The Honda Z is a compact and stylish SUV that has earned a distinct place in the automotive market. Initially launched in 1998 and produced until 2002, the Honda Z was a unique kei car targeted at urban drivers looking for an efficient yet versatile vehicle. Inspired by Honda's legacy in small yet capable cars, the Z featured a distinctive high-roof design and a rugged appearance that made it stand out among competitors.
The vehicle was powered by a 660cc engine, aligning with Japan's kei car regulations. Honda positioned the Z as a lifestyle vehicle, catering to drivers who wanted both city-friendly dimensions and a hint of off-road capability.
Designed primarily for the Japanese market, the Honda Z came with a four-wheel-drive (4WD) option, enhancing its appeal for customers in snowy or rough terrains. With its compact size, innovative features, and practical design, the Honda Z remains an interesting model in Honda's history.
Even though production ended in 2002, the Honda Z continues to have a niche following among enthusiasts who appreciate its distinctive design and engineering.
Honda Z Specifications
The Honda Z was powered by a 656cc three-cylinder engine, available in both naturally aspirated and turbocharged variants. The turbocharged version produced around 63 horsepower, making it one of the more powerful kei cars of its time. The engine was paired with a Honda Multi Matic S continuously variable transmission (CVT), ensuring smooth acceleration and an efficient driving experience.
Honda designed the Z with both front-wheel-drive (FWD) and real-time 4WD configurations. The 4WD system improved traction on slippery roads, making it a practical choice for those driving in challenging conditions. Despite its small engine displacement, the Z was engineered to deliver a balanced performance, offering decent acceleration and fuel economy.
The car had a wheelbase of 2,360 mm and an overall length of 3,395 mm, allowing it to maneuver easily in urban environments. It featured a lightweight yet robust frame, keeping the curb weight around 960 kg. Fuel efficiency was a key highlight, with the Honda Z offering an average consumption of approximately 15-18 km/l, depending on driving conditions. The fuel tank had a capacity of 40 liters, providing a decent range between refueling stops.
The braking system consisted of hydraulic disc brakes at the front and drum brakes at the rear. The suspension setup included a front McPherson strut system and a rear 5-link rigid axle suspension, contributing to a balanced and comfortable ride.
Honda Z Interior
Inside the Honda Z, the cabin was designed to maximize space and comfort within its compact dimensions. The high-roof design contributed to an airy feel, providing ample headroom for both the driver and passengers. The seats were upholstered in high-quality fabric, ensuring durability and comfort for long drives. Honda also included adjustable headrests and foldable rear seats, allowing for a flexible cargo arrangement.
The dashboard layout was simple yet functional, featuring an instrument cluster with easy-to-read dials. The Honda Z was equipped with air conditioning, a radio/CD player, and power windows, making it a well-rounded offering for a kei car. The steering wheel had a tilt-adjust feature, catering to different driver preferences. Storage compartments were thoughtfully placed, including cup holders, door pockets, and a glove box.
For safety, the Honda Z came with dual front airbags, seatbelt pretensioners, and an anti-lock braking system (ABS). The elevated seating position provided good visibility, enhancing driver confidence. Overall, the Honda Z's interior focused on practicality, ensuring a comfortable experience despite its small footprint.
The rear seating area had adequate legroom for passengers, making it comfortable for city drives. Additionally, the inclusion of sun visors, rear defoggers, and front interior lamps enhanced the convenience factor. The gear lever was positioned ergonomically, making gear shifting smooth and effortless for the driver.
Infotainment
The Honda Z offers a basic infotainment system that lacks the advanced features found in its competitors. It is equipped with four speakers and Bluetooth connectivity, but it does not include a touchscreen display, Android Auto, or Apple CarPlay. Additionally, the absence of a USB and auxiliary port limits its connectivity options. Features such as a CD player, DVD player, rear seat entertainment, and voice control are also missing, making the system quite minimalistic.
When compared to its rivals, the Honda Z lacks modern infotainment features, making it a less appealing option for tech-savvy consumers.
Honda Z Exterior
The Honda Z featured a bold and rugged exterior design, setting it apart from conventional kei cars. The high-ground clearance and boxy shape gave it a sporty SUV-like appearance, appealing to adventure-seeking drivers. The front end had a distinct grille with Honda's emblem positioned at the center, flanked by large, multi-reflector headlights for enhanced illumination.
Honda offered the Z in several vibrant body colors, including Splash Silver Metallic, Oriental Red Metallic, Starlight Black Pearl, Spray Green Metallic, and Adriatic Blue Pearl. The rear end featured a vertically stacked taillight design, which complemented the overall styling. Alloy wheels and optional body kits further enhanced the Honda Z's appeal, allowing buyers to customize their vehicles according to their tastes.
The compact dimensions, coupled with a stylish design, made the Honda Z a visually striking kei car. The addition of roof rails and a rear spoiler emphasized its sporty nature, making it a favorite among young buyers who wanted a mix of practicality and fun styling.
The inclusion of side skirts, front fog lamps, and stylish door handles added a refined touch to the overall appearance. The side mirrors were aerodynamically designed to reduce wind resistance and enhance fuel efficiency.
Honda Z Safety Features
The Honda Z comes with standard safety features such as dual airbags, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), and Blind Spot Detection (BSD). It also includes Vehicle Stability Control, which helps improve handling. However, the vehicle does not come equipped with Hill Start Assist, Traction Control, Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), or Lane Keep Assist. Additionally, it lacks Speed Sensing Auto Door Locks, an Anti-Theft Alarm System, and Rear Fog Lamps, which are commonly found in its competitors.
Overall, while the Honda Z provides essential safety features, it lacks several modern driver assistance technologies that are becoming standard in the segment. Competitors like the Suzuki Hustler and Nissan Dayz offer superior safety and infotainment features, making them more attractive choices for consumers prioritizing technology and security.
Honda Z Mileage
Honda Z offers a mileage in the range of 15-18 km/l with a fuel tank capacity of 35l. Moreover, the mileage can vary depending on the fuel type, driving habits, and road conditions.
Honda Z Price in Pakistan In 2025
According to the updates, Honda Z price in Pakistan in 2025 is 40.0 lacs. Additionally, the Honda Z was never officially sold in Pakistan, but it is available in the used car market through imports. As of 2025, the price of a Honda Z in Pakistan varies based on condition, model year, and mileage.
However, the prices may fluctuate depending on the availability of spare parts and overall demand in the market.
Comparison with Competitors
The Honda Z competed with other kei SUVs like the Suzuki Jimny and Daihatsu Terios Kid. Compared to the Jimny, the Honda Z offered a more city-friendly design while still providing 4WD capabilities. The Terios Kid, on the other hand, had a slightly larger footprint but lacked the Honda Z's unique styling. Each of these models catered to different buyer preferences, with the Honda Z standing out for its blend of practicality and distinctive design.
Is the Honda Z Worth Buying?
The Honda Z remains a unique and practical kei SUV that appeals to those who appreciate compact dimensions with SUV-like styling. It offers decent performance, good fuel efficiency, and a comfortable interior for its size. While spare parts availability might be a challenge in Pakistan, its reliability and distinctive design make it an interesting choice for enthusiasts.
For city commuters who want an efficient and stylish kei car with a hint of adventure, the Honda Z is certainly worth considering. Its affordability in the used car market makes it an attractive option for those looking for a budget-friendly yet fun vehicle.