Honda and Mazda-based custom cars highlight Japanese automotive trends

The Japanese automotive market is seeing diverse developments in both electric and custom vehicle segments. Honda has introduced the N-ONE e:, a new battery electric vehicle (BEV) based on its popular N-series kei car platform. Designed for urban mobility, the N-ONE e: utilizes existing production lines and components to maintain cost efficiency. It features a compact design with a range of approximately 295km under the WLTC mode. While the sticker price is between 2.69 million and 3.19 million yen, government subsidies can reduce the effective cost to around 2.1 million yen.

In the custom car sector, the tuning shop DUCKS-GARDEN has gained attention for the Nightingale, a retro-styled conversion based on the third-generation Mazda Roadster (NC type). Inspired by the 1968 Familia Rotary Coupe and featuring a name derived from the Gundam series, the Nightingale offers a classic aesthetic with round headlights and a low-slung nose. Unlike many concept cars, the Nightingale is designed for legal road use in Japan and is available for purchase at approximately 1.04 million yen.