Are Kei Cars Fuel Efficient?

Kei cars, a niche market in Japan, have gained attention for their fuel efficiency. However, are they truly as impressive as touted?

Comparing Kei Cars with Other Modern Cars

Take, for example, the Honda S660, a popular Kei car that achieves a remarkable gas mileage of around 49-54 miles per gallon (MPG). This is indeed impressive for a small, modern car. Many assume that Kei cars' low fuel consumption is due to their tiny engines ranging from 600-700cc and the use of turbochargers. However, it's worth noting that all small cars benefit from similar advantages, simply because their engines are smaller and lighter. Thus, a car with a 70 horsepower engine that gets 49 MPG might not stand out as exceptionally impressive, unless it sets a benchmark among similar-sized vehicles.

Kei Cars: Designed for Urban Efficiency

Despite these potential drawbacks, Kei cars are generally very fuel efficient. These lightweight and compact Japanese vehicles are specifically designed to excel in urban environments, where fuel consumption is naturally lower. The compact size and lightweight build of Kei cars help in optimizing fuel economy. Typically, smaller engines, often up to 660cc, are utilized, and these vehicles are optimized for urban driving, resulting in better fuel efficiency ratings.

Real-World Fuel Efficiency of Kei Cars

Back in Australia, I had the opportunity to drive several Kei cars, including a Honda Z360, a Honda TN360 pick-up, a Daihatsu Fellow Max 360, and a Daihatsu Handy Van. Each of these cars managed to achieve impressive fuel efficiencies, with many getting around 60 MPG or 4 liters per 100 kilometers. It's worth noting that Toyota owns Daihatsu, and as such, Kei cars may not receive the same promotional support in Australia, making them less common. In cases where Kei cars are available, they often hold their own in terms of fuel economy.

Cost and Popularity of Kei Cars

By virtue of their size and build quality, Kei cars are typically some of the cheapest cars you can buy in Japan. Most Kei cars are priced at around 1.08 million yen, which, when converted to American dollars, is roughly $10,000. This price tag is considerably lower compared to a typical Honda Civic or other standard-sized cars. The affordability factor, along with their superior fuel efficiency, makes Kei cars an appealing choice for those looking to save on fuel costs.

What Are Kei Cars?

The term "Kei car" or light automobile stems from the Japanese word "keijidōsha," which literally translates to "light automobile." These vehicles are classified as some of the smallest highway-legal passenger cars in Japan. Created by the Japanese government in 1949, just after World War II, Kei cars have become one of Japan's most successful and popular vehicle categories, accounting for over a third of domestic car sales. They come in various forms, including city cars, ultra-minis, and microcars, each designed to meet specific urban and economic needs.

Kei cars are designed not just for fuel efficiency but also for convenience and affordability. Their compact size makes them ideal for congested city streets, and their low operating costs make them highly attractive to consumers looking for a budget-friendly urban vehicle.