Kei Car
A kei car is a Japanese vehicle category for very small cars with strict limits on size and engine output, which bring tax and insurance benefits in Japan.
What is Kei Car?
Engine displacement is limited to 660 cc in petrol versions. Length, width and power are capped by Japanese law. Kei cars include tiny hatchbacks, vans, trucks and even sports cars. Kei cars have yellow number plates in Japan.
How it works
Lower taxes and easier parking rules in Japan reward cars built within the size and power limits.
Why it matters for your car
Few kei cars are sold officially in Europe. Imported examples may need extra checks to meet local safety rules.
Other terms
- Anti-corrosion Warranty (Perforation Warranty)
- Balance Shaft
- Battery Warning Light (Charging Light)
- Car Sharing
- Coupé
- Crumple Zone
- Emissions Test
- ESP / Stability Control Warning Light
- Fuel Filler Neck
- Gateway Module
- Induction Heater
- Mass Air Flow Sensor (MAF)
- Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV)
- Rear Window (Rear Screen)
- Reduction Gear (Single-speed Gearbox)
- Timing Belt
- Total Loss (Write-off)
- Trolley Jack (Floor Jack)
- Twin Carburettors
- Xenon Headlight (HID)