These are such compact vehicles (kei cars), often dedicated to camping, that in Europe and the United States they cannot be homologated, but in Japan they are also very successful due to the incentives desired by the government.
Immediately after the first lockdown, the world of campers experienced a real boom, as if the past months locked in the house had pushed people to rediscover the passion for traveling in absolute freedom, without support destinations or fixed destinations. The Tokyo Motor Show 2022 is proving to be the right opportunity to discover very particular vehicles, the so-called kei cars .
Tokyo Motor Show: kei cars what a passion
By now, the Tokyo Motor Show has accustomed us to being the stage for the presentation of many novelties and above all original models. Undoubtedly, the latter category includes kei cars, very popular vehicles in the land of the Rising Sun after the population has a low average height and limited space available.
This type of vehicle, in fact, is just over three meters long and less than 1.50 meters high. Defining them compact is an understatement, so much so that in Europe and the United States they are not even homologated, but in Japan they are depopulated also thanks to the incentives wanted by the local government. These mini campers can be used for a variety of purposes, but camping remains their preferred destination.
Among the most interesting models is the Amaho by Direct Cars (price around 34,000 euros), developed on the Daihatsu Hijet, able to accommodate four people, a kitchenette and a sink. The solar panels on the roof allow the 660cc petrol engine to be powered.
Developed directly by Daihatsu is the Atrai Deck Camper , based on the Atrai, approved to accommodate up to seven people also thanks to the roof tent.
There are several engine variants with powerful lapis which includes a 1.3-liter engine capable of delivering a maximum power of 90 HP. Based on the Suzuki Every Van is Oka Motors ‘ Miniature Cruise Henro, characterized by soft lighting, artistic elements and furniture for the tea service. The 63 horsepower of maximum power is not many, but to such a “Japanese” vehicle you can give everything.
