- Honda introduced the new N-Box Joy, designed for outdoor enthusiasts.
- The new trim features more plastic cladding, and water-repellent upholstery.
- The rear seats can fold flat, creating a comfortable space for leisure.
Japanese buyers must love taking their kei cars on camping adventures, judging from the wide variety of crossover-inspired models in the segment. The latest to join the trend is the new Honda N-Box Joy, which can turn into a comfortable bed on four wheels.
The new offering is based on the third generation of the Honda N-Box, which was introduced last year. The Joy trim is distinguished from the rest of the lineup thanks to a redesigned bumper with different intakes, a heavier dose of unpainted plastic, a black grille, and retro-flavored wheels.
More: New Suzuki Spacia Gear Joins The Rugged-Looking Kei Car Party In Japan
The exterior can be spiced up even further with optional accessories, including a black grille with Honda lettering, a pair of bumper-mounted LEDs, a roof rack, a rear spoiler, new wheels, and funky decals.
Inside, there is a Joy-specific upholstery, featuring water-repellent fabric with a stylish black-and-beige tartan pattern. The rear seats can fold flat, creating a comfortable space to rest and enjoy the view from the open boot. Furthermore, the hidden compartment underneath the cargo area creates a flat floor, while enhancing practicality.
Owners can upgrade the camper-friendliness of their N-Box by adding practical nets, hooks, and other storage solutions around the cabin. They can also add awnings at the back, creating a nice space for the foldable table and chairs. As expected, the dashboard is the same as the regular N-Box, including the 7-inch digital instrument cluster, the optional 9-inch infotainment, and the two-spoke steering wheel.
The N-Box is available with two powertrain options. The naturally aspirated 658 cc three-cylinder engine generates 58 hp (43 kW / 58 PS), while the turbocharged version produces 63 hp (47 kW / 64 PS). Both are mated to a CVT gearbox, sending power to the front (2WD) or all four wheels (4WD).
Pricing for the Honda N-Box Joy in Japan starts from ¥1,844,700 ($12,894) for the naturally-aspirated 2WD version, and tops out at ¥2,178,000 ($15,223) for the turbocharged 4WD model. Rivals include the Suzuki Spacia Gear, Suzuki Hustler Tough Wild, Daihatsu Tanto FunCross, and Mitsubishi Delica Mini.
