Kei Cars UK: The kei car segment is a unique part of the Japanese automotive market, focused on ultra-compact, fuel-efficient cars that prioritize practicality and economy.
In this review, we’ll explore how the Mazda Carol, Daihatsu Mira e:s, Suzuki Alto, and Honda N-One compare and how they might fare if introduced to the UK market. We’ll also pit them against current A-segment offerings in the UK, like the Toyota Aygo X, Hyundai i10, and Fiat 500, to see whether these kei cars could fill a gap in the market. Finally, we’ll compare them to the original Ford Ka, a small, budget-friendly car segment pioneer.
Mazda Carol vs. Suzuki Alto vs. Honda N-One vs. Daihatsu Mira e:s
Exterior Design and Size
All four kei cars share similar compact dimensions (around 3.4 meters in length), making them ideal for urban driving and parking in tight spaces. The Mazda Carol and Suzuki Alto are closely related since the Carol is based on the Alto, with both featuring simple, functional designs. The Daihatsu Mira e:s also has a utilitarian look, favoring practicality over flair.
On the other hand, the Honda N-One stands out with its retro-inspired, modern design. It adds a touch of style to the kei car segment, which would likely appeal to younger buyers or those who want their small car to have a bit more personality.
In terms of UK comparison, these kei cars are notably smaller than the current A-segment offerings like the Toyota Aygo X, which is more SUV-like in appearance, or the stylish Fiat 500. While their compact size makes them excellent for city driving, they may feel out of place on larger UK roads next to these more robust A-segment cars.
- Mazda Carol/Suzuki Alto: 3.5/5
- Daihatsu Mira e:S: 3.5/5
- Honda N-One: 4/5
Interior and Comfort
Inside, the Mazda Carol and Suzuki Alto offer straightforward, no-nonsense cabins with adequate space for four passengers, though rear legroom is tight for longer journeys. The materials are basic but durable, in line with their budget-focused nature. The Daihatsu Mira e:s follows the same path with a simple but functional interior.
The Honda N-One shines here, offering a more premium feel with better materials and a more stylish design, often with retro touches that make it feel special. This could resonate with UK buyers who appreciate design and comfort, even in a small car.
Compared to UK A-segment cars like the Hyundai i10, which offers a more spacious and refined cabin, or the Fiat 500, known for its stylish and upscale interior, these kei cars feel a bit more basic. However, for urban drivers who don’t need the added comfort for long journeys, the trade-off might be worth it when considering the incredible cost savings.
- Mazda Carol/Suzuki Alto/Daihatsu Mira e:S: 3/5
- Honda N-One: 4/5
Technology and Features
The kei cars generally come with basic technology. The Mazda Carol, Suzuki Alto, and Daihatsu Mira e:s include features like automatic climate control, basic infotainment systems, and keyless entry in higher trims. However, they lack the more advanced tech features found in UK A-segment cars, such as large touchscreens, smartphone integration, and driver assistance systems.
The Honda N-One again excels here, offering more advanced features, including Honda’s Sensing suite, which adds active safety features such as automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning. This makes the N-One a more competitive offering in the UK market where safety and technology are increasingly important.
When compared to the Toyota Aygo X and Hyundai i10, which offer more advanced technology as standard, the Mazda Carol, Suzuki Alto, and Daihatsu Mira e:s would likely feel under-equipped. The Fiat 500, with its stylish infotainment system and options for hybrid tech, also outpaces the kei cars.
- Mazda Carol/Suzuki Alto/Daihatsu Mira e:S: 3/5
- Honda N-One: 4/5
Performance and Driving Experience
All four kei cars are powered by 660cc 3-cylinder engines that produce around 48-49 hp, designed for fuel efficiency rather than performance. These cars excel in city driving, with light steering and small turning circles, making them perfect for navigating urban areas. However, they would feel underpowered on UK motorways, even when compared to the pretty gutless Fiat 500’s 1.0L mild-hybrid engine or the (slightly) more torquey engines found in the Hyundai i10 and Toyota Aygo X.
The Honda N-One offers a slightly better driving experience, with its more refined engine (though it’s probably just better soundproofing, let’s be honest) and higher-quality suspension setup, making it a bit more comfortable for longer trips. However, none of the kei cars would be ideal for regular motorway use in the UK.
- Mazda Carol/Suzuki Alto/Daihatsu Mira e:S: 2.5/5
- Honda N-One: 3/5
Fuel Efficiency
Fuel efficiency is where the kei cars truly excel. The Mazda Carol, Suzuki Alto, and Daihatsu Mira e:s all achieve impressive official MPG figures of around 85-98 mpg UK, far surpassing the Toyota Aygo X (60 mpg UK) and Fiat 500 mild-hybrid (53 mpg UK). The Honda N-One offers slightly lower fuel efficiency than the others, but it’s still around 70 mpg UK, making it a strong contender.
For UK drivers who prioritize low running costs and minimal fuel consumption, these kei cars would be highly appealing, particularly in urban environments where fuel savings can add up.
It’s worth considering though, that most manufacturers in Japan will quote the JO08 cycle for their MPG figures. We’d recommend checking their WLTC figures, which are very close to the more realistic WLTP ones we’re used to here.
- Mazda Carol/Suzuki Alto/Daihatsu Mira e:S: 5/5
- Honda N-One: 4.5/5
Practicality
Despite their small size, the kei cars offer surprising practicality for city driving. Their compact dimensions allow for easy parking and maneuverability in crowded urban areas. The Suzuki Alto and Mazda Carol share the same functional approach, while the Daihatsu Mira e:s is similarly practical with a slightly larger cabin space somehow.
The Honda N-One offers more interior space than you might expect for a kei car, and its tall design provides better headroom and cargo space than the other three. However, when compared to larger UK A-segment cars like the Hyundai i10, which has a more spacious cabin and a larger boot, these kei cars would be less practical for drivers who need more cargo capacity or frequently transport passengers.
Don’t forget though, these tiny kei cars have a shocking amount of legroom in the back, in a good way. How our UK-spec cars have lost this trick is…questionable.
- Mazda Carol/Suzuki Alto/Daihatsu Mira e:S: 3.5/5
- Honda N-One: 4/5
ULEZ and CAZ Compliance
All four kei cars are fully compliant with ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone) and CAZ (Clean Air Zone) regulations in the UK, thanks to their low emissions. This makes them ideal for city dwellers in places like London, Manchester, and Birmingham, where emissions charges are becoming a significant factor for car buyers.
In this regard, they offer a similar advantage to the Fiat 500 and Toyota Aygo X, both of which are designed to meet Euro 6 emissions standards. However, the kei cars’ lower emissions and better fuel efficiency would make them particularly appealing in this context.
- Mazda Carol/Suzuki Alto/Daihatsu Mira e/Honda N-One: 4.5/5
Safety
In terms of safety, the Honda N-One leads the pack, offering a more comprehensive suite of safety features with Honda’s Sensing technology. This includes automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning, which makes it competitive even in the UK market. The Mazda Carol, Suzuki Alto, and Daihatsu Mira e:s offer more basic safety features, such as ABS and airbags, but lack the more advanced driver assistance systems that are becoming standard in the UK.
In comparison to UK A-segment cars like the Toyota Aygo X and Hyundai i10, which offer more robust safety packages, these kei cars would need to be upgraded to compete effectively in terms of safety.
- Mazda Carol/Suzuki Alto/Daihatsu Mira e:S: 3/5
- Honda N-One: 4/5
Price and Value
One of the biggest selling points of the kei cars would be their price. Even after accounting for import costs, these cars would likely retail between £6,500 to £9,500, which is significantly cheaper than the Toyota Aygo X (£15,000) or Fiat 500 (£16,000). Their ultra-low running costs, ULEZ compliance, and excellent fuel efficiency make them extremely attractive for budget-conscious drivers in the UK.
While they might not offer the same level of tech, performance, or interior comfort as their UK competitors, their low price could carve out a niche among drivers who prioritize affordability above all else.
- Mazda Carol/Suzuki Alto/Daihatsu Mira e/Honda N-One: 5/5
Summary: Are Kei Cars Better Than What We Have?
If the Mazda Carol, Suzuki Alto, Daihatsu Mira e, and Honda N-One were introduced to the UK market, they would offer an interesting alternative to the current A-segment cars. Their compact size, exceptional fuel efficiency, and low emissions make them particularly appealing for city driving, where tight streets and parking constraints are daily challenges. The kei cars would also attract budget-conscious buyers due to their lower price point and running costs.
Compared to the Toyota Aygo X, Hyundai i10, and Fiat 500, the kei cars may feel more basic in terms of technology, interior comfort, and performance. However, they excel in fuel efficiency and ULEZ/CAZ compliance, making them a viable option for drivers in cities with stringent emissions regulations.
Would Kei Cars Fill a Gap in the UK Market?
Yes, kei cars could fill a niche in the UK market, especially for urban drivers who prioritize efficiency and low costs over performance and premium features. They may appeal to a similar audience to the one that originally gravitated towards the Ford Ka, which offered simplicity, affordability, and compact dimensions at a low price point. Much like the original Ford Ka, which provided a no-frills driving experience with a focus on practicality, the kei cars would resonate with those seeking similar values in today’s market.
For those looking for a cheap-to-run city car that prioritizes economy and emissions compliance over luxury and power, kei cars like the Mazda Carol, Daihatsu Mira e, and Honda N-One could potentially outperform UK A-segment offerings in terms of value. However, they would need to be positioned carefully to meet the expectations of British drivers who have become accustomed to more advanced tech and comfort features in their small cars.
Ultimately, while kei cars might not replace the larger, more feature-rich A-segment models, they could certainly complement the market by offering a highly affordable, efficient, and city-friendly alternative, reminiscent of the charm that the original Ford Ka brought to the UK roads.
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