2024 Honda N

The boxy kei car might look similar to its predecessors but it is actually a new generation

Honda unveiled the third generation of the N-Box in Japan which will go on sale in the local market this fall. The kei car features an evolutionary but refined exterior design and a more practical interior, while retaining the characteristic boxy stance of its predecessors.

The new Honda N-Box looks familiar to the untrained eye but a direct comparison with the previous generation that debuted in 2017 shows that the entire bodywork has been redesigned. The face has a simpler layout with a body-colored grille cover, a fresh pair of headlights with round LED graphics set to resemble human eyes, and a wide lower intake emphasizing the sculpted fenders.

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The profile retains the black pillars and the sliding rear doors but has a slightly tweaked greenhouse and a new character line. The rear end also gets thinner LED taillights flanking the massive tailgate. Additionally, the optional “Fashion Style” package adds white mirror caps and door handles, and different duo-tone wheels with body-colored center caps.

Besides the standard model, Honda is also offering the N-Box Custom which is visually differentiated adopting a sportier and more premium style. The most notable change is up front, where the Custom gets a larger grille, different LED headlights, and a full-width LED bar between them. The front bumper also gets sportier intakes, combined with side skirts, and faux inlets on the rear bumper. The “Coordination Style” package adds dark chrome trim, black aluminum wheels, and a bi-tone exterior.

Furthermore, Honda offers a variety of optional accessories for both the N-Box and N-Box Custom for style and convenience. Like its predecessor, the model is available in a wheelchair-friendly variant with a ramp at the back.

Inside, the N-Box gets a free-standing 9-inch touchscreen for the infotainment, combined with a 7-inch digital instrument cluster behind the new two-spoke steering wheel. Honda designers put a lot of emphasis on the storage compartments, improving the family-friendly credentials of the kei car. Amenities include practical side pockets, cupholders for all four passengers, and a new shelf positioned higher on the dashboard allowing a larger glovebox underneath. The standard model features light-colored plastics and fabrics but the Custom gets a darker theme with leather-style upholstery. The Honda Sensing suite is included in the standard equipment, alongside front and side airbags.

The automaker didn’t announce the detailed specifications but confirmed that the new N-Box will be available with naturally aspirated and turbocharged petrol engines. Those will likely be an improved version of the existing 658cc motors producing 58 hp (43 kW / 58 PS) and 63 hp (47 kW / 64 PS) respectively. Judging from the fully electric N-Van which has been officially confirmed for 2024, Honda could expand the N-Box lineup with a zero-emission variant sometime in the future.

Honda will start accepting pre-orders for the third-gen N-Box in Japan this month, while the official market launch is scheduled for October.