The Honda Life is a name that is being used on various kei car/city cars produced by Honda: passenger cars, microvans, and kei trucks. The first series of the nameplate was built between 1971 and 1974, with the name being revived in 1997. The Honda Life has rarely been marketed outside Japan.
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First generation (1971-1974)
The original Life range was offered as a two-door or four-door hatchback and in a three-door wagon model (also sold as a commercial van), replacing the Honda NIII360. Compared with the previous Honda minicar series, passenger comfort was improved to make this a better family car - indeed, Honda's target was to make a kei which was as habitable as a period 1-liter car. The wheelbase, at 2,080 mm (82 in), was eight cm longer than that of the predecessor. The entire Life range had a water-cooled Honda EA 356 cc engine, usually producing 30 PS (30 hp) at 8,000 rpm. which began as the air-cooled engine borrowed from the Honda CB450 motorcycle. Top speed of a sedan is 105 km/h. The sprint to 100 km/h came up in 34.9 seconds in a period test. In September 1972, the tall and curiously shaped "Life Step Van" was introduced, with either three or five doors. A pickup version of this was later added to the lineup, but had minimal impact on the market.
The engine was also installed with a balance shaft to reduce vibration. The engine was called "refined" in period tests, and was considered to be as quiet and smooth as some four-cylinder engines. The change to a water-cooled engine also eliminated the smell in the heating system commonly associated with air-cooled engines that drew the heated air into the passenger compartment. Another improvement was that the gearbox was separate from the engine, unlike in the N-series where the gearbox was in the sump (as for the original Mini). Production of the Life coincided with the larger Honda Civic with both vehicles having introduced a timing belt (rather than chain) for the operation of the overhead cam.
This version of the Life was exported to a few markets such as Australia, where the four-door version (same specs as in the Japanese version) entered the market in the middle of 1972. The two-door N360/600 continued on sale alongside. The Life was only produced for four years, as the Civic proved to be much more popular both in Japan and internationally, and when the decision was made to cancel the Life, it ended Honda's production of a passenger kei car until 1985, with the introduction of the Honda Today. At the time, the Life was ¥350,000, and the Civic was ¥400,000. The Civic also had an advantage of size, making the car safer in a collision.
- 1971, June 1
The Life emerged as the successor to the Honda NIII360. It was fitted with a series of newly designed two-cylinder 356 cc SOHC, liquid-cooled four-stroke engines equipped with a balancer shaft. For strictly urban use, a lower-revving engine with a lower compression (8.0:1, as opposed to 8.8:1 for the higher powered version) was installed in the "Life Town". For this version, which was a no-cost option across the range, the engine output was dropped to a lowly 21 PS (15 kW) at 6,500 rpm - as opposed to 8,000 rpm for the high-compression unit. It also received a three-speed transmission, meaning that top speed was limited to 90 km/h.
- 1971, July 20
An all-new, three-speed, fully automatic transmission was made available. Unlike the manual, the automatic's shifter was column-mounted.
- 1971, September 6
A three-door commercial-use "Van" was added, with unique bodywork from the B-pillars back. Slightly taller than its sedan counterparts, like them the Life Van was also available with the full automatic transmission.
- 1971 October 25
A private-use version of the Life Van (called "Wagon", chassis code WA) was added, priced midway between the two- and four-door sedans. This could also be equipped with the three-speed automatic. The Van can be told from a wagon by its tattletale luggage rails visible through the rear windows.
- 1972, May 1
A sporty engine with twin constant velocity carburettors was added, for the new "Touring" range. The all two-door lineup consisted of the SS, SL, and the GS on top. Power was up to 36 PS (26 kW) at 9,000 rpm, and the top-of-the-line GS received a dogleg five-speed gearbox to take full advantage of the peakier engine. The Touring GS could reach a top speed of 120 km/h. On June 15 of the same year, the Life received a minor facelift with redesigned grilles, and in September four-door versions of the Touring range appeared. Production of the lower-powered "Town" engine also came to an end during 1972.
- 1972, September 20
The Life Step Van was launched, the packaging of which embodies the tall wagon style so popular for current keis.
- 1973, August 21
The Life Pickup was released. At the same time, the sedan lineup underwent a minor facelift (another new grille) and the lineup was reshuffled. The automatic option was now only available on one two-door and one four-door model.
- 1974, October
In the face of an ever-contracting Kei class combined with ever more stringent emissions standards, manufacture of the Life series, along with the Z360/600, came to an end. This ended Honda kei passenger car participation, until the 1985 arrival of the Today.
Life Step Van
This Step Van type variant, which shares the VA chassis code with the low-bodied Life Van, also uses the same 30 PS (22 kW) 356 cc, two-cylinder water-cooled engine as does the rest of the range. At the time of introduction, its appearance was considered a novel approach, but it had some benefits in that the engine was installed up front and with front wheel drive. The Step Van, while its loading space was shorter, it could offer certain interior space advantages such as a very low and flat floor that competing, rear-wheel drive vehicles couldn't provide at the time. It drew many influences from the DKW Schnellaster produced in Europe. Its appearance, while unique and not appreciated when new, is now the standard approach for current kei products from Japanese manufacturers. The rear gate was of a clamshell style, divided horizontally. The 605 kg (1,334 lb) Step Van, like the regular Life Van, could carry 300 kg (661 lb) with two occupants, down to 200 kg (441 lb) with the full complement of two more passengers.
The van was first sold on 20 September 1972 with production ending in 1974, at an introductory price of ¥376,000 for the standard Step Van and ¥403,000 for the Super DX version. The Step Van series was only ever available with a four-speed manual transmission. The price of the Standard model had crept up to ¥388,000 by the time of the introduction of the pickup version. A total of 17,165 vehicles were produced, for a total of less than half the projected 2,000 units per month. It also can be found in the Gran Turismo 4, Gran Turismo (PSP), Gran Turismo 5 and Gran Turismo 6 videogames, as the Honda Life StepVan.
Introduced on 21 August 1973, this version of the Life was designed as a pickup truck. The pick-up received the PA chassis code. In spite of weighing only 550 kg (1,213 lb), the Life Pickup could carry a 350 kg (772 lb) payload. Production ended in 1974, with no more than 1,132 vehicles produced, as the Honda TN7 cab over truck with its considerably longer bed proved to be more popular.
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Second generation (1997-1998)
In 1997, the Life name was resurrected for a new line of small, front wheel drive 5-door MPV style cars, which required a redesign for 1998 because of new Japanese taxing regulations.[1] The Life used the three-cylinder Honda E07A engine. It replaced the Honda Today and was available exclusively in Japan at Honda Primo dealerships. This bodystyle appearance was introduced in response to the popularity of the Suzuki Wagon R, which found many buyers, and competes with the Daihatsu Cuore, Subaru Pleo, and the Mitsubishi Toppo in the "tall wagon" segment of kei cars.
It was introduced as a revision of the 1970s "StepVan" appearance, sharing the second generation Honda Today basic components. Powertrain and chassis, interior, dimensions almost identical with the Honda Today. Was an interim model that reflected changes in the law regulating kei cars, and due to subsequent changes in the law again, this version was only built for about one and a half years.
It used the Honda E07A engine, 660 cc SOHC 3-cylinder, 4 valves per cylinder, with Honda's PGM-FI as standard equipment. Transmission is 5 speed manual transmissions, or a 3-speed automatic transmission.
It was also included with a driver side "SRS" airbag, heat absorption ultraviolet radiation glass, antibacterial steering wheel, and an antilock brake system available options. Grade system was the three grades of "B", "G" and "T". The use of one windshield wiper for the front windshield was carried over from the Honda Today.
Chronology
Third generation (1998-2003)
Responding to new legislation, the 1998 model was bigger than its short-lived second generation counterpart, with 3,395 mm (133.7 in) length and 1,475 mm (58.1 in) width.
In December 2000, a turbocharged variant named Honda Life Dunk was introduced as 2001 year model. The Honda Life Dunk and the Honda That's were listed by Forbes magazine as among the weirdest car names.
"Kei-Mover" appeared as a new version in the lineup. Practicality, safety, and environmental performance were prioritized, improving economic efficiency.
- 1998 January 10
As the standard was revised in minicars, the body was lengthened to 3,395 mm and the width increased to 1,475 mm, which allowed for improvements in collision safety performance. Safety was increased further by the SRS airbags which are also standard equipment, also in the passenger seat.
Corresponding to the enlargement of the second generation body, the engine was changed from the E07A to the improved E07Z. About 20% while improving low rpm torque, low-emission vehicles (LEV) became in compliance. In 5-speed MT and 3-speed AT with follow basically the second transmission, the AT car (Column Shift) was adopted. A new four-wheel drive powertrain is introduced.
Chronology
"Minuet", based on half the front window shade, MD / CD player with AM / FM tuner, special edition models equipped with a metallic center panel "Minuet DX" was released.
"Life," "Life Dunk" both made minor changes. "Life" is a full grade, "Minuet" and richer, the metallic center panel and front windows half-shade, as well as with the MD / CD player with AM / FM tuner, while making a high quality seat upholstery, 10,000 yen than before the Price. "G" is also equipped with privacy glass, while making a high quality seat upholstery, Price was $500 here than before. Other, "L"-equipped MD / CD player with AM / FM tuner. The body color is a "topic" to add the color was only three colors, including those of color was 10. "Dunk" is equipped with interior grade casual outside the newly dedicated "Diva (Diva)" was set. Others, along with applying a blue coating on reflector headlights, "TR" alloy wheels in a gunmetal color, the sheet was subjected to silver stitching, a 6-dash CD changer and MD players association with AM / FM tuner and the driver's seat armrest the equipment. In addition, body color was added.
Fourth generation (2003-2008)
2003 saw the Life updated with a 660 cc 3-cylinder engine. An optional turbocharger, mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission and optional 4-wheel drive are also available. The safety features were significantly improved and engine emissions were reduced.[2] A triangle window was placed at the mounting point of wing mirrors in 3rd generation vehicle.
In 2005, Honda introduced the DIVA model, which included aerodynamic styling and aluminium wheels.
2007 change
2007 models started production on 2006-10-05. It marked the first use of Honda Smart Parking Assist System in a production Honda vehicle.
DIVA Special
It is a model went on sale in 2006-06-07.
F Happy Special
It is a model went on sale in 2007-11-8.
C Specials
C Comfort Special and C Fine Special went on sale in December 20, 2007.
Unlike the predecessor body, "Honda's design made good" (advertising slogan in Japan) was the theme of a more rounded style. The newly developed Honda engine Type P07A 660cc SOHC 6 valve inline 3-cylinder with i-DSi of naturally aspirated (52PS) and Turbo (64PS) has increased horsepower. The transmission will only be AT, was a four-speed transmission. Placed next to the speedometer display is a multifunction display, including the emphasis on interior appearance than on price, and ride quality. Easy to grip in any direction, the circular door handles are said to be influenced by an ice cream spoon. The percentage of products purchased were expecting a higher percentage of young women buyers have come up mainly in emphasis towards drivability. "Japan Car Auto" testing of confrontation came in second mini. In addition, the system grades "C" · "F" · "D" turbo specification for each grade, and ("C Turbo" · "F Turbo" · "D turbo") and 6 grades, the turbo is no longer given the trim package name "Dunk".
Chronology
Specifications
Engine is rated 52 PS (38 kW; 51 hp) at 6,700 rpm and 61 N·m (45 lb·ft) at 3,800 rpm for non-turbo model, and 64 PS (47 kW; 63 hp) at 6,000 rpm and 93 N·m (69 lb·ft) at 4,000 rpm for the turbo model.
Honda That's
The Honda That's was a kei car manufactured from 2002-2006 by Honda for the Japanese market only. The vehicle has a five-door "tall wagon" hatchback body, with considerable height given its limited length and width, limited by kei car regulations limits. It was sold at Honda Japanese dealerships Honda Verno and Honda Clio, whereas the "Life" was sold at Honda Primo. That's is based on the Series JB5-8 Honda Life kei car platform, and comes in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive versions, and it shares the Life's E07Z three-cylinder inline, 656 cc engine, available in either naturally aspirated (38 kW) or turbocharged (47 kW) versions (the latter was dropped in 2006 with the arrival of the turbocharged Honda Zest). All versions only come with a three-speed automatic transmission.
The That's went on sale in Japan on February 8, 2002 with prices starting at ¥ 1,034,000. On October 15, 2004, Honda released a special version, slashing the price to ¥ 900,000, which resulted in a 200% increase in sales. A minor facelift took place in 2006, with the facelifted That's debuting on March 22; at the same time, the turbocharged version was dropped. Total production of the car ended in 2006 with the discontinuation of Honda Verno, Honda Primo, and Honda Clio.
Fifth generation (2008-2014)
In November 2008 Honda introduced the fifth generation Life. This generation is available in C, G, PASTEL, PASTEL turbo, DIVA, DIVA turbo. A higher specification model marketed towards a younger crowd is called the Honda Zest, sharing all mechanicals with the Life.
Specifications
It uses Honda P07A engine. Engine is rated 52 PS (38 kW; 51 hp) at 7100 rpm and 60 N·m (44 lb·ft) at 3600 rpm for non-turbo model, and 64 PS (47 kW; 63 hp) at 6000 rpm and 93 N·m (69 lb·ft) at 4000 rpm for turbo model (available in PASTEL and DIVA models).
Vehicle code:
- DBA-JC1: FF
- CBA-JC2: 4WD
2008 September 18, and in the press release, and continuously changing the amount of air bags, the emissions control for the driver's seat called the "ECO" button that displays encouragement for driving eco-friendly, and high protection performance and low-impact "i-SRS airbag system "(the force deployed during an impact is measured against many veriables) was announced to be built into the fifth generation Honda Life. October "teaser ad" started the introduction to the Japanese market, the "Casual" trim package represented the standard equipment trim package, the "G type", and the sporty grade "DIVA" in addition to the new grade enhanced the addition of the fashionably equipped "PASTEL" trim package.
In the fifth generations exterior styling is an interpretation of a "daily smile technology" approach. The original concept has been taken into account in particular the ease of operation. Front narrow pillars and lower door sash, with a large integrated triangle window in the front doors, a front windshield wiper review of the side front position, the waistline and front passenger outward view optimization, adoption of the rear quarter windows, the size of the tailgate window and rear seat review of the shape of the seat back, the embedded headlight inclusion, have improved the appearance of the front side and rear view over the previous generation.
Vehicle Dimensions Length Width is a mini-ever full frame, total height is 1,610 mm (FF models: +35 mm compared to its predecessor) has been set higher, and have contributed to the expansion of interior volume. The vehicles platform chassis was renewed, and yet it was about 40 kg lighter than its predecessor's. The position of number plates, as well as three second-top predecessor's tailgate, rear bumper on the back has been changed from the previous generation.
An audio monitor with back, the first in the mini standard (except for C-type). Thus, Honda Smart Parking Assist System, from the simple type of voice guidance, now assisted steering is performed in both forward and backward.
Chronology
Honda Zest
The Honda Zest is a kei car, released in 2006, by Honda and is mechanically identical to the fifth generation Honda Life. It comes equipped with a turbo charged engine, 3 cylinders, and 4 doors as standard. It was one of the first kei car available with optional side curtain airbags. It was available in two distinct versions -- Zest and Zest Sports. In fall/winter 2008, the Zest Sports was replaced with the Zest Spark. Honda enlisted J-Pop mega-star Ayumi Hamasaki to promote the Zest Spark. The "Ayu ZEST SPARK" collaboration has come to the extent where the limited edition of the vehicle features Ayu's "A" logo, known as "A Style Package".
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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