The 2019 Honda N-Box Custom is the undisputed king of Japan's Kei car market. Origin: Japan. First Generation: Launched in 2011 (JF1/2). Current Generation: 3rd Generation (JF5/6, launched 2023). This review covers the 2nd Generation (JF3/4), which perfected the formula. The "Custom" model adds aggressive bumpers, LED lights, and a premium interior that feels more like a CR-V than a budget car. It is a masterpiece of space efficiency.

Standard Honda reliability in a small package:

• 660cc i-VTEC (S07B): 58 HP. STANDARD Features VTEC on the intake side for better breathing. Smooth and refined for city use.
• 660cc Turbo (S07B Turbo): 64 HP / 104 Nm. RECOMMENDED The turbo engine includes an electric wastegate for faster response. It handles Nairobi's hills with ease, even with passengers.

• Super Slide Seat: The front passenger seat can slide back and forth by 57cm! This allows the driver to reach children in the rear seat easily or create a walk-through space.
• Tall Cabin: Interior height is 1,400mm. Small children can stand up to change clothes. The rear seats fold flat to create a van-like cargo area.

• Consumption: 20–25 km/l. It is a fuel-sipper.
• Service: Parts are shared with the N-ONE and N-WGN. Consumables are cheap. However, windscreen glass (huge and upright) is expensive and prone to stone chips.

Urban Only: 145mm clearance is fine for town, but the small wheels struggle with potholes. The boxy shape means it gets pushed around by crosswinds on the highway. It is the ultimate CBD runabout, not a safari car.

Standard Honda Sensing on all trims (Collision Mitigation Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist). This level of safety tech is unheard of in other budget cars like the Alto. Reliability is bulletproof.

The following prices represent the cost of buying a 2019 Honda N-Box Custom in Kenya. These prices reflect showroom asking prices in major towns including Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, and Eldoret.

Who is this for? The family who needs the interior space of a Noah but only has the parking space of a Vitz. Who is it NOT for? Those who do long highway trips—the wind noise and small engine will tire you out.