test drive one day.
Reply
Alex Nunez 12:05PM (5/16/2008)
I rode 'gun in a turbo Mitsubishi i. It's certainly not the most exciting experience, but it'll get you from point a to point b... at some point.
psarhjinian 12:08PM (5/16/2008)
Ok, everyone who says "I'd buy this in a minute", think about that 600cc engine, especially in context of a modern vehicle (eg, not your deathtrap Geo Metro from fifteen years ago) with the weight associated with it.
Think about it very hard: this is going to get 0-60 in 15-20 seconds and a max highway speed of ~140km/h. It will require a two-gear downshift to pass at minimum.
I like kei cars, but the insurance and tax rules that make them viable in Japan don't exist here, and much as I would buy one (I don't use 50% of the power of my Honda Fit 90% of the time) I think it would be a hard sell.
Reply
jb 12:47PM (5/16/2008)
That's very true. Peopl seem to think they need a V6 at least. AS far as I am concerned, since I decide to drive the speed limit on the GSP, on the right lane, my 1.6 L is an overkill, and I would gladly take that 600cc engine, just to get above to this mid 40's mpg. Heck, i'd take a small diesel too to get to the mid 50's. But nobody will sell that in the US. Which is why I am looking for 7-8$ /gal gas prices : that will probably help.