Does a Kei Car under €10,000 have a place in France?
This page is translated from the original post "Une Kei Car à moins de 10 000 € a-t-elle sa place en France ?" in French.
- 26/08/2025 9:31
While large polluting vehicles crystallize all hatred in France, why not draw inspiration from the Kei Car model?
In Japan, it’s hard to overlook Kei cars. These micro-cars, regulated to a maximum length of 3.40 m and a width of 1.48 m, represent nearly 40% of the national market. They are appreciated for their lighter tax burden, lower insurance costs, and ease of maneuvering in narrow streets or parking in tight spots. But beyond the economics, they embody a philosophy: that of rational, compact, yet comfortable mobility.
It is in this context that Nissan unveiled the new Roox, one of the most popular models in its Kei range. This fourth generation aims to be a true showcase of the segment, demonstrating that the Japanese small car has nothing to envy from its larger siblings. The interior, designed as a “rolling living room,” boasts a record length of 2.31 m, capable of accommodating four adults without compromise. The trunk can hold up to four suitcases. Onboard, there is even a world first for a Kei Car, with a perfectly integrated 12.3-inch touchscreen, combined with Google Built-in and a host of driving assistance systems worthy of higher categories.
A real car before being a small car
The Roox also illustrates the growing refinement of Kei cars. Careful design, pleasant materials, advanced soundproofing, seats treated like furniture… we are far from the spartan image of the minicars of yesteryear. Add sliding doors, exemplary modularity, and an entry price around €10,000, and you get a formula that appeals to Japanese families.
But beyond Japan, the question arises: what if such a model could appeal to Europe? In France, the urban landscape is changing rapidly. Parking is becoming rare and expensive, particularly in Paris where SUVs are now the target of all hatred and heavily taxed. Are public authorities looking to reduce carbon footprints and vehicle congestion? Kei cars offer a simple answer. Small, economical, perfectly suited for daily commutes, yet without sacrificing comfort or technology.
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The Nissan Roox will likely not arrive in Europe in its current form, due to the lack of a comparable regulatory framework. But its success is a reminder that the mobility of tomorrow does not have to be massive or ostentatious. Perhaps it is time for France to draw inspiration from Japan and consider a category of smart mini-cars as a credible alternative to the now undesirable SUVs in the city.
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