The last time Americans could purchase a new kei car from a dealership in the United States was 1971, when Malcolm Bricklin was still trying to make the Subaru 360 a success. Interestingly, the US-market Honda N600 didn’t qualify as a kei car due to its engine size exceeding Japanese regulations at the time.
Fast forward to today, and Japanese car enthusiasts have a wide range of kei cars and trucks to choose from. A recent visit to Subaru HQ in Tokyo provided insight into the 2024 Subaru Chiffon brochure, revealing the features of this compact kei van. It’s worth noting that Subaru no longer manufactures its own kei vans; the Chiffon is actually a rebadged Daihatsu Tanto, similar to how the current Sambar is a rebadged Daihatsu Hijet Truck.
Key Features of the 2024 Subaru Chiffon
The Subaru Chiffon is remarkably efficient, with a wheelbase of just under 97 inches, making it easy to park while maximizing space. The two-wheel-drive version achieves better than 60 mpg, making it an attractive option for those looking for fuel efficiency.
Pricing
The MSRP for the 2024 Subaru Chiffon ranges from ¥1,350,000 to ¥2,106,500, which translates to approximately $8,990 to $14,020 at the current exchange rate. While this pricing is specific to the Japanese market, it gives an idea of the van’s positioning in terms of cost.
For those interested in seeing more, the entire brochure is available for viewing, providing a comprehensive look at how the new Chiffon could suit various lifestyles, particularly for those who might be moving to Japan.
The Subaru Chiffon, with its efficient design and fuel economy, represents an interesting option in the kei van category, even if it’s not available in the US market.
