"If there was ever a time for kei cars to do well in the UK, it would be now.” That’s according to Torque GT, one of the UK’s leading importers of Japanese cars.
Demand for these microcars is growing, says the firm, driven by the arrival of “brilliant” new models coinciding with growing concerns about low-emissions zones such as London’s ULEZ.
Kei (short for keijidosha) cars are Japanese market models with government-regulated size and engine displacement limits, first introduced after the Second World War to help get the country moving again.
Tax and insurance benefits, as well as exemption from shako shomeisho rules – requiring motorists to prove they have off-street, overnight parking – eventually spurred on strong demand for these vehicles.
Despite swingeing cuts to monetary incentives, kei cars today remain among Japan’s most popular models. They accounted for more than one in three of the 4.2 million new cars sold in Japan last year, giving importers a huge stock to choose from in the coming years.
According to Torque GT, “demand [in the UK] is only increasing”. Although buyers have historically sought sporting models with a cult following – such as the Honda Beat, Honda S660 and Suzuki Cappuccino – their appetite for more mainstream models is growing. These include the Toyota Pixis Mega mini-MPV as well as the Honda Acty and Subaru Sambar pick-ups.
Concerns around low-emissions zones such as London’s ULEZ are often mentioned by buyers, says Torque GT, although the importer has not yet “seen this as a main driver”. However, it said: “We anticipate this to change as more buyers become aware of kei cars.”
A raft of new electric kei cars, undercutting larger alternatives from Western manufacturers, could well capitalise on the demand prompted by the expansion of such zones.
According to a survey by Autocar’s sibling publication Move Electric, the upcoming extension of the capital’s ULEZ (to cover all London boroughs) could prompt 39.8% of motorists within its boundaries to switch to an electric car. However, cost remains an issue for many motorists.
The Dacia Spring demonstrates a clear appetite for affordable electric cars. The Romanian brand’s A-segment crossover is smaller than a Ford Fiesta, is capped at 62mph and can drive up to only 140 miles per charge.
However, priced from roughly £14,000 (in France, with local incentives), it found nearly 50,000 buyers in Europe last year, according to Jato Dynamics. That’s more than fully sized and heavily marketed models including the Cupra Born, Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Polestar 2.
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Kei cars come in all shapes and sizes. The Suzuki Jimny is one (at least in JDM spec with a narrower track and no wheel arch extensions) and look how popular that has been. I'd love to see more kei cars in the UK; they're cheap to run, take up less space, do less harm to the environment and often have unique designs which make a welcome break from the sea of SUV blobs. Plus, with modern design and materials, I wouldn't be worried about safety.
I agree. In our 20mph cities, with ever narrowing roads they make far more sense than a load of Qashqais and Land Rovers.
Dangerous things, I can not see any of them being successful here, not without massive increases in safety, they are made to be very light and nimble, that means thin and easily crushable. I would rather invest £20 on a Dacia Sandero, or MG3, or anything with similar better crash safety tech than one of these boxes.
I am a big fan of safe cars, but with 20mph zones taking over everywhere rapidly, and being increasingly enforced too, even these biscuit tins can survive a 20mph jogging pace knock!
I am a big fan of safe cars, but with 20mph zones taking over everywhere rapidly, and being increasingly enforced too, even these biscuit tins can survive a 20mph jogging pace knock!
@ the apprentice
But its not surviving the 20 mph crash is it.....?
If the car coming the other way is also doing 20 mph, its then a 40 mph impact. On where the unstable biscuit tin will quite likely fold up and roll over!
I think you underestimate the consequenses of bein ;rear-ended' by a 40 ton lorry too. God help any children in the back of the car.
@ the apprentice
But its not surviving the 20 mph crash is it.....?
If the car coming the other way is also doing 20 mph, its then a 40 mph impact. On where the unstable biscuit tin will quite likely fold up and roll over!
I think you underestimate the consequenses of bein ;rear-ended' by a 40 ton lorry too. God help any children in the back of the car.