If first impressions count, then this little car sure made a great big one on me when I first saw pictures of it and read about it online. Here’s a small 660cc kei-car wonderfully packaged with a rear-mishap engine layout pushing the rear wheels instead of the usual front-wheel drive system that every other kei-car uses. But of course, the greatest impression I had of this car was the styling. Here was a wonderfully styled car, which looks refreshing every time I look at it.

This little tiny car manages to make most cars out there look outdated in comparison. Wheels pushed to all four corners, and a nice “egg” shape sure makes it look cute, but not in a frilly sissy way, it does look purposeful though. Numerous details around the car make up the finishing touches to this little car’s appeal. It sure makes the girls go “Oooooo”.

Standing a few feet away from the car, you’ll be drawn to really, how small it really is. But taking a look from every angle, the design is nice and tight. Lines are all nicely placed and it does have it’s own style. Drive this car, and you’ll be making a statement. (And a good statement, mind you)

So how do I feel about the car? Well, I’ve taken it for a short drive, I’ve ogled at it for a good amount of time. Honestly, I wish I’ve never driven it, my impressions of the car were all good and I really do think it looks great. It’s such a marvel of design and design with a purpose as well. (That’s the most important bit ain’t it)

But does this car get me on an emotional level? Stylistically, yes it does. But driving it sort of dampens the whole mood of things. That’s not to say it’s a lousy car to drive. No no, it’s just that it looks better then it drives. The steering could do with a lot more feel and the interior radio unit of the local car is just so ugly. Instead of the built in units the Japanese get, we get this ugly raised piece of plastic that takes pride of place on top of the centre console. Not very elegant, not at all.

Driving this car, it feels like your going faster then it really is, which is honestly, great fun. The engine not has a nice voice and when you keep it in your head that it’s there’s just a tiny 660cc heart pumping behind you, it’s a rather lively drive. The rear-wheel-drive drivetrain should prove fun on a nice damp road i’m sure. Of course a car in this category is geared more towards the comfort side of things, so no point pushing it into corners. The vague steering wouldn’t give you the confidence to do so anyway. But, make no mistake, it’s still fun in a relaxed kind of way.

Interior space is well, adequate at best, it IS a small car, but with the engine being placed in the rear, boot space is compromised considerably, and up front, there’s other technical nick-nacks, so no boot space up front either then. Such is the practical shortcomings of having an engine placed in such a unique positions. 1 point for those driving inclined folks and no points for those who need practicality in their life. You can fold down those rear seats to free up more space though, but that’s besides the point since they’ll be no more room for people. (But do you really want to lug a full load of pasengers with that little motor? Although i was assuerd it’ll not pose a problem to the car.)

So overall, what’s my 2 cents worth on this little run-about? Well, i still love it. Mostly due to the styling more then anything else. No other car out there on the road looks like it and it’s one of the few cars that manages to catch my eye each time i see it. You don’t have to spend millions to have a car that looks good and unique.

Aftermarket parts right now for this car are not abundant though, so far, only DAMD/ANCEL has a program for the car, but, it’s more suited for the fairer sex. Special pink paint and an interior with storage for jewellery and makeup just doesn’t do it for me. But this car has potential. It’s purposeful stance will give it a nice sporty look and i’m sure a number of aftermarket tuners will have programmes for the car in near future. Which i AM looking forward to seeing.

If i had the financial resources, i will have an i, no questions about it, it’s unique, simple and unfussy, extremely easy to park, saves on petrol and of course, girls love it.

This entry was posted on Thursday, August 24th, 2006 at 12:00 am and is filed under Updates, Car news / previews, Garage life. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.