Honda to begin sales of its S660 mini roadster in Japan

Based on the three-cylinder DOHC Turbo engine, whose dynamic performance has been well-recognised with the N Series, an exclusively designed turbocharger has been developed for the S660's engine, enabling dynamic driving and high accelerator response even in the lower rev range.

As for the transmission, the S660 comes with a newly developed six-speed manual transmission, making the S660 the world's first mini vehicle equipped with such a gearbox. In addition, the S660 is also available with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with a seven-speed shift mode and an additional sports mode.

The S660 adopts the mid-engine/rear-wheel drive (MR) layout and realises a low centre of gravity as well as the optimal 45:55 front-rear weight balance.

Another first for a mini vehicle, the Agile Handing Assist (AHA) electronic control system will feature in the S660. The AHA system uses brake torque to apply control in accordance with the movement of the vehicle body to enhance handling.

Some safety highlights of the car include the world's first 'internal pressure holding airbag system', which can hold internal pressure for a longer period of time as compared to a conventional airbag system for the passenger's i-SRS airbag and the City-Brake Active System which provides automatic braking assistance at speeds less than 30km/h to prevent a collision with the vehicle in front.

An easy-to-operate, lightweight and detachable soft-top called a 'roll-top' was adopted so that more customers can enjoy the fun of driving while feeling the wind in their hair.

In order to commemorate the market launch of the S660, Honda will sell a total of 660 units of the S660 Concept Edition. This special edition was developed based on the S660 Concept, and features an enhanced sense of high-quality with the help of the Bordeaux red roll-top, two-tone side mirrors and a exhaust pile finisher with exclusive coating. Inside the car, red stitching exclusive to this model are also used for the sports leather seat with unsymmetric colours (driver's seat), the genuine leather-wrapped steering wheel, the shift boot, and the gear knob for the manual version.