Which Kei Cars Are Worth Importing? Top Picks and What You Need to Know

Kei cars are a uniquely Japanese automotive class that’s gaining a cult following abroad. If you’re thinking about importing a kei car, you’ll want to know which models give the best blend of character, performance and practicality.

Enthusiasts can see dozens of these tiny icons at Japfest Goodwood, where everything from turbo‑charged roadsters to quirky city run‑abouts is on display. Whether you’re already a kei aficionado or just curious about Japan’s smallest cars, the event offers a hands‑on way to compare the options before you commit to an import.

What defines a kei car?

In Japan, a vehicle must meet strict dimensions and mechanical limits to qualify for the kei‑car category. The current rule set mandates a maximum engine displacement of 660 cc, a power ceiling of 63 hp, a length no longer than 3.3 m and a width not exceeding 1.5 m. These constraints keep the cars lightweight and easy to manoeuvre in crowded urban streets – a reason they remain popular in Japanese cities.

Kei cars appeal to a niche of enthusiasts worldwide who appreciate their stripped‑back engineering, distinctive styling and often whimsical naming. While the class may look modest on paper, many models pack more personality than larger rivals.

Brief history of the kei class

The kei‑car concept originated in 1949 with a 150 cc limit, intended to provide affordable, tax‑favoured transport for a post‑war economy. Engine capacity rose to 360 cc in the 1950s – an era that produced the iconic Subaru 360 – and later to 550 cc in 1976, giving rise to vehicles such as the Suzuki Cervo/Whizzkid. In 1990 the limit expanded to today’s 660 cc figure, and dimensions were increased by 10 cm in both length and width in 1998.

A major tax change in 2014 saw the levy on kei cars rise by roughly 50 %, curbing some domestic enthusiasm but leaving the cars still cheaper than typical super‑minis. The combination of enduring local demand and a growing overseas fan base suggests the kei segment will remain relevant for years to come.

Top kei cars to consider importing

Suzuki Cappuccino

Launched in 1992, the Cappuccino is a turbo‑charged, 12‑valve three‑cylinder kei roadster. It revs to 8,500 rpm, is fitted with a short‑throw 5‑speed manual, and sends power to the rear wheels through a limited‑slip differential. At 679 kg and with a perfect 50:50 weight balance, it feels lively on twisty roads despite a top speed under 90 mph. A removable three‑piece aluminium hard‑top lets owners enjoy open‑air motoring in fickle British weather.

Mugen‑tuned Honda N‑One

The Honda N‑One is one of Japan’s best‑selling modern kei cars. Mugen offers a factory‑approved upgrade package that includes a stainless‑steel performance exhaust (available in carbon, rainbow titanium or other finishes), a front splitter, side‑skirts, a rear Gurney‑flap style spoiler, 15‑inch forged FR‑8 alloy wheels and upgraded dampers. Interior upgrades cover Mugen‑branded mats, gear knobs and pedals, turning an everyday run‑about into a first‑stage tuner car.

The model even underpins a dedicated amateur racing series, showcasing its competitive potential.

Autozam AZ‑1

Produced under Mazda’s short‑lived Autozam sub‑brand, the AZ‑1 is a two‑seat kei with gull‑wing doors and super‑car styling. Badged as the Suzuki Cara in Japan, it was marketed as “The Ultimate Handling Machine” and offers go‑kart‑like dynamics thanks to a lightweight chassis and rear‑wheel drive. Its quirky looks divide opinion, but the driving experience remains uniquely engaging.

Suzuki Hustler

The Hustler is a kei‑class SUV‑styled hatchback that competes with the Daihatsu Taft. Built on a monocoque chassis (unlike the body‑on‑frame Jimny), it delivers sharper on‑road handling while optional 4‑WD adds modest off‑road ability. A range of body kits lets owners tailor the look from urban SUV to rugged utilitarian.

Subaru Pleo RS

The Pleo RS is a kei minivan equipped with a super‑charged 660 cc four‑cylinder, a five‑speed manual and all‑wheel drive. Its performance figures are modest compared with sportier kei roadsters, but the car sports WRX‑inspired aggressive bodywork, a two‑tone interior and the practicality of a compact van.

Honda Beat

The Beat, introduced in the 1990s, is a naturally aspirated, mid‑engine kei roadster that revs to 9,000 rpm. It features a lightweight 5‑speed manual and a chassis that feels planted when fitted with good tyres. The Beat never reached foreign markets and is noted as one of the last models approved by founder Soichiro Honda. Early owners could even specify zebra‑print seats.

Nissan Sakura – the first electric kei

Marking a shift to electrification, the Sakura is Japan’s first all‑electric kei car. While it respects the 660 cc dimensional envelope, it is limited to the equivalent of 62 hp. The range is quoted at 112 miles on a full charge, with fast‑charging delivering 80 % capacity in about 40 minutes and a home charger taking roughly eight hours. Styling draws on the Ariya platform and is offered in two‑tone pastel paint.

Honda S660

Modern reinterpretation of the 1990s Beat, the S660 is a turbo‑charged 660 cc three‑cylinder kei roadster. It benefits from an expanding aftermarket, allowing owners to increase boost and install performance parts for touge‑oriented driving. A planned 1.0 L turbo variant never materialised.

Suzuki Alto Lapin (and Lapin LC)

The Alto Lapin is a lifestyle‑oriented kei hatchback with cartoon‑inspired styling, pastel colour schemes and rabbit‑themed graphics – “lapin” means rabbit in French. An animated rabbit on the dash even wishes owners a Happy New Year. The Lapin LC offers a slightly more fashion‑forward trim, but the core model remains a charming city run‑about.

Daihatsu Copen

The Copen bridges the early 2000s roadsters and modern S660s. It is available with either a kei‑spec 660 cc engine or a larger 1.3‑litre unit, features an electronic folding aluminium roof and, in top specifications, heated seats. Rear‑wheel drive, an 8,000 rpm redline and a manual gearbox make it an engaging, entry‑level sports kei.

Suzuki Alto Works

The Mk3 Alto Works is a kei hot‑hatch celebrated in the Gran Turismo series. It boasts a prominent hood scoop, a turbo‑charged engine with an intercooler, and an RS/R version that adds all‑wheel drive. Inside, the car mixes Recaro‑style upholstery with distinctive graphics, underscoring its performance‑oriented intent.

Toyota Copen GR Sport

Now under Toyota’s Gazoo Racing (GR) banner, the Copen GR Sport offers aggressive GR‑styled front bumper, 16‑inch BBS wheels, a Momo steering wheel and GR‑branded Recaro seats. While still limited by kei regulations, the package focuses on visual and interior upgrades rather than power changes.

Mitsubishi Delica Mini

The Delica Mini condenses the ruggedness of the full‑size Delica into a kei footprint. Optional all‑wheel drive is paired with specially tuned dampers, Hill Descent Assist and Grip Control. The water‑repellent, stain‑resistant interior and sliding rear doors make it a practical mini‑adventure vehicle.

Honda Acty

The Acty is a classic kei truck that has been produced for decades in flat‑bed, van and minivan variants. Its compact size makes it popular with Western enthusiasts seeking a lightweight workhorse, and many owners modify the Acty into show cars with custom styling and performance parts.

Where to see these models in person

Japfest Goodwood offers a rare opportunity to get up close with the full range of kei cars mentioned above, from turbo‑charged roadsters to the electric Nissan Sakura. Booking a visit is the best way to assess whether a kei import fits your lifestyle before committing to purchase.

Ready to start your import journey? DealerPricing.co.uk can help you compare prices, calculate duties and find reputable exporters, ensuring a smooth transition from Japanese auction block to UK road.