Mini car boom in Japan

Over the last few years mini cars are increasingly becoming popular in Japan.  Mini cars or Kei cars are small sized cars with engine upto 650 cc.  Popular mini car makers in Japan are Suzuki, Mitsubishi,  Daihatsu,  Subaru.  mini cars comprised of about 36% of the total cars manufactured in Japan.

So, why Japanese people are going for mini-cars?

There are many reasons.  Japanese people mostly use cars for city drive.  As Japanese families are small,  a small car suits the purpose best.

Mini cars are also easy to maneuver in the narrow roads common in most Japanese cities.  Japanese people prefer traveling by high speed bullet trains than driving in a car for going to distant places, to save time and money.

People who enjoy long drives can rent bigger cars easily anywhere in Japan.

Overall cost of maintenance is another reason to go for a mini car.  Mini cars are considerably cheaper than bigger passenger cars, so the initial investment is low.  They consume much less fuel too.

In Japan, one can not buy a car unless he has a proof of his own/rented parking space; in cities like Tokyo, it costs about Y.40,000 JP yen(US$350) to Y.50,000 JP yen (US$420) per month for renting parking space.

However, this requirement of parking space is not applicable for mini-cars;  the savings in rent for parking space makes mini-cars attractive to Japanese people.

I feel that Japanese mini-cars are well suited for crowded cities in Asia and Africa.

If you feel interested in buying a new or used mini-car,  please feel free to contact me.

Mini Car (SHH-3680)

The base brain model comes standard with convenient features such as 5-speed automated manual transmission with manual or automatic operation mode, remote lock systems, leather steering wheel and consoles, AM/FM radio, CD player, and more. Be sure to checkout our BrainBuggy Coupe and Convertible models that offer more standard features at half the cost of traditional automobiles.

Additional features include ABS Tri-points pre-tie safety belt, Cloth cover seat, No glare inner rearview mirror, Front and rear safety belt , Guard against side bump and protective transom , Height brake lamp central control locking, Front electric window, Defrosting for rear windshield,  Electric rearview mirror,  MP3 player,  AM/FM radiogram,  Mobile seat, and Spare tire.

Honda Jazz ('08)

Honda Jazz ('08)

Honda’s clever hatchback mixes supermini proportions with MPV-style practicality.

Styling/Image 

Honda enjoys tremendous customer loyalty and the evolutionary looks of the latest Jazz will do nothing to upset to existing owners. However, it has lost some of the original car’s cheeky appeal and its inoffensive styling is bland compared to some of the competition. A smidgeon of the flair that makes the Civic so distinctive wouldn’t have gone amiss.

Engine/Performance 

Just two engines are available in the Jazz and there’s no diesel option. The 1.2 and 1.4-litre petrol powerplants are both suited to the practical supermini but even the larger unit can become tiresome at high cruising speeds, as you have to work the engine hard to get the best out of it. Fuel consumption of 52.3mpg does make the 1.4-litre model an economical choice. 

Interior/Practicality 

The first Jazz set new standards for practicality and versatility – and the current model follows the same mantra. Its spacious interior features rear seats that can tumble forwards or lift up depending on the size and shape of load you need to carry. There’s easily room for five adults inside while the dashboard is modern, attractive and feels solidly put together. To get more useable cabin space you’ll need a family estate or compact MPV.

Driving experience

Both engine options provide decent performance but the Jazz pays for its versatile dimensions on the road, where agility suffers. We’ve few complaints about the tidy handling, but there is more body roll in corners than you experience in rival models, and it doesn’t have the same sharpness as its predecessor. Honda has also failed fix the biggest complaint of the old car, because the Jazz still has firm suspension. It copes will with large potholes and humps but smaller bumps and ruts unsettle the Honda. 

Ownership Costs

Competitive prices combine with strong residual values to make the Jazz a seriously appealing package. With its high equipment levels and good fuel economy the little Honda is a sensible choice for family buyers. The brand’s dealer network is also one of the best around, so the ownership experience shouldn’t disappoint. 

Safety/Environment

With a choice of two economical petrol engines and an ultra-practical body the Jazz is a green supermini choice. Its 1.2 and 1.4-litre engines produce CO2 emissions of 125 and 128g/km respectively. And fuel economy is equally impressive. When it comes to safety, ESP is fitted to 1.4-litre models as standard. It’s not available on smaller-engined variants, but all cars come with six airbags.

Honda Jazz (01-08)

Honda Jazz (01-08)

Original high-rise supermini is an Auto Express favourite and still hard to fault.

It's easy to find the Jazz for you - the range consists of only three cars! All petrol-engined motors, the 1.2 S is the budget entry-level model, which is great value but lacks remote locking, curtain and side airbags, while air con is a pricy £1,500 option. It also misses out on the reworked headlights and minor trim changes of 1.4-litre SE and Sport models (which are available with optional CVT automatic transmission). These variants cost more but come with more as standard, though their performance advantage isn't huge - there's only 5bhp difference between the two engines. All models enjoy a high-quality cabin with dimpled plastics and spot-on layout, along with a very good driving position and visibility spoiled only by steeply-raked A-pillars. The single five-door bodystyle is one of the biggest superminis you can buy, but Honda has no plans to mate this practicality to diesel power. Such choice restrictions haven't harmed sales though; the Jazz is a strong selling supermini in the UK.

Driving:

Both 1.2-litre and 1.4-litre engines have the same refined and pleasant nature, and feature identical i-DSI (Dual-Sequential Ignition system) technology, offering excellent economy and emissions. Throttle response is sharp yet they're refined units mated to precise controls. The clutch is well-weighted and the five-sped gearbox so slick, you can do it with two fingers. Direct steering and keen turn-in are betrayed by a ride that can become choppy on bumpy roads; but generally, the Jazz is a joy to drive.

Owning:

The Jazz sells on flexibility - enhanced by its 'Magic' rear seat. By relocating the fuel tank to beneath the front seats, engineers have freed up room beneath the back chairs. Pull a single lever and they fold flat, or you can lift the base up, cinema-style, for extra space accessed via the rear doors. The boot itself is a huge 353 litres, bigger than a Vauxhall Astra. Fuel economy is excellent, with the 1.4-litre approaching and the 1.2-litre exceeding 50mpg, and service intervals are 12,500 miles. Be warned though - the high-tech engine makes pitstops expensive. But insurance ratings are low and retained values among the highest of any small car you can buy. A four-star Euro-NCAP result and meagre airbag count isn't up with the best, though.

Daihatsu Copen

Daihatsu CopenLaunched in 2002, the Copen isn't Daihatsu's newest model, but it's certainly the sportiest. The two-seat roadster goes from zero to 60 mph in a respectable 11.7 seconds, while averaging 44.1 mpg of gasoline. Its electric retractable hardtop goes up or down in 20 seconds. The cost? $13,700 to $16,000. In some overseas markets—but not the U.S.—a larger 87-horsepower, 1.3-liter engine version is also available.

Review: I would like a two seat sport mini. Sixty horsepower would propel a 600 pound vehicle nicely. The 600 pound weight could be achieved with large diameter narrow motorcycle spoke wheels and high pressure tires would improve fuel economy. Mylar skin is an option if the mylar were easily replaced when torn. Two front drive wheels are essential, but one rear drive wheel is adequate and would save costs. I've seen 1200cc two cylinder Harley engines rated for 9,000rpm. A 600cc engine should be capable of 12,000rpm. A continuously variable transmission or six speed motorcycle transmission bakes the cake. A couple of chrome upright exhaust stacks could add a cool factor. One front seat wide enough for three with indents for the main passengers is plenty.

Nissan Otti

Nissan released a remodeled version of the Otti in October. Built by Mitsubishi Motors—Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn reckons Nissan lacks the expertise to make its own suitably profitable mini-cars—the Otti ranges in price from $8,400 to $12,900. Standard safety features include antilock brakes, airbags, and a new front bumper designed to minimize injuries to pedestrians in the event of an accident.

Review: I would like a two seat sport mini. Sixty horsepower would propel a 600 pound vehicle nicely. The 600 pound weight could be achieved with large diameter narrow motorcycle spoke wheels and high pressure tires would improve fuel economy. Mylar skin is an option if the mylar were easily replaced when torn. Two front drive wheels are essential, but one rear drive wheel is adequate and would save costs. I've seen 1200cc two cylinder Harley engines rated for 9,000rpm. A 600cc engine should be capable of 12,000rpm. A continuously variable transmission or six speed motorcycle transmission bakes the cake. A couple of chrome upright exhaust stacks could add a cool factor. One front seat wide enough for three with indents for the main passengers is plenty.  

Mazda Carol

Mazda's mini-vehicles are supplied by Suzuki, Japan's biggest maker of kei cars. The most recent introduction is the remodeled Carol, a hit with female buyers (it's available in cotton-candy pink). The Carol GII was added in June and features remote-controlled door mirrors that are colored to match the body, keyless entry, and an anti-bacterial air conditioning system. Prices range from $7,200 to $8,700 for a four-wheel-drive model. 

Review: I would like a two seat sport mini. Sixty horsepower would propel a 600 pound vehicle nicely. The 600 pound weight could be achieved with large diameter narrow motorcycle spoke wheels and high pressure tires would improve fuel economy. Mylar skin is an option if the mylar were easily replaced when torn. Two front drive wheels are essential, but one rear drive wheel is adequate and would save costs. I've seen 1200cc two cylinder Harley engines rated for 9,000rpm. A 600cc engine should be capable of 12,000rpm. A continuously variable transmission or six speed motorcycle transmission bakes the cake. A couple of chrome upright exhaust stacks could add a cool factor. One front seat wide enough for three with indents for the main passengers is plenty.  

Car tax and Car buying in japan

Introduces the legal costs of cars.
Learn the basics about cars here.

Translated from the Japanese here ... 

http://www.sarutv.com/auto.html

Things to Know used car selection
Although considering buying a used car, wondering what would I choose and how a lot of used car from. Here, we are more careful to answer such simple questions. The method of selection from used car dealer price board type notes and required documents, and used car site Soroeta need a lot of information when purchasing a used car.

Legal costs and used car
automobile liability insurance premium tax deposit statutory motor vehicle weight tax and automobile acquisition tax vehicle tax rates are but a borrowed automobile recycling costs. When you buy a used car these legal cost. I would take a lot of expenses other than vehicle prices. The expenses are the costs and legal fees and dealer. Do not know this knowledge will take more than the money that I thought I did.

Car tax
And motor vehicle tax is the amount of taxes levied by each state by car exhaust. If you purchase a used car, this car will pay the tax once a year. This section will introduce the amount of years. ¥ 29,500 1000cc from 1000cc or less 1500cc from 2000cc for ¥ 34,500 below 45,000 yen or less 2500cc from 2500cc and 3000cc is 51000 yen or less.

And automobile liability insurance 
And automobile liability insurance is compulsory insurance that means. The compulsory insurance and just who is driving a car without automobile liability insurance this is not always. Automobile liability insurance, if the automobile policy, ¥ 13,850 13 months 12 months 24 months ¥ 14,570 at ¥ 22,470 25 months ¥ 23,170 36 months 37 months 31600 is ¥ 30,910 yen. In general, you are likely to have automobile liability insurance as well as any insurance this

Toyota Releases Modellista Packages for iQ Mini

Toyota’s in-house customization firm Modellista has introduced a pair of cosmetic packages for the all-new iQ mini car that is set to go on sale in Japan this November. The Modellista Version Maxi that costs around $4,000 is the sportier of the two packages as it adds a front spoiler, side skirts and a rear spoiler that houses twin sport exhaust tailpipes. The less extravagant Version Mixutre can be bought for the equivalent of $700 and it includes mirror caps, side window decals, a rear door lock cover and protective door strips which are available in various colors.
For those that aren’t contempt with the basic packages, Modellista offers many more accessories including 16-inch alloy wheels, a sport suspension and a different grille for the front bumper.

Daihatsu Sonica

Daihatsu Sonica
Toyota-owned Daihatsu is Japan's No. 2 mini-car producer after Suzuki. Its latest kei model, the Sonica, was launched in June. Equipped with a continuously variable transmission system and a turbocharged engine, the Sonica is targeted mainly at twentysomethings. Prices range from $9,600 to $13,000.

Review: I would like a two seat sport mini. Sixty horsepower would propel a 600 pound vehicle nicely. The 600 pound weight could be achieved with large diameter narrow motorcycle spoke wheels and high pressure tires would improve fuel economy. Mylar skin is an option if the mylar were easily replaced when torn. Two front drive wheels are essential, but one rear drive wheel is adequate and would save costs. I've seen 1200cc two cylinder Harley engines rated for 9,000rpm. A 600cc engine should be capable of 12,000rpm. A continuously variable transmission or six speed motorcycle transmission bakes the cake. A couple of chrome upright exhaust stacks could add a cool factor. One front seat wide enough for three with indents for the main passengers is plenty.  

Mitsubishi i

Mitsubishi i
By most accounts, DaimlerChrysler's dalliance with Mitsubishi Motors was a flop—except for the birth of the Mitsubishi i. Designed by Frenchman Olivier Boulay—now back at DaimlerChrysler in Tokyo—the i is arguably the most stylish kei car on the road. Launched in January, last month it bagged the Good Design Grand Prix 2006 award from Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. Prices range from $10,800 to $13,800.

Daihatsu Mira Gino

Daihatsu Mira Gino
If you thought BMW's Mini was small, take a look at Daihatsu's Mira Gino. The company launched a remodeled version of the car in November, 2004. It has more than a hint of the original Austin Mini. The Mira Gino has a turning radius of 4.6 meters and a 659cc engine generating 59 horsepower. The price? Between $9,800 and $11,500.

Japan's Mini-Car Market

While car sales in general are shrinking, sales of tiny 660cc kei cars will top two million in Japan this year.
Despite the success Japanese carmakers have achieved overseas, they are not having an easy time of it at home. Though there is a glut of models on the market, and the economy continues to improve, regular car sales are in a slump—they fell 6.2% in October, the 16th consecutive year-on-year monthly decline.
But one segment of the market is bucking the trend—that's the tiny cars known as kei. Annual sales of these mini-vehicles, with maximum engine capacity of 660cc and dimensions no bigger than 3.8 yards by 1.6 yards, are set to hit a record 2 million units in 2006. The growth of this category has been spectacular: In 1997, kei accounted for 24% of Japan's total auto sales; this year, the figure will be 35%.
While the reasons for the rise of the kei car are numerous (see related story), one big factor has been more attractive styling and improved specs. Here's a selection of some of Japan's more eye-catching mini-cars.