Japan's UGLY BOX Cars: EXPLAINED
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 มิ.ย. 2022
- In this video, James Ricks breaks down the history of the Japanese Kei Class cars, and explains why these micro-cars are so popular among Japanese consumers. He also explains why you should or should not buy one of these boxy looking fishbowls if you are currently deciding between types of cars in Japan. He also talks about what driving in Japan is like, and the pro's and con's to the different types of cars that are available here.
If you have considered importing a Kei car, you should know what the older ones are like, as well as what the newer ones could offer, so you can determine whether now is the right time to make the purchase or not. If you are wondering how to buy a used car at an auction, this may not be covered in this video, but you will want to subscribe as I will be doing just that and importing them into the United States or any other country for that matter. The car in this video is the Suzuki Spacia, but similar car models include the autozam az-1, suzuki alto, suzuki hustler, daihatsu tanto, subaru 360, daihatsu mira, subaru sambar, honda N-Box which is one of the most sold cars in Japan, daihatsu hijet, daihatsu cast, mitsubishi minica, suzuki mighty boy, suzuki alto lapin. Are kei cars legal in the united states? Are kei cars safe? Kei car Restrictions? what is the best kei car? Why are kei cars illegal in the us?
Watch me get my Driver’s License:
• Getting my Japanese Dr...
If you want to stay updated with more frequent adventures, follow James on Instagram: @james_ricks_official - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I love them.
They are amazing at what they are built for. I think some of them look good in their own unique way. I loved them when I first came because they were unlike what I was used to.
I actually LOVE this design! The height is the selling point to me as it makes the interior feel spacious than it actually is. And it's like a super compact mini van... Hahaha. Wish this particular model is sold in my country I would buy it in a heartbeat! 💓
What country are you from? I think this car actually looks pretty good, especially with this color combo! I would be super unique to see in another country if you could get it there!
The height looks ridiculous for how slim it is. It is the uggliest possible car. I would never drive this in a million years.
@@armingleiner5292 To each their own 🤷🤷
Making them tall gives the illusion of space when one is inside. It also allows to carry larger objects. Speed limits are low in Japan anyways and as stated this car is intended for urban environments and not long motorway journeys, hence drag from the wind shouldn’t be an issue.
I've been living in Okinawa for almost two years now and I love my Daihatsu Naked. It's a boxy little thing that looks like a cross between a Hummer and a Jeep. I love the style of it! The back seats also fold down so there is plenty of storage space, despite the size. It maneuvers through the narrow side roads easily, and even if I park severely crooked, I'm always well within the lines.
When I was learning to drive in the United States I had to borrow my parents' much larger, more modern cars. They had the benefit of backup cameras and sensors to help with parking, but those features are unnecessary in a tiny kei-car. It's so convenient to be small on the road.
The storage space is great on these. Okinawa is the perfect place for these. I want to visit there soon.
I am also in Okinawa and these cars are perfect. With a full tank (less than $40) I can go for one month.
I have been driving a Kei car for more than 7 years now. Love it to bits.
They have a lot of advantages!
I see absolutely nothing wrong with those tall wagon cars, they are not ugly either. The headroom is there to give people space and comfort, they can enter with umbrellas when it's raining, etc.
On a contrary perspective, i find Super Useless Vehicles (SUVs) and american Trucks ugly. They consume not only a lot of gas, but also a lot of space, but doesn't offer an equal space inside compared to Kei cars. Probably if consumers in the US wouldn't have to wait decades before legally being able to import Kei cars, there might be a similar demand for such cars as for example Russia or Pakistan have. People buy them for small money, drive them and enjoy them, as they are reliable and good for capming or road trip purposes.
Thanks for sharing your opinion!
@@jamesricks You're welcome and sorry if i sounded a bit rude in my reply above.
I forgot to mention a vital point about the height of such Kei cars. If you do some research on TH-cam, you can find a lot of channels covering Kei Car camping. Vehicles as the Suzuki Spacia, Daihatsu Wake, Honda N-Van, etc. are especially popular. That's because their tall height offer room in the cabin where people can place nets or customized racks to store camping gear, water bottles, sleeping bags, etc. For example there is an dedicated camping and outdoor version of your car, called the Suzuki Spacia Gear.
www.suzuki.co.jp/car/spacia_gear/
Once you've tried camping in Japan yourself, you can understand better why people love these kind of cars. :)
Super Useless Vehicles lol
Well made video! Once you get more exposure, ones like this will do well. I thought it was a nice touch using yourself as the measurement tool.
Appreciate it! Thanks for your support!
Honestly none of us should complain about Japanese cars. These little kittens are fun to have than big Chevrolets or Fords, etc. The Usual American cars are just uselessly huge, expensive and utterly extra. These little Japanese cars are much better. I know, they are small, but think about it... They are more durable, fun to drive and gives motivation to drive confidently. They are practical to use. They are small, but has enough space. They have unique designs, with better understood designing than American cars. These cars are so practical than a BMW or a Mercedes we see these days. I honestly disagree with some of your points, but I totally respect them as it is your preference! In my country, these Japanese kei cars are all over. People love them so much. "Simplicity is all it takes".
They are good at what they are made for
@@jamesricks Sure is!
Ugly is relative. Blunt practicality is beautiful to blunt practical people.
Relative and subjective for sure. These cars are practical for a lot of peoples needs!
You really need to be a practical person,to realize just how practical Kei vehicles are.I have been driving them for over forty years.
Great video. Very informative. Thanks !!!
I appreciate your support!
Just found your channel with your comment on the last Noriyaro’s video. It’s good, informative and funny, keep it up !
I appreciate it, and appreciate you! Thanks for your kind words and support, more coming soon!
@@jamesricks no problem, i would suggest you to change your profile picture as it looks too ordinary and like what any regular person on TH-cam would have for their account, if you didn’t talked about your content on your comment I would have had no idea. As for the content I really liked it, I’ve just watched the video I’ve commented on but it didn’t appeared amateurish and you covered a lot of stuff. It kind of reminded me of old Doug Demuro’s videos in a way. I think it is simply a matter of time until you find more success on this platform, as long as you’re enjoying what you are doing the rest is just a bonus. Cheers mate keep it up
0-60 in 3-5 business days....tax law like wrestling heavy weight, middle weight & light weight... Brilliant! Great video and information keep up the good work.
Thanks!
I forgot to ask before with such a small engine why is the car "white plate" and not "yellow plate"?
@@handrinjapan396 I just looked that up cause I was wondering that as I was shooting this video too. This is a kei car.
This one has a Tokyo 2020 design, so I think it was a limited time option you could pay a little extra for, and it was white, but it still qualifies as a “yellow plate”.
These little cars are far from ugly, I love them! I wish we could get these in the US.
They are different! It would stand out in the states for sure!
Liked your videos. They make the high ceiling so people can chuck more stuff in vertically like standing suitcases/boxes because the width is so narrow. Believe it or not, some people do go camping on these :)
Definitely useful in the back when the rear seats are removed!
Who says it's ugly? Many find it cute. Find a better term because it's far from being ugly compared to corvettes lol
I’ve heard lots of people here in Japan call them ugly, but I completely understand that some people have different tastes.
I think people in other countries who don’t see them everyday may be more likely to enjoy seeing them. I really enjoyed the quirky looks and differences when I lived in Japan the first time.
The “cute” factor for me wore off quickly after my first hour long trip in this thing. Road bumps are brutal, and every time you go around a corner with too much speed feels like the whole car could tip over.
Guy comparing Every thing in Japan with USA made me think He forgot the gun Culture,racism and Crime rate , Japan is Very Good country which produces more quality products and The products they design for Japan is only for Japanese people and the environment not for American or European countries. Asian countries build products which are useful and people of Asia like it too but if you see western countries they like to show off their money and point out the Asian countries like they don't have taste C'mon man that's not what we do . We save money and use it for useful purposes only ,we don't pay 500$ for 10$ products and we see if the product is necessary only then we buy it ..
Did you watch the video? I don’t have a problem with you disagreeing with me, but it seems like your argument is exactly what I was saying in the video. I think Japan is better than the US at a lot of things. There’s a reason why I live here and there’s a reason why I want to stay here.
If you watch the video I shared why these cars are superior in Japan, because they are cheaper & way more convenient in cities.
I was tempted by these cars when shopping for a car for my videography business. The specs and cost savings are enticing. However, after trying them, they are not as comfortable, especially for taller people, as the seats are short. This is what I wanted to share, for people in a similar situation that maybe have not had the chance to try them.
Have a great day!
I love these cars. Maximization of space... what a concept.
They make a ton of sense for occasional use/ city use!
I LOVE THEM. DRIVING A HONDA N WAGON HERE IN OKINAWA; I WISH I COULD BRING IT TO NY.
They would be incredible there!
I think they have made it tall to compensate the small and narrow space it have bcz it may make some people claustrophobic. So to compensate that they have just increased the height
I think you are right, they do look and feel very spacious.
I wish they sold these in the Uk directly instead of parallel import
They would make a lot of sense on all the downtown streets in Europe.
if they were designed for city driving the height is not an issue..There is not much drag going on at slow city speeds
Originally yes. They are used for freeways all the time now. Super dangerous in typhoons and heavy wind too with how light they are. See too many wrecked ones.
Those cars are not ugly, I find them quite funny looking and that makes me feel happy.
What I find repulsive are those hideous crossovers that I see everywhere, with the exemption of the Crosstrek which I really like.
That car sells very well. I saw almost a mile of crosstreks waiting export in Kawasaki, Japan.
Ngl I wanted boxy tall kei car mainly for fuel economy and space utility for a small car, ever since I have to rent for my job, I want the ability to carry all my non furniture belongings better than a sedan which I currently use. Also mostly because I also want to avoid people hitching a ride with me everytime I go back hometown.
Super convenient, especially if you only need a car on occasion!
I think they look cute, but I also see why someone won't like them
They are different! It’s cool to see different approaches to the challenge of making a box look as good as it can.
I have a nissan cube. Seats 6 comfortably. Great to drive and different 👍🏻 huge boot when needed
Super convenient! The trunk is massive.
Cube owner here too ..
From 🇬🇧
There is a good reason why this class of vehicle are made so tall. If you know, you know.
😳
Very good ☺️...can you review Suzuki every
I’ll see what I can do. I’m trying to figure out how to help my friends get some older Kei vans imported.
In Australia, we have lots of large SUVs on the road. Often though it is one driver inside only. What a waste of resources. It isn;t surprising though as family size is getting smaller and smaller. Many choose not to have children. Wonder why do we need big cars. If more people drive small cars like these, it is better for the wallet and for the environment. It also makes the road safer.
6:25 -- one reason they make these maximum allowed height could be to give people more room to carry larger items. SInce that height is allowed, might as well make them like that. I actually love that these vans are like this. They look cool to me.
They can fit a ton when you take out the back seats
THEY ARE NOT UGLY
I think they are cute!
Electrification is the best answer for keis thanks to instant torque off an electric motor. It seems you can have as much torque as you like as Mitsubishi EK X EV / Nissan Sakura have 195 Nm, almost twice of any turbocharged IC keis.
Definitely! When you consider they never need a high top speed, and are mostly used for pretty low range stuff, they are perfect for that. Can’t wait to see how they keep improving that.
@@jamesricks I "loosely" know about a long forgotten Mitsubishi iMiEV. It would've been a great EV to have but back then there have been huge scepticisms of EVs. Even 1st gen Nissan Leaf back then also had a bumpy ride. Now, there are increase of popularity of EVs around due to significantly higher fuel prices and proper first hand experiences of driving EVs. In May 2022, Mitsubishi is having another go with EK X EV.
Actually I'm still a petrol head but what's the point of having an internal combustion engine on a small car that (normally) isn't meant to be used on a highway? So to say I know I shouldn't be using a small car on motorways, I might as well electrify it for city use only. ;)
@@t8polestarcyan22 100%. People aren’t buying these cars for any “thrill” of driving.
The black Daihatsu coppone in video the coppone was sold brand new in the UK no difference at all but we got the 660cc turbo and the 1300cc obviously the 1300 wasn't classed as a Kei they can always be found for sale, we also got the Suzuki cappuccino which were relatively popular that was completely the same as the Japanese version other than UK model had rear fog lights to say they were on sale here you don't see many as they all rusted away.
There are major tax benefits for buying new cars, so many kei buyers aren’t shopping for the long run. The parts are all cheaper and smaller, so they don’t last as long in some cases.
Not everybody think they are ugly. If everybody agreed with you, they wouldn't sell. But they sell, & sell very well.
They sell well for the reasons stated in the video, not just style!
Small island country? She's slightly bigger than Italy and stretch across the US north to south.
True, the islands are pretty big. But it does have over 2x the population of Italy. Most of the population just in a few cities.
They are beautiful.
I like the color on this one!
Thx❤
That car is also used as a van
So you can shove a mattress in the thing
The Suzuki alto works rs turbo is more normal
That would be sick. Definitely would not complain about the headroom if I was camping in it! I definitely think it’s a great car for the problem it’s aiming to solve!
Honda did make a camper trim of the N van
@@clarksonoceallachain8536 I’ve seen a few different Kei Campers, they would be super convenient. Maybe someday I’ll get something like that.
*edit: typo
Very practical vehicle
Hey I was in Fukuoka once and liked it a lot. When box style cars first came out years ago, I also thought they were ugly.... and still do. They don't have flowing lines like regular cars. The only good things are the amount of room you get and thoughtful design from some of the manufacturers. Scion had a very good box car but it wasn't nice to look at. I have to say though that this Suzuki has a very cute interior and front fascia design.
Nice! We like it here!
There is actually no limit on horsepower, only engine displacement. It's a "gentlemen's agreement" to limit the horsepower.
Interesting! I’ve heard there are some differences with some. Even seen some kei sports cars with a turbo setup
They're not Ugly, Japan's reason is limited space
Pretty and Ugly are relative. Glad you love the look!
This car is not ugly at all
Thanks!
I'd say the consumer behavior is far more bizarre in the US and far more sensible in Japan.
It's their traditional design technology ,its a part of their culture
Aren't you feeling about that? respect to them...
It’s actually more about the government regulations than culture. Culture does play a role in choosing them.
They design for their technology and would you review to say it ugly lol
I don't mean governments role culture exist one that you saw anyway,culture is making an art technology , is a role of being their having different adding of what they making existing their country
There's a typo in the title. I think you meant to write handsome
It's not up to you to say this car is ugly or not 🤨 very simple if you didn't like this ( box ) don't buy
I agree that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I’m sorry if my opinion offended you.
I’m curious, would you have a problem with me calling a car beautiful?
@@jamesricks yes it is because I love this tipe of mini cars
Hearing someone say this ( box ) is ugly I will definitely not going to feel good about this do i 😎
This why I'm trying my best to not harm anyone feel by saying something bad about their choice
Next video Honda S660: Japan's Ugly Car Problem Solved... but with a caveat of 0% practicality
Haha yes! I don’t think I’ll even fit in either seat haha. But attempting it may make a good video 😂
@@jamesricks lol. You def need the top down to be able to fit into that car.
@@ZEN_080 I actually have to track one down now… stay tuned.
well.. its a nice car looks fun to drive!
It’s unique!
People in US are more concerned on crumple zones. How about motorcycles, which is more safe compared to this? Cough! Cough!
wonderful japan
Love it here!
@@jamesricks I love Japanese people.and the culture
Everyone saying this is good looking probably also wears purple crocks and orange jeans.
You’re not wrong haha.
india also have similiar car....which is also national car of india..called WagonR...
We have the Wagon R here too! super popular!
Pot, kettle, black!
What ?
i dont think theyre ugly. if anyting, i consider modern "normal" cars ugly af, to the point that i dont want to own them even if i could. all the same stupid, sterile, plasticky bucket that look like every other plasticky bucket.
It’s all a matter of preference. One thing I love about Japan, is that it is so easy to live without a car!
@@jamesricks preferences can be influenced and most people dont really have preferences of their own, but whatever is currently popular, no matter their own views (if they have them) nor cultural background. if a talking head on tv says "this is modern and cool" they internalize it. its this that i find irritating.
but yes, i agree that it's awesome to live in a country so well organized that you dont need a car.
Bro you have no idea what that car is.. For starters it has roof mounted blower which cools rear passengers without wasting space for rear vents in the center console like normal cars.
It has internally roof mountable racks and compartments which can be installed separately as official accessories. Some put bikes inside that. Thats the reason for such high roof. People use these cars for camping.
They looks small but they have very good safety structure inside. In my country we can import anything and its very common to see these cars collide with normal cars or SUVs and there is no special damage to these cars. They are safe cars: th-cam.com/video/8liH4qxnBCo/w-d-xo.html
Doug DeMuro reviewed many generations old commercial kei van. Not a newer one. And those commercial kei vans are not under same safety category as passenger kei cars. Still newer kei vans are much safer.
I own BMW 3 series and a kei car Suzuki Wagon R. My Wagon R has more passenger compartment space, superb outside visibility and so mush practicality when it comes to luggage storage. I can even sleep in that car.
We have to learn so much from these kei car designs.
I work with a scrap yard/ car exporter sometimes here in Japan.
I’ve seen some nasty crashed cars of all types. Even the new cars I have seen get pretty demolished in the front seat area. But they also have new safety features and sensors that help avoid accidents.
I actually like this car a lot.
As a tall person, I love how much headspace i have! But for high speed driving, I personally prefer driving with a car with more space up front. I’m not a scientist or engineer so I don’t know for sure how much of a difference it makes, but it personally makes me feel more secure haha
Bring to PH like it
I believe they send a lot of them over!
headrooms pretty good!
Headroom is crazy good! The windows are great for sightseeing too!
6:26
Cute car
Thanks. I love the color haha
The height might be because of safety regulations 😅
They have short ones too, the tall ones are more expensive and popular
So cute
I’m a fan of the color on this car for sure
The design is UNBELIVABLE & GORGEOUS. I like this car 100% ❤❤❤
Glad you like it!
I'm jealous. You have a gorgeous Japanese wife. Cheers
She’s great!
0-60 in 3-5 Business Days. Good one!
Thanks. It’s true though😂
@@jamesricks The number of jokes in this video earned my sub to your channel! keep it up!
This car is design by Asian for Asian . That's why.
I’m not complaining! Just learning! The car is different and new
That why it's in Japan not in america
I think you are correct! They make a ton of sense here.
there are a lot crash-test videos on youtube of these small cars, just check them - they are very safe!
They aren’t tested at the same speeds as cars sold outside of Japan.
@@jamesricks who told you thaAt?! i recommend you to make a research about crash-test system ;-)
@@plumbumq th-cam.com/video/roLcNwRi1Sk/w-d-xo.html
@@plumbumq Modern safety features like airbags have come a long way, and I do not feel unsafe driving this around in Japan.
My friend has a Kei van in the US and tried driving on the freeway there, but experienced some scary wobble. These are not designed to go fast, and they are not designed to keep you safe at those speeds.
The extremely reduced crumple zone in the front, sides, and trunk undoubtedly would not be as safe as a car that meets US safety standards in a side by side comparison.
These cars are great for a lot of people here!
Just like there are reasons for this car to exist, there are cars like Volvo. Doesn’t mean either car is bad, just different cars with different strengths, marketed to different people with different situations.
I appreciate your comment, and thanks for watching.
@@jamesricks come on, mate! 🙂
just check JNCAP ok??
not all japanese cars!
The box “kei cars” are super common, so wanted to explain this category!
Capitalism in its peak.
Having cars that are built around government restrictions?
those cars are not safe
Only if you crash
i think it's not an ugly car.... it's more of a practical car.... stop calling Japan's ugly box car specially when you're an american... have some manners please. There are more ugly american designed cars than this one. Have respect to your partner who i think is a Japanese.
Thank you for your opinion. Glad you like the car. Let’s not be racist, but I’m sorry if my opinion on the car hurt your feelings. If you watch the video, I just explained why size was more important than the design with this vehicle class here in Japan.
@@jamesricks I'm not a racist... what i meant was when you're not a Japanese, it's not proper to make Japan's UGLY BOX cars as your title. You could just have eliminated the word "Japan" on your title if you really think it's an ugly car. When mention a country or race on your title and say it is ugly.... it is you who's being racist. That's only my opinion bro.... more power to you. By the way, i'm now one of your subscribers.
Japan is in recession for 3 decades the real reason why there are full of Kei cars on the roads today is that many people are poor they can only afford Kei cars. In the 1980s there weren't that many Kei cars on the roads. And Kei cars at that time were just Kei cars, nothing more than mini or micro cars. But today many people can only afford Kei cars yet still require bigger interior space, therefore, they become more square, uglier and uglier to get more interior space.
The crazy thing is people only want new cars. They prefer a new Kei car over a used nice car, even if they are the same price.
Many people I know really only use their cars on the weekends once or twice, if you don’t have to drive far a kei car might be okay. Not for me tho.
@@jamesricks taxes are insane for a 10 plus year car even for kei car...check them out.
this dude just comes off as a straight up soy boy.. he seems like a Biden lover, 😂 Anyways we totally need to import these Kei cars to America more often they would sell so easily here and they're really cute & let's talk about the gas money we would save.
They make great city cars for short trips, and fit a ton of cargo w/ the seats down. I’ll be helping a few of my friends back home buy/import a few Kei cars. If you check back in a bit I’ll have a video w/ my experience on that.
They aren't ugly, it's just Kie cars
Thank you
@@jamesricks i mean, they are actually made for Tight city and Poor people. Government give subsidy for it
Bro duuuuuck your view. Those cars are amazingly cute, easy to run, cheap to own. Fuuuuun 😊
I agree with all your points! I didn’t find them comfortable for long drives, but if you don’t drive every day they are great! We may pick one up as a second car, because they definitely have a place here!!