<http://schema.org/articleBody>
"One of the highlights of the Tokyo Auto Show is checking out the Kei cars, a class of tiny 660-cc powered microcars designed for the Japanese domestic market. These urban cars really bring out the playful nature of Japan&amp;#039;s automakers, something not normally seen in their more serious models used to compete on the global scene. While cars are getting smaller even in the U.S. (as shown by the success of the Honda Fit and Mazda2), it&amp;#039;s unlikely that we&amp;#039;ll ever see these Kei cars exported here. Here are some of our favorites from Tokyo:   Honda EV-STER        Honda EV-STER Concept    Technically, this isn&amp;#039;t a Kei car if you go by the strict definition of the 660-cc class, but still, the size and styling of the pure electric Honda EV-STER is clearly related to the Beat, a mid-engine 2-seater that Honda built back in the 1990s. The rear-drive electric uses lithium-ion batteries and can be recharged in about 3 hours at 200 volts. Performance is in keeping with the Kei car tradition, quick but not overwhelmingly fast. Top speed is just 100 mph, 0-60 km/h is about 5 sec., and the range is pegged at about 100 miles.   Suzuki Regina        Suzuki Regina Concept    Although its 800-cc engine and electric motor assist make the Suzuki Regina more powerful than your traditional Kei car, the size isn&amp;#039;t. Measuring just 139 in. bumper-to-bumper, the Regina offers seating for four and the flair of retro styling that features rear wheel skirts and a front fascia that recalls a late 1950s&amp;#039; Renault Dauphine. The use of lightweight materials in its construction results in a curb weight of just 1606 lb.   In addition to the small engine, the Regina is equipped with a CVT and stop/start technology to deliver high fuel economy.   Daihatsu D-X        Daihatsu D-X    One of the leading Kei car makers in Japan is Daihatsu, which currently builds the 2-seat Copen. The Daihatsu D-X is an evolution of that car; however, it adds a bit of SUV macho to the formula with mixed results. The D-X (X, as in crossover) has a much taller ride height than the Copen and the styling is derivative, recalling the discontinued Smart Roadster, right down to the plastic body panels that can be swapped out for color changes. True to the Kei car formula, the D-X is powered by a 660-cc 2-cylinder turbocharged engine and measures just 133 in. overall.   Nissan Pivo 3        Nissan Pivo 3    While it is a pure electric, the Nissan Pivo 3 lands in squarely in the size class of the Kei cars. It has three-across seating and hub-mounted wheels with steering at all four corners. This enables the car to turn itself around in a small 13-foot circle. Best of all, the Pivo 3 can valet park itself and return itself to your location when summoned by smartphone. Another neat feature is its rear-hinged doors.   Honda N Concept 4        Honda N Concept 4    Kei cars are not just small commuters. Some of these 660-cc powered vehicles are little boxes on wheels\u2014we&amp;#039;ve seen larger versions of them in the U.S., vehicles like the Scion xB and Nissan Cube. Honda has launched its own version in the Kei class called the N Box. While the production version features angular styling and sliding side doors, this future evolution seen in the form of the Honda N Concept 4 has a more rounded body attached to this front-drive platform. Also, conventional doors have supplanted the sliding minivan portals. The N Concept 4 has a softer, friendlier face thanks to the round headlamps.         Highlight Reel: 2011 Tokyo Auto Show  "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.roadandtrack.com/car-shows/tokyo-auto-show/news/a17721/kei-is-for-cute/?src=global_footer>