2021 Honda N-One is a Kei car holds onto its retro looks

After eight long years of production, the Honda N-One has finally come into its next generation. However, the car – which was originally based on the N360 model dating back to the 1960s – has barely changed on the outside.

The only reliable way to tell the newcomer from its predecessor is by the larger front air intake, the black strip at the rear end, and the now LED-based headlights. The Kei car stays 3,395 millimeters (11.14 feet) long and 1,475 mm (4.84 ft.) wide, which just barely fits it into the Kei vehicle category.

The cabin is quite new, though, with a different front fascia, a larger central display, and a more protruding center console.

Three trims are available: Original (base), Premium (self-explanatory) and RS (sporty). All include the Honda Sensing Package with adaptive cruise control and automatic braking that can recognize pedestrians in the dark.

The naturally aspirated and turbocharged engines the new N-One comes with haven’t changed a bit. Japanese Kei cars are only allowed to have up to 600 cubic centimeters (0.66L) of displacement and up to 64 horsepower (48 kilowatts).

Original and Premium trim are available in FWD and AWD versions, but come with a CVT transmission as the only option. The RS trim also goes six-speed manual in the new generation, but leaves the drive firmly attached to the front axle.

Sales in Japan are starting in late fall.