You probably know by now that Japan has a “kei car” culture, with its extravagant exterior design and strict body dimension limitations. While many kei cars are built for personal use, commercial vehicles are also a thing. It is the latter market segment that the new Honda N-Van fits in.
The ultra-compact van is built with the Honda N-Box at its base and is only 3.4 m (11.2ft) long and 1.8 m (5.9ft) tall. It has sliding doors on both sides and is conveniently missing the left b-pillar for large shipments.
The Honda N-Van only ships with glass windows and four seats, but three of the latter can be folded for more freight room. The manufacturer claims the car can easily accommodate more than 70 standard post boxes weighing over 350 kilograms (770 lb) this way.
The interior design of the entry-level model is simple – even simplistic – with a simple air conditioner and a radio being the only available equipment. There is no way to get your own Honda N-Van with an infotainment system – not even if you pay extra. Options do include advanced climate control and emergency brake, however.
There are two higher trim levels available, Style Fun and Style Cool. Both are family-oriented. Style Fun features unique fascia design, LED headlights and light alloy wheels. Style Cool offers a lower roof and halogen headlamps.
The new Honda N-Van comes with a choice between two 3-cylinder engines 52 and 64 hp (39 – 48 kW) strong. Transmission choices are limited to manual and IVT.
Sales in Japan will begin in midsummer.
Photo: Honda