The world’s smallest car and caravan combo has been launched by Honda at the Japan Camping Car Show 2015.
The car doing the towing is a tiny Honda N-Truck and the caravan is the new N-Camp. The N-Truck is referred to in Japan as a ‘Kei car’; a vehicle restricted in size, engine displacement and power in order to bypass tax and insurance regulations and, in certain areas, a requirement that parking is available for a vehicle before it is bought.
Unfortunately, we are unlikely to see such cars here unless car manufacturers have their hands forced in the same way.
Size is the Kei
When environmentalists and road safety campaigners criticise 4x4s, they are in most part objecting to Chelsea tractors; the large and heavy off-road cars used in urban areas, and not four-wheel drive Kei cars like the 66 mpg Nissan Carol.
Four-wheel drive adds weight, but helps in slippery conditions, and in the case of the 660 cc Nissan Carol, is combined with electronic brake distribution and fuel-efficient continuously variable transmission (CVT).
Even though it is small and relatively modest in appearance, the tiny £8,000 Nissan Carol is packed with features normally found only on more expensive models: key-less entry and start, four-wheel ABS and wing mirror heaters all come as standard.
The Nissan Carol proves that tough regulations do not stifle the creativity of car makers, quite the opposite in fact.
City-friendly SUVs
The Land Rover Discovery, a 4×4 popular in urban areas, weighs 2,740kg – over three-and-a-half times more than the 700 kg Daihatsu Basket concept car.
The Basket seats four, has a removable roof canopy and the rear seats that fold flush to create a pick-up configuration. A combination of low kerb weight and an efficient three-cylinder, 660 cc engine delivers an impressive 70 mpg.
City cars such as these could redefine the SUV for city dwellers who want the flexible load space and lifestyle associations of an off-road vehicle, but have no need for four-wheel drive and want to significantly reduce the environmental impact of their motoring.
The option of a N-Truck miniature caravan would only add to their versatility.
ETA breakdown cover
Breakdown cover from the ETA covers the towing of trailers and caravans as standard. Established over 24 years ago, and with over 5,000 recovery trucks on call 24/7, we have a proven track record of providing efficient, reliable breakdown cover.
We handpick only the best local mechanics and garages around Britain to send out if you break down. We believe this way of working is efficient, environmentally friendly and helps support local communities and economies, too.
On top of this, we offset the carbon emissions of the recovery trucks that go out to assist you, reducing the impact your breakdown has on our environment. We also support the ETA Trust, a charity we set up in 1994 to campaign for a safer, cleaner transport future.
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