Some people may wonder, “Isn’t the N-BOX a light car?” Indeed, with its spacious interior and comprehensive equipment, the N-BOX has a presence that goes beyond the scope of a light car. However, the N-BOX is a proper light car. So why is it sometimes said to be “not a light car”? Let’s dig deeper into the reasons.
Is it true that the Honda N-BOX isn’t light?
Honda N-BOX. Why do people say that it is not a light car even though it is categorized as a light car? In this article, we will take a closer look at why the Taft has a presence that goes beyond the boundaries of a light car.
A thorough explanation of the reviews and ratings of the new N-BOX
As of September 2024, when searching for the new N-BOX, it appears that many people are searching for “N-BOX is not light.”
The new Taft has received mixed reviews on social media, automotive media, review sites, and elsewhere. Positive reviews include its stylish design, spacious interior, and excellent fuel economy. On the other hand, negative reviews point out its uncomfortable ride and high price.
Reason 1: Overwhelming spaciousness and comfort
The biggest feature of the N-BOX is its spaciousness. The interior space is so large that it’s hard to believe it’s a minicar, and it feels like a compact car. Not only can it seat four adults comfortably, but it also has ample luggage carrying capacity. What’s more, the seat arrangements are versatile, making it suitable for a variety of situations. This spaciousness and comfort has an impact that overturns the image of a minicar, and is one of the reasons why people feel that it’s “not a minicar.”
We have created a comfortable space that is like having fun with family and friends in your living room at home. Grip-shaped recesses have been added to part of the trunk side lining in the rear seats, allowing small children and the elderly to grip firmly, making it easier to get in and out. The car is equipped with a 7-inch digital meter that can be seen from the inside of the steering wheel, and the infotainment system uses a 9-inch navigation system that is compatible with the connected technology Honda CONNECT. It is also compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. As an option, a 12.8-inch rear seat monitor is available that allows rear seat passengers to enjoy impressive images.
Equipped with Honda CONNECT , an in-vehicle communication module exclusively for Honda vehicles . Honda Total Care Premium is available. Remote operation via smartphone and the car itself can connect to the emergency support center in the event of an accident or other emergency, allowing for quick and accurate troubleshooting support. Equipped with automatic map update service. Equipped with Honda Digital Key and Honda App Center, which use a smartphone instead of a key, and in-car Wi-Fi, which allows you to purchase data communication capacity in the car and connect to the Internet for fun.
Reason 2: Advanced safety equipment and comprehensive functions
The N-BOX is generously equipped with the latest safety technology. Various functions that support the driver, such as collision mitigation braking and false start prevention functions, come as standard equipment. It is also equipped with a wide range of equipment to support a comfortable drive. It comes equipped with many convenient features, such as power sliding doors and automatic air conditioning. These comprehensive features give it a sense of luxury that goes beyond the image of a minicar, and are one of the reasons why it is said to be “not a minicar.”
| System Equipment | New N-BOX |
|---|---|
| CMBS | ◯ (Daytime and nighttime pedestrians and bicycles) |
| False start prevention function | ◯ |
| Near-Collision Mitigation Brake | ◯ |
| Sudden acceleration control function | ◯ |
| Pedestrian Accident Reduction Steering | ◯ |
| Road departure prevention function | ◯ |
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Traffic Jam Following Function |
◯ (From about 0km/h) |
| LKAS | ◯ |
| Preceding vehicle departure notification function | ◯ |
| Sign Recognition | ◯ |
| False backward start prevention function | ◯ |
| Automatic high beam | ◯ |
| Parking Sensor System | ◯ |
| Multi-view camera system | ◯ |
Reason 3: Sleek design
The design of the N-BOX is simple yet sophisticated. It has a presence that makes it hard to believe it is a light car, and it stands out even in the city. In particular, the design of the front mask combines strength and luxury. This sophisticated design is attractive enough to overturn the image of a light car, and is the factor that makes you feel that it is “not a light car.”
The exterior of the new N-BOX expresses simplicity and friendliness, with a front grille with a round hole design and headlights shaped to resemble human eyes.
Honda New N-BOX CUSTOM Exterior
The exterior of the new “N-BOX CUSTOM” is based on the theme of “PROUD Rhythm,” and pursues an expression that gives a sense of dignity and high performance even more than the previous model. It adopts a three-dimensional, precisely shaped front grille, a horizontal line light at the front, and direct projection type LED headlights. It also adopts the clear lens rear combination lamps that are characteristic of the “N-BOX CUSTOM” that have been built up in previous models, and a special aero design that takes into consideration low and wide visibility and aerodynamic performance.
Usability has been improved with the addition of a large glove box for storing all luggage in one place, and large side pockets in the rear seats.
New N-BOX full model change specifications
N-BOX
| Specifications | N-BOX | |
|---|---|---|
| full length | 3,395mm | |
| Width | 1,475mm | |
| Height | 1,790mm | |
| Wheelbase | 2,520mm | |
| engine | 658cc in-line 3-cylinder DOHC i-VTEC engine |
|
| Maximum power | 43kW (58PS) / 7,300rpm |
|
| Maximum torque | 65Nm (6.6kgm) / 4,800rpm |
|
| transmission | CVT | |
| Drive system | FF/4WD | |
| WLTC mode fuel economy | 21.6km/L (FF) 19.4km/L (4WD) |
|
N-BOX CUSTOM
| Specifications | N-BOX CUSTOM NA car |
N-BOX CUSTOM Turbo Car |
|---|---|---|
| full length | 3,395mm | 3,395mm |
| Width | 1,475mm | 1,475mm |
| Height | 1,790mm | 1,790mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,520mm | 2,520mm |
| engine | 658cc in-line 3-cylinder DOHC i-VTEC engine |
658cc inline 3-cylinder DOHC turbo engine |
| Maximum power | 43kW (58PS) / 7,300rpm |
47kW (64PS) / 6,000rpm |
| Maximum torque | 65Nm (6.6kgm) / 4,800rpm |
104Nm (10.6kgm) / 2,600rpm |
| transmission | CVT | CVT (with 7-speed mode) + paddle shift |
| Drive system | FF/4WD | FF/4WD |
| WLTC mode fuel economy | 21.5km/L (FF) 19.4km/L (4WD) |
20.3km/L (FF) 18.4km/L (4WD) |
Honda’s new N-BOX full model change: price and grade
N-BOX
| grade | engine | transmission |
Drive system |
New price (tax included) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| N-BOX | 660cc DOHC |
CVT | 2WD | 1,648,900 yen |
| 4WD | 1,782,000 yen | |||
| N-BOX Fashion Style |
2WD | 1,749,000 yen | ||
| 4WD | 1,882,100 yen |
N-BOX CUSTOM
| grade | engine | transmission |
Drive system |
New price (tax included) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| N-BOX CUSTOM | 660cc DOHC |
CVT | 2WD | 1,849,100 yen |
| 4WD | 1,982,200 yen | |||
| N-BOX CUSTOM Turbo |
660cc DOHC Turbo |
2WD | 2,049,300 yen | |
| 4WD | 2,182,400 yen | |||
| N-BOX CUSTOM Coordination Style |
660cc DOHC |
2WD | 2,059,200 yen | |
| 4WD | 2,192,300 yen | |||
| N-BOX CUSTOM Turbo Coordinate Style |
660cc DOHC Turbo |
2WD | 2,169,200 yen | |
| 4WD | 2,323,000 yen | |||
| N-BOX CUSTOM Turbo Coordinated Style 2 Tone |
660cc DOHC Turbo |
2WD | 2,229,700 yen | |
| 4WD | 2,362,800 yen |
Honda “N-BOX” annual sales volume
| year | Sales volume |
|---|---|
| 2011 | 2,860 units |
| 2012 | 211,155 units |
| 2013 | 234,994 units |
| 2014 | 179,930 units |
| 2015 | 184,920 units |
| 2016 | 186,367 units |
| 2017 | 218,478 units |
| 2018 | 241,870 units |
| 2019 | 253,500 units |
| 2020 | 195,984 units |
| 2021 | 188,940 units |
| 2022 | 202,197 units |
| 2023 | 231,385 units |
| Cumulative | 2,532,580 units |
Sales volume trends (based on the Japan Light Motor Vehicle Association (JLMEA) survey)
A word from the editorial department
The N-BOX goes beyond the boundaries of a minicar in every aspect, including spaciousness, comfort, safety, and design. That’s why some people say it’s “not a minicar.” However, the N-BOX is a proper minicar, and its appeal is maximized within the framework of a minicar. The N-BOX can be said to be a car that expands the possibilities of minicars and provides new value.
N-BOX