Imagine a Honda with four wheels, compact, surprisingly sporty and just right for the Japanese kei class. That’s the N360, Honda’s first full-fledged family car. In our November issue, Marina Block tells us how the Honda N360, once the brand’s “People’s Car,” was a great addition for Honda enthusiasts. This model was introduced in the XNUMXs, a time when Honda was best known for its motorcycles.
The charm of a sporty city car
Dieter, an avid motorcyclist and Honda enthusiast, happened upon the N360 when he received it as a kind of bonus at a motorcycle swap. As the proud owner of a Honda CB 350 Four, he was already convinced of the sporty power of Honda's two-wheelers, but the N360 turned out to be a pleasant surprise. This mini sedan was just as well thought out as Honda's motorcycles, with a compact but punchy air-cooled two-cylinder engine. Despite its small size, the N360 could reach a top speed of almost 120 km/h, which is not bad for such a compact car.
The first steps to success
The N360 wasn't Honda's first four-wheeled vehicle, but it was the first model that Honda positioned as a family car. The brand's first four-wheeler was actually a small truck, the T360, and the sporty S500 series also got its fair share of attention. But with the N360, Honda proved that it could make a compact car that was both practical and fun, a true kei car with grit.
A precursor to the Civic
The popularity of the N360 opened the door to further developments in Honda's car production, which eventually led to icons such as the Honda Civic. The N360 shows how Honda translated its technical knowledge from the motorcycle world to cars. The success of this model confirmed Honda's potential in the global car market.
Curious about the whole story? The November issue of Auto Motor Klassiek is now available at newsstands!
(Photo can be found further down)
I see the Honda E as related to the N360 and N600.
There are only four of them left driving around here.