You've seen the leaked shots and perused through the brochure. Now, the Japanese automaker has officially dropped the bomb on its new Honda S660 kei-roadster. On sale in Japan from April 2, the petite open-top sports car will also be offered in a limited edition trim (660 units), dubbed the Honda S660 Concept Edition.
Drawing inspiration from the Honda Beat of the 90s, the Honda S660 retains the same mid-engined, rear-wheel drive layout for a near-perfect 45:55 (front to rear) weight balance. In terms of its outlook, the Honda S660 is styled after the concept of what Honda calls an "energetic bullet" - and it shows.
Much has been retained from the original concept that made its debut back in 2013. The broad front grille gets flanked by upswept head lamps while the wheels appear to have carried over the same design, as well - albeit wrapped in thinner tyres. At the rear, the most noticeable change would be that of the exhaust outlet - a single, centrally-mounted layout replaces the twin setup from the concept.
Power figures are just as modest - which, in a car like this, is no bad thing. A 660 cc, turbocharged DOHC three-cylinder engine with 64 hp and 104 Nm of torque propels the S660 to an estimated top speed of 140 km/h. Transmission options include a six-speed manual (a world's first for this segment according to Honda) and a CVT transmission with paddle shifters.
Taking centre stage on the inside is a 350 mm steering wheel - the smallest in any of Honda's production cars - coupled to a driving position "that gives the driver a feeling of driving a go-kart." Going for the wind-in-your-hair experience is easy thanks to a "roll-top" that features a "lightweight and easy-to-operate" construction. A "mid-mode" system for the air-con channels air to the thighs and waists of both occupants.
Elsewhere, a digital speedometer is framed by a conventional rev counter while atop the centre console sits a tablet-esque screen. In one of the two trim levels on offer, the a-spec car will have its driver's seat (in light grey) trimmed in a combination of leather/Luxe Suede while the passenger seat comes in dark grey or black. The entry-level b-spec car will feature black seats trimmed in a combo of mesh and fabric.
Safety kit is aplenty of the Honda S660 with the inclusion of a highly-rigid frame with augmented front and centre pillars to help keep occupants safe in the event of a rollover. Four airbags are standard with the passenger's system adopting what Honda calls an "internal pressure holding airbag system" that keeps the airbag inflated for longer periods. Elsewhere, Vehicle Stability Assist, Hill Start Assist, Emergency Stop Signal are featured as standard while Honda's City-Brake Active System is available as an option.
New on the Honda S660 is the Agile Handing Assist electronic control system which uses brake torque to stabilise the vehicle mid-corner. On the limited edition Honda S660 Concept Edition, a Bordeaux red roll-top, two-tone side mirrors and a water-repellent "Ultra Glass Coating NEO" treatment is standard. Inside, red accents help mark it out along with an aluminium plate bearing the car's production number.
Prices for the entry-level b-spec car begin at 1,980,000 yen (RM61,592) irregardless of transmission choice while the a-spec car carries a price tag of 2,180,000 yen (RM67,813). The S660 Concept Edition retails for 2,380,000 yen (RM74,035). Premium Star White Pearl, Premium Mystic Night Pearl, Admiral Grey Metallic, Premium Beach Blue Pearl, Carnival Yellow II and Flame Red make up the colour palette.
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