Honda life

  Honda Life is a popular in Japan

Honda Life – Honda’s Compact Kei Car for City Living

Overview

The Honda Life is a long-running kei car series produced mainly for the Japanese domestic market, known for its small footprint, excellent fuel efficiency, and clever use of interior space.
Originally launched in 1971 as a successor to the Honda N360, the Life has gone through several distinct phases — from a simple, utilitarian city car in the ’70s, to tall-body microvans in the late ’90s and 2000s, and even a modern rebadged Honda Fit for the Chinese market in recent years.

History & Generations

1st Generation (1971–1974)

• Introduced to replace the Honda N360, with a slightly larger, more refined design.

• Powered by a 356 cc water-cooled OHC inline-2 producing around 30 hp.

• Offered in two-door sedan, four-door sedan, and three-door wagon versions.

• Compact size, light weight, and FWD layout made it perfect for narrow Japanese streets.

• Production ended in 1974 as kei-car regulations changed.

2nd Generation (1997–2003) – Revival Era

• After more than two decades, Honda revived the Life as a tall-roof kei hatchback.

• Featured a 660 cc SOHC 3-cylinder engine, producing about 47 hp.

• Prioritized headroom, cargo flexibility, and city-friendly maneuverability.

• Available in both FWD and AWD versions.

3rd Generation (2003–2008)

• Updated styling with a friendlier, more modern appearance.

• Switched to Honda’s P-series engine (658 cc, NA or turbo) with i-DSI twin-spark technology, improving fuel economy and meeting Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle standards.

• Offered multiple trims such as Diva, Pastel, and F-Type, with more comfort features like keyless entry and upgraded interiors.

4th Generation (2008–2014)

• More rounded and aerodynamic body.

• Enhanced safety with better crash protection and available side airbags.

• Retained the 658 cc engine but with efficiency refinements.

• Higher-end models had features like alloy wheels, touchscreen infotainment, and CVT options.

Chinese-Market Honda Life (2020–Present)

• In China, the “Honda Life” name was revived for a re-badged fourth-generation Honda Fit, built by Dongfeng Honda.

• Shares mechanicals with the Fit but has unique bumpers, grilles, and trim details.

Key Specifications (Typical Kei-Car Era Models 1997–2014)

Spec	Value
Engine	658 cc 3-cyl (SOHC / P-series)
Power	47–64 hp
Transmission	4-speed automatic / CVT
Drivetrain	FWD or AWD
Fuel Economy	~16–19 km/L
Length	~3.3 m
Width	~1.48 m
Height	~1.57–1.65 m

Why It’s Popular

• Perfect for cities – Extremely easy to park and navigate in tight spaces.

• Fuel-efficient – Low running costs thanks to small displacement and light weight.

• Flexible interior – Surprising passenger headroom and cargo space for its size.

• Kei-car tax benefits – Lower taxes and insurance in Japan.

Fun Fact

The Honda Life Step Van from the early ’70s was one of the first microvans in Japan — a quirky, boxy version of the Life designed for carrying goods, and now a rare collectible among vintage kei-car fans.