Honda N-WGN (Second Generation)

The rising star of the kei car market, the Honda N-WGN, is now on its second-generation and this new model strives to be a better compact car with its simple design, user-friendly interior, eco-friendly performance, and cutting-edge safety features that can be yours in an agreeable 1,274,400 Japanese Yen price tag.

2020 Honda N-WGN

2020 Honda N-WGN

Time to have a little X-file on the new model, shall we? Okay, while the previous N-WGN looks more like a mini-me StepWGN by the looks of it, the new model undergoes a much simpler, conservative design that looks clean, boxy, and simple, although not as better looking as the previous model it replaces. There are two different styles available on the new N-WGN such as the standard N-WGN that reminded us of a Suzuki MR Wagon Wit several years ago and the Custom variant which is like a bedazzled Vamos by the looks of it.

2020 Honda N-WGN interior

2020 Honda N-WGN interior

Whichever N-WGN you choose, you are still be greeted by its new, user-friendly interior that works just like every other kei car should. From a bright and simple tone from the normal N-WGN to a dark and cool tone from the N-WGN Custom, it still fits like a glove for four people, which is perfect for either trips to the city or for TNVS purposes and then there's the dashboard, which works like it should be. From the touch-screen sat-nav to the long air vents that occupy the rest of the compartment like today's Lexus LS, every usable feature and space on the N-WGN is how this kei car made for the simple simpletons on the road.

With the 660cc S07B petrol engine, CVT, and idling stop at bay, the new N-WGN promises a 23.2kmpl of fuel economy based on WLTC Mode standards, which is by the outdated JC08 terms, it's slightly more efficient than the previous model it replaces and being a small car, it's easy to live with it every single day, for going to work or for weekend trips. Not as exciting as you hoped for, especially when the Custom variant has optional paddle shifters for a manual shifting feel, but in the real world, it's surprisingly noticeable.

With the purpose of being a "Safety Support Car S Wide"-rated kei car, the new N-WGN comes with the Honda Sensing suite of safety features such as Adaptive Cruise Control, CMBS, false start suppression, road-sign recognition, and many others, all in the purpose of being a safe kei car full stop.

The new N-WGN may not be as better-looking as its previous model but with its interior, performance, and safety, it sure is well enough for people who want to spend 1,274,400 Japanese Yen on a car that's all about getting the job done without all the bragging that its opposition loves to do.

Photo: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.