Autoblog

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]

Honda has increased its stake in Yachiyo Industry -- the manufacturer of its Life and Zest kei cars -- to 51.14%. Previously, they held a 34.5% share. Higher fuel prices have resulted in a greatly increased demand for mincars, which receive special tax considerations from the government and combine fuel-efficiency, excellent use of space, and fairly surprising levels of equipment in remarkably compact packages at competitive prices.

This year has seen the introduction of a passel of new and/or redesigned kei cars in Japan from just about every marque, each exceeding initial sales projections almost without fail. The additional investment in Yachiyo by Honda is a very strong indicator that the auto giant doesn't see demand slowing down anytime soon.

Kei cars are restricted to 660cc engines, which produce around 52 horsepower in normally-aspirated form and 64 horses (the maximum allowable in this class) in turbo guise. They are generally offered with a choice of 2WD or 4WD drivetrains as well.

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[Source: Mayuko Ota, Marketwatch]