Honda Beat profile explores the legendary kei car produced by the Japanese company Honda from May 1991 until February 1996 as a unique two-seater roadster featuring a rear mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout.
As the very last vehicle to receive personal approval from Soichiro Honda before his passing in 1991, approximately 33,600 units were manufactured, with roughly two-thirds built during the inaugural production year.
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SubscribePininfarina originally conceived the vehicle design before selling the plans to Honda, ensuring the car perfectly maximized Japan's distinct tax-efficient kei car regulations of the era.
Marketed exclusively across Japan through Honda Primo dealership channels under the banner of Midship Amusement, the model offered enthusiasts a thrilling driving experience in a compact package.
Engineering and Special Editions of the Beat
Engineering excellence defined the model, utilizing a 656cc engine enhanced with the MTREC system featuring individual throttle bodies for each of the three cylinders to generate 64PS.
Standard equipment included air conditioning, power windows, and four-wheel disc brakes, making it a groundbreaking entry in the compact sports car market alongside competitors like the Suzuki Cappuccino.
Special variants like the 1992 Version F in Aztec Green Pearl and the 1993 Version Z added distinctive cosmetic upgrades, alloy wheels, and custom interior gauges.
The legacy of the vehicle was cemented in May 2010 when 569 owners gathered at the Twin Ring Motegi circuit to set a Guinness World Record for the largest parade of Honda cars.