As a Melbourne-based JDM enthusiast with over a decade of experience chasing unique cars, my time with the Honda S660 has been nothing short of extraordinary. I imported my vibrant canary yellow S660 for AUD 30,000 through Cult and Classic, a trusted JDM importer, and it’s been a thrilling ride. Nicknamed the “Baby NSX,” this Kei car blends a mid-engine layout, rear-wheel drive, and a turbocharged 660cc engine to deliver pure driving joy in a compact package.

From darting through Melbourne’s laneways to carving up coastal backroads, every moment behind the wheel feels like an adventure. In this detailed blog, I’m sharing the top 5 reasons why the Honda S660 is a must-buy in 2025, based on my hands-on ownership. If you’re after a JDM icon that combines style, performance, and exclusivity, here’s why the S660 deserves your attention.

Top 5 Reasons to Buy a Honda S660

1. Exhilarating Go-Kart-Like Handling That Redefines Fun

The Honda S660’s handling is pure magic, making every drive a heart-pounding experience. Weighing just 830 kg with a near-perfect 50/50 weight distribution, it feels like a go-kart built for the road. On twisty backroads near Melbourne, I’ve pushed it through tight hairpins and sweeping curves, and its razor-sharp steering responds with pinpoint precision. The low center of gravity eliminates body roll, keeping the car glued to the pavement, even in wet conditions. Compared to heavier sports cars like the Mazda MX-5, the S660’s agility is unmatched, offering a raw, unfiltered connection to the road. Whether navigating urban corners or attacking winding routes, the S660 delivers a grin-inducing thrill that’s hard to beat, making it a top reason to buy for enthusiasts who crave dynamic driving.

• 50/50 weight distribution: Perfectly balanced for agile handling
• Razor-sharp steering: Instant, precise response
• Low center of gravity: No body roll, planted feel

2. Rare Mid-Engine, Rear-Wheel-Drive Layout for a True Sports Car Feel

The S660’s mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout is a rarity in the Kei car world, mirroring the engineering of the iconic Honda NSX. With the 660cc engine positioned behind the driver, it optimizes weight distribution for superior dynamics, giving it a sporty edge over front-wheel-drive Kei cars like the Daihatsu Copen. On Melbourne’s bustling streets, I’ve felt the car’s nimble response as it darts through traffic, while on open roads, the rear-wheel drive adds a playful, tail-happy character. During a spirited drive along the Great Ocean Road, the S660’s balanced chassis made every corner a joy, feeling more like a scaled-down supercar than a city car. This unique layout sets it apart, offering a true sports car experience in a compact package.

• Mid-engine: Enhances balance and agility
• Rear-wheel drive: Playful, sporty dynamics
• Honda NSX: Shares DNA with a JDM legend

3. Slick Six-Speed Manual Transmission for Pure Driving Joy

The S660’s six-speed manual transmission is a masterpiece of engineering, delivering a tactile, engaging experience that’s rare in modern cars. Its short-throw shifter feels crisp and precise, making every gear change a delight. On my Sydney-to-Melbourne road trip, the gearbox kept me immersed, even through long highway stretches and twisty backroads. Compared to other Kei cars like the Suzuki Jimny, which uses a five-speed manual, the S660’s six gears offer better flexibility, especially when revving to 5,500 RPM for peak torque. The sport mode sharpens throttle response, adding excitement to shifts. For enthusiasts who cherish the art of manual driving, this gearbox is a compelling reason to choose the S660 over automated alternatives.

• Six-speed manual: Rare and engaging in Kei cars
• Short-throw shifter: Precise, mechanical feel
• Sport mode: Enhances throttle response

4. Head-Turning JDM Design That Steals the Spotlight

My S660’s vibrant canary yellow paint and aggressive styling make it a head-turner everywhere I go. Its compact size—smaller than many motorcycles—combined with sporty elements like muscular haunches, a sleek LED reflector bar, and Modulo wheels (15-inch front, 16-inch rear) creates a striking presence. The frameless doors and functional air intakes amplify its JDM aesthetic, while the Roso Modello exhaust with burnt steel tips adds a bold finishing touch. Driving through Melbourne’s laneways, I’ve had countless strangers stop to snap photos or ask, “What’s that car?” On car meet days, the S660 stands out among larger sports cars, its NSX-like stance drawing crowds. This head-turning design makes it a must-have for those who want to own a piece of JDM art.

• Muscular haunches: Powerful look despite small size
• *LED reflector bar: Modern, stylish rear design
• Modulo wheels: Lightweight, staggered for sporty appeal
• JDM aesthetic: Authentic Japanese style

5. Exclusive JDM Ownership Experience with a Thrilling Edge

Owning a Japan-exclusive Kei car like the S660 feels like being part of an elite club, offering a unique ownership experience that few cars can match. I imported mine through Cult and Classic for AUD 30,000—a fair price for a low-mileage, heavily modified example loaded with upgrades like a Roso Modello exhaust and HKS blow-off valve. The exclusivity of driving a car not officially sold in Australia, combined with its NSX-inspired DNA, makes every outing special. From sourcing rare 165/55R15 and 195/45R16 tires to navigating registration with permits, the process adds to the adventure. I’m selling mine to fund another JDM project, but the thrill of owning this Baby NSX—complete with its iconic “whoosh” sound—has been unforgettable, making it a top reason for enthusiasts to buy.

• Kei car: Japan-exclusive rarity
• Exclusivity: Rare outside Japan
• NSX-inspired DNA: Sporty heritage
• Unique ownership: A thrilling JDM journey

The Honda S660 is a JDM masterpiece that blends go-kart-like handling, a mid-engine layout, and a six-speed manual into a compact, head-turning package. Its exclusive appeal and vibrant design make it a standout choice for enthusiasts in 2025. Whether I’m weaving through Melbourne’s streets or hitting coastal roads, the S660 delivers pure driving joy. Mine’s headed to Cult and Classic with registration-ready parts for Australia—don’t miss your chance to own this Baby NSX! Have you driven a Kei car or dreamed of owning an S660? Share your thoughts in the comments!

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