JDM Enthusiast : Honda S660

You and I can all agree that Honda has been really active recently with all the concepts and release of sporty models. First we have the 2nd generation NSX, which we all heard about in 2007 and was cancelled in 2008 and then revived in 2011. When the NSX concept appeared in 2012's North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) and also driven by Robert Downey Jr. a.k.a. Tony Stark/Iron Man in the Avengers movies, we knew that Honda is really giving us what we want, an heir to the legendary NSX. Next came the 4th Civic Type R which was unveiled just last month at the Geneva Motor Show and everyone was jumping in joy. It is the new Type R that features a first Type R Turbo V-TEC engine with outputs of 305 bhp and 400 Nm torque, all channeled to its front wheels. Well there has been a rumor that the Integra name would be revived too and I hope Honda really does that as I am a fan of both the DC2R and DC5R. Finally, we come to today's main focus, the launching of Honda S660 on March 30th. I have personally seen the Honda S660 Concept 2 years ago at the Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show (KLIMS) and it showed potential. At that moment, being a skeptic JDM fan, I wished the concept would come to life but at the same time, doubt that it will see production Now I am glad to say, "It is alive, everyone !".

Honda have been busy

Honda S660 Concept in 2013

Honda S660 Rear

While many are excited about the S660 because it is a 2 door coupe with a mid engine and rear wheel drive. The perfect formula to a perfect sports car but many can't help but be disappointed with its engine. It features a 660 cc, straight 3 cylinder, DOHC turbo engine that unfortunately have a power of only 64 ps and 104 Nm of torque. You might be surprised at the low numbers because the Ford Fiesta Ecoboost have a 1 liter, 3 cylinder turbo engine and produces 123 bhp and 170 Nm of Torque. However, the S660's power are expected to me and if you do not feel the same way, it is either because you did not know that the S660 is a Kei car or you don't know what a Kei car is. Kei (軽) is Japanese for light and Kei cars refer to small compact cars that let owners enjoy lower taxes in Japan. These Kei cars have a strict regulation on its body size, engine size (max. 660 cc) and engine output figures (max. 64 ps). So, there you have it. The reasons behind the small size and powerless engine but we all know that weight is also a factor in speed and luckily the S660 is only 830 kg (manual)/ 850 kg (CVT). I think with its lightweight and superb handling, it is going to be fast. It looks great on the outside with a hint of the coming NSX and on the inside, it bears resemblance of Honda CRZ's interior with the digital meter, smallest steering wheel any Honda has, nice Start/Stop button and aluminum pedals. There is something that not many knows is that there is a 660 unit only, Concept Edition that is only available in white. What is special about this is it has a red soft top and red stitching all over the interior.

S07A Engine - 660 cc, Straight 3 cylinder, DOHC Turbo

Honda NSX Concept (top) vs Honda S660 (bottom) - Do you see the resemblance ?

CRZ (Left) vs S660 (Right)

What's Special - New Sport Mode Button (Left) & Bright Red Type R Style Engine Start button (Right)

Concept Edition - Limited 660 units

Whenever Honda releases a new car, I will immediately head on to MUGEN's website to see what the performance arm of Honda has to offer the S660. I was prepared to see only aesthetic parts as that was the trend but I was really excited of MUGEN's offering. Although the S660 looks great but it lacks the raw feel to its exterior and boy, did MUGEN did something about it. The MUGEN S660 looks fierce and I especially love the dry carbon GT Wing Spoiler and Hard Top (everyone who knows me, know I hate soft top convertibles). I won't be expecting any performance parts that would increase the power of the S660 because that would make it not a Kei car but you still can find parts like exhaust muffler, sport suspension set and sport brake parts (rotor, brake pad, brake line). Here is my verdict. I actually like the Honda S660. I like that it has the perfect formula, coupe + mid engine + RWD + 6 speed manual transmission and it is cheap, affordable and it looks great especially with the MUGEN kit. It does remind me of Toyota MR-S because the MR-S is also a small MR roadster with a small engine that everyone criticizes .What I don't like is the small size, lack of storage and the ridiculous "roll & store" soft top roof. I also don't like the "Ipad stuck on your dashboard design" touch screen and the small interior might be a tight squeeze for me. At the end of the day, I would buy the S660 if I am someone who is into fuel efficiency but want something sporty looking for those weekend drive down the mountain pass, maybe.