Carefully selected cool light cars!10 recommended car models by car concierge
Today's mini vehicles are available in a variety of models that combine a cool design with performance comparable to that of ordinary vehicles. According to the statistical data of the Light Vehicle Inspection Association, "Changes in the number of registered vehicles and the number of vehicles owned by light vehicles," the ratio of light vehicles to the number of vehicles owned in FY2018 was 39.4%, accounting for nearly 40% of the number of light vehicles. You can see that the needs are increasing.
Therefore, here are 10 recommended models of the latest cool mini vehicles. Check out the recommended points for each model and how to get a good deal on a cool mini car.
The "fuel consumption rate" written in the information column of each model refers to the mileage per liter of gasoline. In addition, the fuel consumption is the value of "WLTC mode" measured by the fuel consumption measurement method specified by the United Nations among the values published by the automobile manufacturer.
[Points of this article] ✔ There are SUVs and sports car types in cool light cars ✔ Many models are not only cool but also have a lot of functions ✔ If you stick to coolness, the price will be high, so you can get a good car leasing recommendation
5 SUV-based mini vehicles that are popular with outdoor enthusiasts
As of August 2020, the three major manufacturers of mini vehicles are DAIHATSU, SUZUKI, HONDA, and the joint venture NMKV. These are NISSAN and MITSUBISHI, which are on sale at.
While each manufacturer announces a variety of mini vehicles, the SUV series, which stands out for its coolness, is becoming more popular with the outdoor boom. Among them, the following five models have a good reputation for being cool.
1. DAIHATSU "TAFT"
The Taft, launched in June 2020, is a visual SUV-style crossover-type mini vehicle that combines coolness and individuality. The suspension design of "DNGA (DAIHATSU New Global Architecture)", which improves the basic performance of mini vehicles, has been reviewed, and a platform with higher rigidity and lighter weight has been adopted.
Achieves stability, good ride quality, and low fuel consumption. Especially in the area of ride quality, we are particular about the outdoor scene. With a ground clearance of 190 mm and grip support, it is equipped with an electric parking brake and 17 types of safety support systems, which are the first to be installed in Daihatsu. You can experience driving and high safety that are not inferior to a full-scale SUV.
The interior is also designed to shine with individuality in its coolness. The orange metallic protection on the air conditioner outlet and shift lever adds a sense of activity to the black-based instrument panel. The camouflage pattern sheet is also stitched in the same color to create a sense of unity.
And the biggest feature of Taft is the big size glass roof "Sky Feel Top". Super UV & IR cut glass that cuts ultraviolet rays and infrared rays suppresses the temperature rise inside the car and gives a feeling of openness like never before.
Recommended points of my car concierge! The luggage room and the back of the rear seats are equipped with resin parts that can be wiped off to remove dirt, so you can enjoy full-scale outdoor activities without worrying about dirt inside the car.
With a fixed amount Carmo, you can ride Taft for 18,090 yen (tax included) monthly.
2. SUZUKI "HUSTLER"
The "Hustler", which has an impressive unique style, is one of the most popular SUV-style crossover type mini vehicles. If you're an outdoor man, you'll be able to show off your wildness and personality.
There are 11 body colors, 5 in 1 tone and 6 in 2 tones, ranging from pops such as active yellow and vermillion orange gun metallic 2 tones to cool khaki pearl metallic that further enhances the outdoor feel. You can enjoy coloring. In particular, Blueish Black Pearl 3 and Denim Blue Metallic Gun Metallic 2 Tone, which make you feel the calmness of an adult in the wildness, are recommended for those who are looking for a cool light car.
The outdoor and playful interior will stand out with its instrument panel, 9-inch HD display, and triple protection frame that surrounds the instrument panel upper box. The instrument panel has built-in color multi-information, which is the first for Suzuki's mini vehicles. In addition, the instrument panel upper box also has functionality, such as being able to be used as a table when opened.
Accents of the same color are also attached to the door trim, center console, and seat, and it is also a point that you can feel the uniformity of the design. The luggage room is made of a material that is easy to wipe off, making it easy to clean the inside of the car even after enjoying the outdoors in the wild.
Recommended points of my car concierge! The Hustler is a hybrid of all cars and is equipped with Suzuki's preventive safety technology "SUZUKI Safety Support". In addition, for turbo cars, adaptive cruise control with all-speed tracking function is adopted for the first time in Suzuki's mini vehicles.
With a fixed amount Carmo, you can ride a Hustler for 15,890 yen (tax included) monthly.
3. SUZUKI "Jimny"
The "Jimny" is a full-scale off-road four-wheel drive mini vehicle that has been steadfastly popular since its launch in 1970. The basic structure is a ladder frame structure inherited from the full-scale 4WD, and has been inherited from the first Jimny for over 40 years while making improvements.
The 4th generation Jimny, which is the current model, has a newly developed ladder frame with an additional X member and cross member to increase the torsional rigidity by about 1.5 times.
The adoption of part-time 4WD, which can secure driving force even if one of the front and rear tires slips during bad condition driving, is the same as the original Jimny. In addition, the engine is installed in the rear with the FR layout to secure an approach angle that enhances running performance on steep mountain roads.
The instrument panel and armrests are horizontal. It is devised so that it is easy to grasp the posture of the vehicle when driving off-road, and by giving it a three-dimensional effect, it also makes you feel powerful. It is an attractive point of Jimny that has both functionality and design.
The large, easy-to-grip door grip and passenger boarding / alighting grip support comfortable boarding / alighting in all situations. Attention is also paid to the interior that pursues operability in the harsh off-road environment, such as a large center switch that is easy to operate even while wearing gloves, and a simple three-dimensional meter cluster that ensures high visibility with full functionality. is.
Recommended points of my car concierge! The luggage space with an opening height of 850 mm makes it easy to load and unload luggage, and uses an antifouling floor. A luggage box that opens and closes the lid and a toolbox under the luggage box are also available. Equipped with utility nuts, luggage compartment hook nuts, luggage accessory sockets, etc., it expands the enjoyment of off-road.
If you are a fixed amount Carmo, you can ride Jimny for 19,520 yen (tax included) monthly
4. SUZUKI "SPACIA GEAR"
The Spacia Gear, which is a family-friendly light super-height wagon with an SUV element added to it, is a mini vehicle that can be used both daily and outdoors. By applying gun metallic paint to the roof and front face, it creates a toughness like an SUV.
In addition, the interior is also characterized by being changed to SUV specifications. The instrument panel that designed the suitcase remains the same, but the instrument panel upper box design has been changed to X, and the metallic material is used to enhance the outdoor feel.
All seats are made of water-repellent material. The luggage room also uses antifouling materials on the floor and the back of the rear seats, making it a specification that allows you to enjoy the outdoors without worrying about dirt.
By optimizing the shape of the pillar trim and the position of the door mirrors, the view from the driver's seat is widened, and the cockpit with a highly operable layout and the seat and steering wheel that can keep a comfortable posture are adopted. We pursue comfort and operability so that you will not get tired even if you drive for a long time.
In addition, Suzuki's safety prevention technology "SUZUKI Safety Support", which is equipped with lane protrusion prevention and stagger warning functions, is also installed on all vehicles, so you can enjoy driving with peace of mind.
Recommended points of my car concierge! Spacia gear exclusive colors are also available for the body color, and you can choose from a total of 9 colors, 4 colors for 1 tone and 5 colors for 2 tones, with a focus on shades that enhance the SUV feeling.
Flat-rate Carmo can ride Spacia Gear for 21,390 yen (tax included) monthly
5. MITSUBISHI "eK X space"
The "eK Cross Space" is a light super-height wagon with crossover specifications that was born after the full model change of the "eK Space" that took place in March 2020.
The front face, which can be said to be the face of a car, has a horizontal front grille that combines a dynamic shield, which is Mitsubishi's front design concept, with a vertical plating bar to express strength and stability. Silver is used for the skid plate shape under the front and rear bumpers to enhance the SUV feel. In addition, the body color is a wide lineup of 13 colors, 7 colors for 1 tone and 6 colors for 2 tones, and it is possible to demonstrate individuality.
The interior, which has the theme of high quality and attention to detail, is based on black and has a calm design. Seats with a quilted pattern are used for all seats to give a unified and stylish impression.
The rear seat is a stand-alone type with a slide amount of 320 mm, which is the highest level in its class. We have secured enough space for our feet. In addition to making the engine room compact, you can spend more comfortably in the interior space of 2,200 mm, which is realized by extending the wheelbase by 65 mm.
The rear sliding door on the passenger seat side is equipped as standard with the "Easy Closer," which automatically closes completely from the half-door state. In addition, in the G class and T class, a "hands-free auto slide door" function that automatically opens and closes when you hold your foot over the sensor installed at the bottom of the door while carrying the keyless operation key is also available as an option. Is possible.
Recommended points of my car concierge! It is an easy-to-drive model with a low meter hood, a wide front door glass line and wide spread angle, and a high eye point for a wide field of view from the driver's seat.
With a flat-rate Carmo-kun, you can ride the eK Cross Space for 20,620 yen (tax included) monthly.
Two cool 2-seater open sports type mini cars
A longed-for open car with a light car. The sporty form, the driving that seems to be a sports car with the technology of each manufacturer condensed, and the special feeling of 2 seater may be addictive once you experience it.
As of October 2020, there are only two types of 2-seater open sports type mini vehicles on the market. The sight of a quick run through the city and the roads along the sea will be the focus of attention.
1. HONDA "S660"
The "S660" enables a dignified open car style in a compact mini vehicle size with a dedicated layout of the midship engine rear drive (MR). A special body that achieves both high rigidity and light weight, and an ideal front-rear weight distribution of 45:55, realizes high handling performance with a low center of gravity.
In January 2020, we made a minor change with the concept of "deepening the design" and redesigned the headlights and front grille. Honda has also developed a total of seven body colors that enhance the coolness of the S660, such as the new color "Active Green Pearl," which is the first in Japan.
A seat heater with a two-stage temperature control function has also been added to the seat, making it possible to enjoy driving in the middle of winter in an open style. It is equipped with a high-speed 660㏄DOHC (double overhead camshaft) that uses a specially designed turbocharger, and also has a paddle shift that allows shift changes like a mission, making it a specification that pursues the joy of driving.
Recommended points of my car concierge! While maintaining high airtightness when the roof is attached, it is easy to install and remove, so you can enjoy the open style at will.
With a fixed amount Carmo, you can ride the S660 for 25,190 yen (tax included) monthly.
2. DAIHATSU "COPEN"
"Copen" realizes the joy of operating a sports car by adopting the specially developed high-rigidity platform "D-Frame". It is available in four grades, "Robe", "XPLAY", "Cero" and "GR SPORT", which can be selected according to the ideal driving.
In addition, the former three are available in two types, "STANDARD" where you can experience basic driving and "S" where you can enjoy aggressive driving, and it is a variation that you can get the driving you want.
The cockpit is also unique for each grade, and suede-like Recaro seats and MOMO leather-wrapped steering wheel are standard equipment on the S class and GR SPORT.
Even for storage that is difficult to secure in a two-seater open car, the door pocket, center console, back panel, etc. are used to demonstrate high collection capacity while being smart. The trunk hood that stores the roof in the open style can also store handbag-sized luggage together with the roof. Also, when the roof is closed, you can load luggage about the size of a golf bag.
In addition, the roof adopts the electric opening and closing type roof "Active Top" that can be fully opened in about 20 seconds. You can operate the roof while you are in the cockpit by operating the switch, so you can enjoy driving with confidence even in sudden rain.
Recommended points of my car concierge! A CVT car with a 7-speed super active shift and a 5-speed manual transmission car are available, so you can enjoy driving more like a sports car of your choice.
Flat-rate Carmo can ride Copen for 23,590 yen (tax included) monthly
Top 3 mini cars with a cool front view recommended by the private car concierge
If you feel that the compactness and looks of a mini vehicle halve its coolness, why not look for a model with a cool front view? Introducing a mini vehicle that has a charm that does not overturn the image of a mini vehicle so far, with a discerning front view that does not make you feel like a mini vehicle.
Many mini vehicles with a cool front view are sold as custom specifications or derivative models of the base model, and are recommended for those who want to ride a popular model more coolly. We would like to introduce three models that we would like you to pay particular attention to.
1. DAIHATSU "MOVE CUSTOM"
Source: Daihatsu "Move Custom" Appearance / Color
The "Move Custom," which is a custom version of the "Move," which is popular for its familiar design that does not choose a driver, is a mini vehicle with an impressive front view that is reminiscent of a minivan.
By adopting a dedicated front grill that is different from the Move, a bumper with a three-dimensional effect that looks like an overhang is realized. When the light is on, the LED illumination lamp lights up in an inverted L shape, emphasizing the dignified front view.
The platform uses the evolved collision safety body "TAF" and is equipped with a hood and fender impact mitigation device around the front. In addition, it is equipped with a "pedestrian injury reduction body" that enhances pedestrian protection performance through a bumper structure and other features.
In addition, the force control that suppresses front-back behavior, pitching, and left-right wobbling and enables smooth acceleration realizes stable driving and a flat ride.
The interior is a high-quality finish based on black. The instrument panel garnish and door ornament panel with high design create a sense of luxury. With an interior length of 2,080 mm and an interior width of 1,320 mm, you can fully enjoy the spacious interior space that makes you forget that it is a mini vehicle.
Recommended points of my car concierge! The wiper uses an aero wiper blade with enhanced aerodynamic characteristics. It has both functionality and design.
If you are a fixed-price Carmo, you can ride Move Custom for 15,890 yen (tax included) monthly.
2. SUZUKI "WAGON R STINGRAY"
The "Wagon R Stingray", which is a lineup of hybrid cars only, is a derivative model of Suzuki's casual car "Wagon R".
The new lightweight and highly rigid platform "HEARTECT" is used as the base platform. In addition, the R06A turbo engine, which produces powerful driving while demonstrating excellent fuel efficiency in the high-end grade "HYBRID T", has been adopted to achieve powerful and sporty driving. It is the same as the Wagon R in that it is equipped with an R60D engine that utilizes thermal efficiency improvement technology, but you can feel the uniqueness of the "Wagon R Stingray" in this respect.
The exterior design has also been revamped, and the "Wagon R Stingray" uses a dedicated front grille integrated with the headlamps. The body with a height at the tip of the bonnet is also plated, giving it a cool and cool finish.
With an interior length of 2,450 mm, which boasts the number one light wagon, the spacious interior space has a calm atmosphere based on black. The horizontal instrument panel has a meter panel installed in the center, and is plated and piano black processed everywhere.
Recommended points of my car concierge! The HYBRID T is equipped with a paddle shift on the steering, allowing you to change shifts without taking your hands off the steering.
If you are a flat-rate Carmo, you can ride the Wagon R Stingray for 19,410 yen (tax included) monthly.
3. NISSAN "ROOX"
As the name suggests, the Roox, which is a combination of "ROOM" and "BOX," is a super-height wagon-type mini vehicle that boasts a large interior space. Due to the model change of the second generation Dayz Roox, it will be released in March 2020 in an independent form.
The grade can be selected from standard specification vehicles as well as highway stars. At Highway Star, the V-motion grille, which symbolizes the Nissan brand, is emphasized to enhance its presence and coolness.
The abundant body colors of 17 colors vary depending on the grade, but the highway star is characterized by a lot of astringent shades. Choose a color that tightens the exterior, such as the theme color amethyst purple, stable black, or titanium gray, for a cooler look.
The height inside the car is 1,400 mm, which is a height that makes you feel comfortable overhead even if an adult sits down. The distance between the front seats and the rear seats is also 770 mm, which ensures sufficient space for the feet of the rear seats, which tend to be narrow.
The rear sliding door has a large opening width of up to 650 mm, making it easy to get on and off. In addition, some grades have a "hands-free auto slide door" that automatically opens and closes the sliding door just by inserting your foot into the bottom of the door, and if you operate it when the sliding door closes, it will automatically open when the door closes. Equipped with "all door interlocking lock function" that is locked. It is one that is highly convenient when getting on and off.
Recommended points of my car concierge! If the rear seat that can slide up to 320 mm is in the foreground, a luggage room with a luggage compartment floor length of 675 mm can be secured. In addition to being cool, it also has excellent storage capacity.
With a fixed amount Carmo, you can ride the Roox for 17,320 yen (tax included) monthly.
How much do you need to buy a cool light car?
A cool mini car with a lot of attention tends to add options and customizations to make it cooler, and it tends to be higher than the market price of a general mini car.
It is desirable to purchase with a new car in order to finish it to your liking, but when purchasing a new car, legal costs and other expenses are required in addition to the main unit price. In many cases, it is necessary to prepare the same initial cost as a regular car. When considering a purchase, be aware of the cost of buying a new car to help you budget.
Costs required to purchase a new mini vehicle
When purchasing a new mini vehicle, in addition to the vehicle price, legal costs, various costs, and fees are required. The breakdown and estimated amount of each are as follows.
The market price is 10 to 20% of the vehicle body price.
In addition to these, a down payment is also required when using a car loan.
Simulation of purchasing a cool light car with a new car
The cost required to purchase a new car varies depending on the model, so it is difficult to know how much it will cost in total. Therefore, let's simulate the purchase cost by taking Suzuki's "Hustler", which is popular among cool mini cars, as an example.
In addition, the purchase condition is grade "HYBRID G" and no equipment such as options is attached, and various expenses and fees are 15%, which is the average value of the market price.
| breakdown | Amount of money | |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle body price | 1,241,000 yen | |
| Legal costs | consumption tax | 124,100 yen |
| Light vehicle tax (type discount) | 10,800 yen | |
| Car weight tax (3 years) | 9,900 yen | |
| Environmental performance discount | 0 Yen | |
| Liability insurance premium (36 months) | 28,910 yen | |
| Various costs and fees (15% of the vehicle price) | 186,150 yen | |
| total | 1.6 million 860 yen |
Since the fuel efficiency of "Hustler HYBRID G" has achieved + 20%, the environmental performance discount is exempt from taxation. Even so, the total legal cost is 173,710 yen, and the total of various costs and fees is 186,150 yen, which requires more than 350,000 yen in addition to the main unit cost.
Furthermore, if you add a safety performance package or optional functions, the purchase price may be close to 2 million yen.
How to get a good deal on a cool light car
It turned out that the total purchase cost of Hustler exceeds 1.6 million yen even without options. If you borrow and purchase 1.6 million yen with a 5-year loan with no down payment, no bonus payment, and an interest rate of 3%, the monthly repayment amount will be 28,750 yen.
Even if you prepare a down payment or statutory expenses in cash and reduce the amount of borrowing, you will not be able to avoid a large temporary expense. In addition to this, in order to maintain it, you also need to pay a light vehicle tax (classified discount) every year, a vehicle inspection fee that you are obliged to receive every two years, and regular maintenance costs such as replacement of consumable parts.
If you want to get a good deal on a cool mini car with options, or if you want to keep purchasing and maintenance costs as low as possible, we recommend that you consider car leasing.
What is a car leasing that you can get a good deal on a cool light car?
Car leasing is a car subscription service that allows you to ride a car owned by a leasing company for a fixed fee. The monthly leasing fee includes the initial cost, tax, and liability insurance when purchasing a new car, so you can start riding with a flat rate without a down payment.
In addition, since the lease fee is calculated by subtracting the estimated residual value when returning after the contract period ends from the main unit price, you can get on a new car cheaper than a car loan. Some leasing companies allow you to set a fixed maintenance fee by subscribing to an optional maintenance plan, so you can enjoy your car life even more profitably.
Click here to find out more about car leasing
With a fixed amount of Carmo, you can ride a cool light car from the 10,000 yen level monthly.
Let's see how much you actually get, if you lease a hustler with a fixed amount Carmo. The grade is "HYBRID G" with no options, and the contract is the same as the estimated car loan for 5 years.
If you lease the Hustler with a fixed amount Carmo, the monthly payment after applying the net discount is 27,280 yen (tax included). Save 1,470 yen a month compared to a mortgage. The leasing fee includes various taxes such as automobile tax (type discount), and unlike car loans, there is no interest, so if you look at the total amount for 5 years, you can see that you can get a good deal.
In addition, there is also a maintenance plan for fixed-price Carmo-kun, and it is possible to set a fixed amount such as the basic vehicle inspection fee, replacement cost and wages for some consumables, and depending on the plan, restoration cost at the time of return. It is also possible to select the nearest location from major affiliated companies with more than 30,000 stores nationwide and receive maintenance, saving you the trouble of searching for a request destination every time repairs or vehicle inspections are performed.
With the fixed-price Carmo, you can ride a new car of your choice from all grades of all domestic models, so you will be able to start your car life reasonably with your favorite cool mini car.
If you have more choices, you can get a great deal on a fully equipped and cool mini car.
クロスオーバータイプやカスタム仕様などかっこいいスタイルのものが多く、性能も向上している昨今の軽自動車。装備が充実している一方、普通自動車のコンパクトカークラスとほとんど価格が変わらないものも増えています。
お得に乗れるカーリースを利用するなど、車の利用方法の選択肢が増えれば、フル装備のかっこいい軽自動車にお得に乗ることも可能です。自分に合ったかっこいい軽自動車に乗る最善の方法を見つけましょう。
自分に合った軽自動車を探す
カルモマガジンではあなたにベストな軽自動車を選んでいただけるよう、用途別でおすすめ軽自動車を紹介しています。ぜひ車選びにお役立てください。
さっそく自分に合う軽自動車を探す
※2022年3月15日までにこのリンク先のページからお申し込みをいただき、その後契約に至った方（契約日は期間より後でも可）
FAQ
Q1：かっこいい軽自動車のおすすめタイプは？
A：アウトドアを意識したSUV系軽自動車、スポーツカータイプなどがおすすめです。自分のスタイルに合ったかっこよさを追求して選びましょう。
Q2：かっこいい軽自動車を選ぶポイントは？
A：フロントビューのルックスやインテリア 、カラーリングなどにこだわるとかっこいい軽自動車を絞ることができます。加えて、機能性や安全性についてオプションもチェックしましょう。
Q3：かっこいい軽自動車にお得に乗る方法は？
A：カスタムモデルやオプションを選ぶと軽自動車でも高価格帯になってしまいます。カーリースを利用するなど、車に乗る手段を変えることで費用を抑えてかっこいい軽自動車に乗りましょう。
※記事の内容は2020年11月時点の情報で制作しています。