A spiritual successor to the Honda S600 and the Pininfarina-designed Honda Beat, the S660 Kei-roadster has gone on sale in Japan. The petite model was previewed by a funky-looking concept car at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show, so reaching mass-production status in under two years is probably a first, even for Honda.

Even though it has a retractable roof, which normally adds weight, the tiny mid-engine roadster is part of the Kei car category in Japan, weighing less than 2,000 pounds and measuring under 11.2 feet in length. Being part of that special category also means that the 660cc engine has its displacement restricted to that figure by law, but unconfirmed reports suggest that a hotter model sold outside Japan may benefit from a turbocharged, 1.0-liter engine, with its handling developed in cooperation with Mugen.

Updated 08/11/2015: A new report from Edmunds indicates that Honda is considering offering the S660 on the U.S. market too. Of course there are some questions that need answering first, like "It's got to be commercially viable. It's got to serve a purpose from a brand standpoint. What does it do for the brand?" - Honda. But a decision should come down soon.

Continue reading to learn more about the 2016 Honda S660.

2016 Honda S660

Specifications

• Make: Array
• Model: 2016 Honda S660
• Engine/Motor: inline-3
• Horsepower: 63
• Torque: 77
• Transmission: 6-speed manual
• [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Pros

Cons

Exterior

The S660 is available in six colors, including Premium Mystic Night Pearl and Admiral Gray Metallic. Despite having tiny dimensions, the S660's proportions are those of a fully fledged sports car. The wheels are pushed as far as possible to each corner of the wide and low body. The front end is typically Honda, from some angles harking back to the Honda/Acura NSX. From the side you could easily confuse it with a more powerful car; the turbine wheels and two air intakes on each side contribute to its sporty appearance.

With almost non-existent front and rear overhangs and a targa-style, canvas roof, the S660 certainly means business as far as styling and proportions go. The rear end's design reminds me of a Cylon from Battlestar Galactica, but maybe that's just me. The center exhaust pipe looks massive. On the whole, the S660 looks great from just about every angle -- not very different from the concept car's lines.

Exterior Dimensions

Interior

Honda says that the S660 has the smallest-diameter steering wheel in its entire lineup, its flat-bottom design bringing a touch of NSX flavor. Speaking of the NSX, the S660 cabin looks at least as sporty as its bigger brother. The center console is angled toward the driver, and the instrument cluster features a massive tachometer in the center.

Honda designed the interior to create a "sense of unity between the driver and the vehicle," and the driving position seems similar to that of a go-cart. Automatic air conditioning is standard, as is a rear center glass section that can go up or down and acts as either an air-deflector or a rear windshield.

Drivetrain

According to Japanese Kei car regulations, the Honda S660 sports a turbocharged, 0.66-liter, three-cylinder engine that develops 63 horsepower and 77 pound-feet of torque. The tiny powerplant is mated to a six-speed manual transmission, which is a first for this segment according to Honda. Optionally, buyers can get a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) with a seven-speed paddle-shifter that features a sport mode.

There are no words on acceleration figures, but cars like this are obviously not about 0-60 or quarter-mile times. The midship engine layout delivers a low center of gravity and a 45/55 front/rear weight balance, which in theory should provide ample amounts of fun on the twisties as long as there isn't much uphill driving involved.

Drivetrain Specifications

Prices

In Japan, the starting price for a Honda S660 with the six-speed manual is 1,980,000 Yen (approx. $16,500 as of 3/30/2015). Even though there are currently no official plans to export it, on the international market the starting price would likely increase closer to $20,000, an increase that could go hand in hand with the model's curb weight (e.g. more safety features equal more weight and costs).

Competitors

Smart Roadster

We've been waiting a long time for Smart to build a new production model of the Roadster, but from the looks of things we're nowhere closer to seeing that happening than we were a few years ago. It's a real shame because the Roadster->ke1418 really looked like it had a lot of promise, even if it still resembled a big shoe.

But it was unusual looking that much I can tell you. It was also to retain its own pint-sized three-cylinder engine, making it an ideal competitor for the Honda S660 Concept. The original Smart Roadster and Roadster Coupe were doomed after a two-year production run, and it seems that a successor may be a long way from happening.

Conclusion

Despite delivering a measly 63 horsepower, the Honda S660 pushes all the right buttons as far as I am concerned. It is rear-wheel-drive, mid-engine and looks like an NSX that never grew past kindergarten age. Brought to the U.S. and priced less than say, a Ford Fiesta ST, it could become a huge seller. I think it would be perfect as a first car if your teenager is into sports models and you don't want him to constantly break the speed limit in a Mustang or Camaro. Tiny exterior dimensions have never looked so appealing for a sports car.

Updated History

Updated 03/30/2015: Honda dropped the official details on the new S660 - the tiniest model in its lineup.