| Honda Life | |
| Manufacturer: | Honda |
| Class: | Kei car |
| Production: | 1971–1974 1997–2014 |
| Predecessor: | Honda Today (1997) |
| Successor: | Honda N-One Honda N-Box Honda N-WGN |
The Honda Life is an automobile nameplate that was 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 nameplate revived in 1997 and used until 2014. The Japanese-market Life has rarely been marketed outside Japan.
In 2020, Dongfeng Honda revived the "Life" nameplate in China as a rebadged variant of the Fit produced by Guangqi Honda.[1]
| First generation (SA/VA/WA) | |
| Manufacturer: | Honda |
| Production: | 1971–1974 |
| Assembly: | Suzuka Plant, Suzuka, Mie, Japan |
| Class: | City car |
| Body Style: | 2/4-door sedan (SA) 3-door hatchback (Van/Wagon, VA/WA) |
| Layout: | Front-engine, front-wheel-drive |
| Engine: | 356 cc EA Straight-twin engine |
| Transmission: | 3/4/5-speed manual 3-speed Hondamatic automatic |
| Wheelbase: | 20801NaN1 |
| Length: | 29951NaN1 |
| Width: | 12951NaN1 |
| Height: | 1340- |
| Weight: | 480- |
| Predecessor: | Honda NIII360 |
| Successor: | Honda Today |
The original Life range was offered as a two-door or four-door sedan 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.[2] The wheelbase, at 20800NaN0, was eight cm longer than that of the predecessor. The entire Life range had a water-cooled Honda EA 356 cc engine, usually producing 300NaN0 at 8,000 rpm.[3] which began as the air-cooled engine borrowed from the Honda CB450 motorcycle. The top speed of the sedan is 105km/h.[4] The sprint to 100 km/h (62 mph) came up in 34.9 seconds in a period test.[5] 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.[5] 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).[6] 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.[6] 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.
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 210NaN0 at 6,500 rpm - as opposed to 8,000 rpm for the high-compression unit.[7] It also received a three-speed transmission, meaning that top speed was limited to 90 km/h.[8]
An all-new, three-speed, fully automatic transmission was made available. Unlike the manual, the automatic's shifter was column-mounted.
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.[3]
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.[9] The Van can be told from a wagon by its tattletale luggage rails visible through the rear windows.
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 360NaN0 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.[10] The Touring GS could reach a top speed of 120km/h.[11] On June 15 of the same year, the Life received a minor facelift with redesigned grilles,[12] 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.[7]
The Life Step Van was launched, the packaging of which embodies the tall wagon style so popular for current keis.
The Life Pickup was released.[13] 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.[14]
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.[16]
| Step Van/Pickup (VA/PA) | |
| Assembly: | Suzuka Plant, Suzuka, Mie, Japan |
| Body Style: | 2-door kei truck 5-door microvan |
| Layout: | Front-engine, front-wheel-drive |
| Engine: | 356 cc EA Straight-twin engine |
| Transmission: | 4-speed manual |
| Wheelbase: | 20801NaN1 |
| Length: | 29951NaN1 |
| Width: | 12951NaN1 |
| Height: | 16201NaN1 |
| Weight: | 550- |
| Successor: | Honda TN-V |
This Step Van type variant, which shares the VA chassis code with the low-bodied Life Van, also uses the same 300NaN0 356 cc, two-cylinder water-cooled engine as does the rest of the range.[17] At the time of introduction, its front-wheel drive layout and bonneted design was considered a novel approach, but it had some benefits in that the entire drivetrain was installed up front: The Step Van, while its loading space was shorter, 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.[17] 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 6050NaN0 Step Van, like the regular Life Van, could carry 3000NaN0 with two occupants, down to 2000NaN0 with the full complement of two more passengers.[18]
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.[3] 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.[19] 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.
| Second generation Series JA4 | |
| Production: | 1997–1998 |
| Assembly: | Yachiyo Plant, Yokkaichi, Mie, Japan |
| Body Style: | 5-door hatchback |
| Layout: | Front-engine, front-wheel-drive |
| Engine: | 658 cc E07A SOHC I3 |
| Transmission: | 3-speed automatic 5-speed manual |
| Wheelbase: | 23301NaN1 |
| Length: | 32951NaN1 |
| Width: | 13951NaN1 |
| Height: | 16351NaN1 |
| Weight: | 7701NaN1 |
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.[21] 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's basic componentry. Powertrain and chassis, interior and dimensions are almost identical with the Honda Today. The JA4 Honda Life is an interim model as subsequent changes in the laws regulating kei cars made it outdated very soon. This version was only built for about one and a half years. Because of this, it has become a very rare car.
It used the Honda E07A engine, 660 cc SOHC 3-cylinder, four valves per cylinder, with Honda's PGM-FI as standard equipment. It was offered with a 5-speed manual 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.
| Third generation Series JB1-4 | |
| Production: | 1998–2003 |
| Assembly: | Yachiyo Plant, Yokkaichi, Mie, Japan |
| Body Style: | 5–door hatchback |
| Related: | Honda Z 2nd generation |
| Wheelbase: | 23601NaN1 |
| Length: | 33951NaN1 |
| Width: | 14751NaN1 |
| Height: | 16101NaN1 |
| Weight: | 8801NaN1 |
Responding to new legislation, the 1998 model was bigger than its short-lived second generation counterpart, with 33951NaN1 length and 14751NaN1 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.[22]
"Kei-Mover" appeared as a new version in the lineup. Practicality, safety, and environmental performance were prioritized, improving economic efficiency.
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.
| Fourth generation Series JB5-8 | |
| Production: | September 2003 – November 2008 |
| Assembly: | Yachiyo Plant, Yokkaichi, Mie, Japan |
| Body Style: | 5-door hatchback |
| Transmission: | 4-Speed Automatic Overdrive |
| Wheelbase: | 24201NaN1 |
| Length: | 33951NaN1 |
| Width: | 14751NaN1 |
| Height: | 15801NaN1 (FF) 15951NaN1 (4WD) |
| Weight: | 860 kg (1896 lb) |
September 2003 saw the Life updated with a new 660 cc three-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.https://web.archive.org/web/20060314153938/http://world.honda.com/news/2003/4030904_1.html A triangle window was placed at the mounting point of wing mirrors in the third generation vehicle.
In 2005, Honda introduced the DIVA model, which included aerodynamic styling and aluminium wheels.
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. The equipment grades were "C", "F", and "D", all three also available with the turbocharged engine. The turbo models were no longer given the separate "Life Dunk" name.
2007 models started production on 2006-10-05. It marked the first use of Honda Smart Parking Assist System in a production Honda vehicle.
It is a model went on sale in 2006-06-07.
It is a model went on sale in 2007-11-8.
C Comfort Special and C Fine Special went on sale on December 20, 2007.
Engine is rated 52NaN at 6,700 rpm and 61NaN at 3,800 rpm for non-turbo model, and 64NaN at 6,000 rpm and 93NaN at 4,000 rpm for the turbo model.
| model | DIVA | DIVA Turbo | F, F Happy Edition | F Turbo | C, C Topic | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| model name (FF/4WD) | Honda DBA-JB5/CBA-JB6 | Honda DBA-JB7/CBA-JB8 | Honda DBA-JB5/CBA-JB6 | Honda DBA-JB7/CBA-JB8 | Honda DBA-JB5/CBA-JB6 | |
| ground clearance | 155mm | |||||
| turning radius | 4.7m (15.4feet) | 4.5m (14.8feet) | ||||
| tire (front/rear) | 165/55R14 72V | 155/65R13 73S | ||||
| Fifth generation Series JC1-2 | |
| Production: | 2008–2014 |
| Assembly: | Yachiyo Plant, Yokkaichi, Mie, Japan |
| Body Style: | 5-door hatchback |
| Transmission: | 4-Speed Automatic Overdrive |
| Wheelbase: | 24201NaN1 |
| Length: | 33951NaN1 |
| Width: | 14751NaN1 |
| Height: | 16101NaN1 (FF) 16301NaN1 (4WD) |
| Weight: | 810- |
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.
It keeps on using Honda P07A engine from the previous generation. The naturally aspirated engine is rated 52NaN at 7100 rpm and 60NaN at 3600 rpm, and 64NaN at 6000 rpm and 93NaN at 4000 rpm for the turbo model, which is available in PASTEL and DIVA models.
Vehicle code:
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 The first owner of Honda Life is Sheikh Faisal.
See main article: article and Honda Zest. The Honda Zest is a kei car built from 2006 until 2012, mechanically identical to the fifth generation Honda Life. It came equipped with a turbocharged three-cylinder engine and 5-door bodywork. It was one of the first kei cars 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.
The "Life" nameplate is also used by Dongfeng Honda for the renamed fourth-generation Fit (sold by Guangqi Honda) for the Chinese market.[23] Introduced in 2020, the minor differences between the Fit and the Life are the front bumper designs and rear taillight tint colour (the Life has a clear smoked tint).[24]