Honda S660 Kei Car Review: Japan’s Worst-Kept Secret – The Baby NSX! (2025)

As a Melbourne-based car enthusiast with a passion for JDM icons, owning the Honda S660 has been a highlight of my automotive journey. I imported this vibrant canary yellow Kei car for AUD 30,000 through Cult and Classic, a trusted name in JDM imports, and it’s been a revelation. Nicknamed the “Baby NSX,” this mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive roadster packs a turbocharged 660cc engine and a slick six-speed manual, delivering go-kart-like thrills in a pint-sized package.

From zipping through Melbourne’s bustling streets to carving up twisty backroads, every drive feels like an adventure. In this detailed review, based on my firsthand experience, I’ll dive into why the S660 is Japan’s worst-kept secret and a must-have for enthusiasts. Buckle up for a mobile-friendly, in-depth look at this JDM gem!

Honda S660 Overview

The Honda S660, launched in 2015, is a Kei car designed to meet Japan’s strict regulations: a 660cc engine and compact dimensions perfect for navigating dense cities like Tokyo. As a spiritual successor to the 1990s Honda Beat, it channels the spirit of the S2000 and NSX with its mid-engine layout and rear-wheel drive. My heavily modified example, sourced through Cult and Classic, is a testament to JDM passion, loaded with aftermarket upgrades that make it stand out.

• Engine: 660cc 3-cylinder turbo, 47 kW (63 hp), 101 Nm torque
• Transmission: 6-speed manual
• Weight: ~830 kg
• Wheels: Staggered 15-inch front, 16-inch rear
• Fuel Economy: ~5 L/100 km

This lightweight sports car prioritizes fun over practicality, making it a unique addition to my garage.

Exterior Design: A Compact Showstopper

The S660’s exterior is a captivating blend of aggression and charm, turning heads wherever I go. Its compact size—smaller than some motorcycles—combined with sporty styling makes it a visual masterpiece.

The front end commands attention with high-intensity LED headlights that cast a powerful beam, perfect for late-night drives through Melbourne’s suburbs. A sculpted front splitter enhances aerodynamics, giving the car a purposeful, race-inspired stance. The frunk (front trunk) is comically small, with just 10 kg of capacity, barely holding the removable soft top. During my Sydney-to-Melbourne road trip, I quickly learned to pack light, stuffing bags into the passenger seat as the frunk filled up fast.

From the side, the S660’s Modulo wheels—15-inch front, 16-inch rear—wrapped in Yokohama Advan Neova tires, give it a planted, NSX-like profile. Functional air intakes near the rear wheels channel air to the mid-mounted engine, keeping it cool during spirited drives. The frameless doors amplify the open-top roadster experience, especially on warm days when I drop the top and cruise along the coast.

The rear is my favorite angle, with muscular haunches that make the S660 look surprisingly powerful. A sleek LED reflector bar adds a modern flair, complemented by 3D-effect tail lights and S660 badging. My car’s Roso Modello exhaust with burnt steel tips replaces the stock center-exit exhaust, delivering a deep, resonant roar that draws stares at every stoplight.

Driving through Melbourne, I’ve had countless strangers snap photos or ask, “What’s that car?” The vibrant yellow paint ensures it’s a neck-breaker, day or night.

Interior: Surprisingly Spacious with JDM Soul

Climbing into the S660 at 5’11” requires some gymnastics over the wide sills, but once inside, the cabin feels shockingly spacious. The Alpha-spec interior blends sporty touches with just enough tech to keep things practical.

• Steering Wheel: Grippy, perfectly sized, with faux carbon fiber accents
• Seats: Supportive, well-bolstered, fits drivers up to 6’2”
• Gauge Cluster: Digital-analog with central tachometer, digital speed, flashing boost gauge
• Tech: Cruise control, USB-A port, 12V socket
• Shifter: Short-throw 6-speed manual, precise and engaging

The steering wheel feels premium, offering a tactile grip that inspires confidence on twisty roads. The seats are a revelation—hugging me through corners while staying comfortable on long drives, like my Melbourne-to-Sydney trek. The gauge cluster is a standout, with a central tachometer that flashes in sport mode, adding drama to high-rev shifts. Cruise control was a lifesaver on highways, though the lack of a proper infotainment system means relying on the gauge cluster for basic functions.

Storage is minimal: a small phone tray, a removable cupholder that cuts into legroom, and a quirky sushi hook behind the seats. The modified exhaust and HKS blow-off valve make the cabin loud, especially with the top down, but I love the raw, immersive vibe. Some plastics, like the door cards, feel cheap, but the overall build quality exceeds expectations for a Kei car. Three mystery buttons—two in the footwell, one on the dash—left me puzzled; they seem to do nothing, a quirky reminder of the car’s modified history.

Driving Experience: A Turbocharged Go-Kart

The S660 is a thrill machine that prioritizes driving pleasure over raw power. Its 47 kW engine and 830 kg weight create a go-kart-like experience that’s hard to match.

Performance

The 660cc turbo engine delivers 47 kW and 101 Nm, with peak torque at 5,500 RPM. I timed 0-100 km/h at ~14.9 seconds on a wet day with a passenger—not fast, but the lightweight chassis makes it feel lively. The six-speed manual is a joy, with short, precise throws that make every shift satisfying. Sport mode sharpens throttle response and activates a boost gauge, adding excitement to spirited drives.

Handling is where the S660 excels. Its near-50/50 weight distribution and low center of gravity make it a corner-carving beast. On twisty backroads near Melbourne, it feels glued to the pavement, with razor-sharp steering and no body roll. I’ve pushed it through tight corners, and it’s always predictable, inspiring confidence even in wet conditions.

Sound

The Roso Modello exhaust and HKS blow-off valve create a JDM symphony—a deep, throaty roar and iconic “whoosh” on gear changes. It’s addictive but intense, especially at 3,500 RPM on highways. During my Sydney-to-Melbourne drive, the noise was relentless, but I wouldn’t trade it for a quieter ride—it’s part of the S660’s soul.

Ride Quality

Despite its sporty setup, the S660’s suspension is surprisingly compliant, soaking up bumps better than expected. The low ride height eliminates body roll, making it feel planted yet comfortable. Even on long drives, I found it more livable than most sports cars, though the engine works hard at highway speeds.

Modifications: A JDM Enthusiast’s Dream

My S660 is a rolling showcase of JDM passion, loaded with aftermarket upgrades:

• Roso Modello Exhaust: Throatier than stock, with burnt steel tips.
• HKS Blow-Off Valve: Iconic “whoosh” sound on gear changes.
• Modulo Wheels: Lightweight 15-inch front, 16-inch rear, with Yokohama tires.
• Turbo Boost Gauge: Blu-Tacked on after adhesive failed.
• Dash Cams: Front and rear, with a photo button showing the previous owner’s garage.

These mods make every drive special but complicate registration in Australia due to strict noise regulations. I’ve driven it on permits, but I’ve invested AUD 500 in stock parts to make it road-legal for the next owner.

Practicality and Ownership

The S660 sacrifices practicality for fun, and I’m fine with that. The frunk is tiny, barely holding the soft top, and interior storage is limited to a few cubbies. My Sydney-to-Melbourne road trip was a cramped, noisy adventure, with bags squeezed into the passenger seat and the exhaust droning at highway speeds. But the sheer joy of driving it made every inconvenience worthwhile.

• Cost: AUD 30,000 through Cult and Classic, a fair price for a modified, low-mileage example.
• Maintenance: Honda’s reliability keeps costs low, but sourcing 165/55R15 and 195/45R16 tires is a challenge in Australia. Cult and Classic can help.
• Legalities: Modifications require permits or stock parts for registration. I’ve ordered the necessary parts to ensure compliance.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Go-kart-like handling
• Stunning JDM design
• Fuel-efficient (~5 L/100 km)
• Precise six-speed manual
• Surprisingly comfortable

Cons

• Limited power (47 kW)
• Minimal storage
• Loud cabin on highways
• Tire sourcing challenges
• Registration hurdles

Should You Buy a Honda S660?

The Honda S660 is a niche car for JDM enthusiasts who crave driving pleasure over practicality. For AUD 30,000, you get a lightweight, mid-engine sports car that feels like a baby NSX. It’s not a daily driver—its lack of storage and noisy cabin make long trips challenging—but it’s perfect for weekend blasts, car meets, or showing off in Melbourne’s streets. I’m reluctantly selling mine to fund another JDM project, but it’s been one of the most exhilarating cars I’ve owned. If you’re interested, it’s headed to Cult and Classic with registration-ready parts. Tempted? Drop a comment below!

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a Honda S660

Top 5 Reasons to Buy a Honda S660

The Honda S660 is Japan’s worst-kept secret—a Kei car that blends NSX-inspired handling with JDM flair. From its vibrant yellow exterior to its short-throw shifter and addictive blow-off valve “whoosh,” every drive is an event. Whether I’m cruising Melbourne’s laneways or tackling country roads, this car puts a grin on my face. It’s for sale soon via Cult and Classic, complete with parts to make it road-legal. If you’re after a raw, engaging ride that stands out, the S660 is unmatched. Share your thoughts or Kei car experiences in the comments—I’d love to hear them!

Author

CarSauce (Formerly Matt Brand Cars) – Automotive content especially around in-depth new and used car reviews, car comparisons, as well as engine and exhaust sounds. Subscribe now!

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• Source: Honda S660 Kei Car Review