Honda S660 Review – Japan's Modern Kei Roadster

English: The Honda S660 represents Honda's return to its lightweight sports car roots, channeling the spirit of the iconic S600 from the 1960s into a modern kei car package. This mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive roadster was developed as Japan's answer to premium European roadsters, offering pure driving enjoyment within the constraints of Japan's kei car regulations. With its 660cc turbocharged engine, perfect 47:53 weight distribution, and open-top motoring, the S660 delivers an unfiltered driving experience that's become rare in today's automotive landscape.

Filipino: Ang Honda S660 ay kumakatawan sa pagbabalik ng Honda sa mga lightweight sports car nito, na hinango ang diwa ng iconic na S600 mula 1960s sa isang modernong kei car package. Ang mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive roadster na ito ay binuo bilang sagot ng Japan sa mga premium European roadster, na nag-aalok ng purong kasiyahan sa pagmamaneho sa ilalim ng mga regulasyon ng kei car ng Japan. Sa 660cc turbocharged engine nito, perpektong 47:53 weight distribution, at open-top na disenyo, ang S660 ay naghahatid ng dalisay na karanasan sa pagmamaneho na bihira na sa kasalukuyang panahon.

Design and Engineering / Disenyo at Inhinyeriya

English: The S660's design pays homage to Honda's sports car heritage while meeting modern kei car dimensions (3,395mm long, 1,475mm wide). Its aluminum-intensive construction keeps weight down to just 830-850kg depending on configuration. The power retractable soft top can be operated at speeds up to 50km/h, transforming the car in about 6 seconds. The interior features a driver-focused cockpit with perfect ergonomics, though taller drivers may find it cramped.

Filipino: Ang disenyo ng S660 ay nagbibigay-pugay sa sports car heritage ng Honda habang sumusunod sa modernong sukat ng kei car (3,395mm ang haba, 1,475mm ang lapad). Ang aluminum-intensive na konstruksyon nito ay nagpapanatili ng bigat sa 830-850kg lamang depende sa configuration. Ang power retractable soft top ay maaaring i-operate hanggang 50km/h, na nagbabago ng kotse sa loob ng 6 segundo. Ang interior ay may driver-focused cockpit na may perpektong ergonomics, bagamat masikip para sa mas matangkad na driver.

Driving Experience / Karanasan sa Pagmamaneho

English: Behind the wheel, the S660 shines brightest. The 64hp output sounds modest, but in a car this light, it feels energetic. The engine loves to rev, producing an entertaining three-cylinder growl. The manual transmission offers precise, short throws, while the available CVT includes paddle shifters for manual control. The chassis is brilliantly balanced, with communicative steering and minimal body roll. While not outright fast, the S660 rewards skilled drivers with its handling purity.

Filipino: Sa likod ng manibela, ang S660 ay lalong sumisikat. Ang 64hp output ay mukhang maliit, ngunit sa ganitong gaan ng kotse, ito ay pakiramdam ay energetic. Ang makina ay masayang i-rev, na gumagawa ng nakakaaliw na tunog ng three-cylinder. Ang manual transmission ay nag-aalok ng precise, short throws, samantalang ang available na CVT ay may kasamang paddle shifters para sa manual control. Ang chassis ay perpektong balanse, na may communicative steering at minimal na body roll. Bagamat hindi sobrang bilis, ang S660 ay nagbibigay-saya sa bihasang driver sa dalisay nitong handling.

Market Position and Legacy / Posisyon sa Merkado at Legacy

English: The S660 was produced from 2015 to 2021, exclusively for the Japanese market. It served as a spiritual successor to both the S600 and the Beat kei roadster. While never officially exported, it gained cult status among enthusiasts worldwide. In Japan, it competed with other kei sports cars like the Daihatsu Copen and Suzuki Cappuccino. The S660 proved that driving pleasure isn't about power figures but rather about lightweight engineering and chassis balance.

Filipino: Ang S660 ay ginawa mula 2015 hanggang 2021, eksklusibo para sa merkado ng Japan. Ito ay nagsilbing spiritual successor sa parehong S600 at Beat kei roadster. Bagamat hindi kailanman opisyal na na-export, ito ay naging cult favorite sa mga enthusiast sa buong mundo. Sa Japan, ito ay nakipagkumpitensya sa ibang kei sports car tulad ng Daihatsu Copen at Suzuki Cappuccino. Ipinakita ng S660 na ang kasiyahan sa pagmamaneho ay hindi tungkol sa mga numero ng horsepower kundi sa lightweight engineering at balanse ng chassis.

Conclusion / Konklusyon

English: The Honda S660 stands as a testament to Honda's engineering philosophy of creating maximum enjoyment from minimal resources. While its kei car limitations mean it will never be a straight-line performer, its brilliance lies in its balance, responsiveness, and pure driving character. For enthusiasts who value driving purity over brute power, the S660 represents one of the last truly analog driving experiences in an increasingly digital automotive world.

Filipino: Ang Honda S660 ay patunay sa engineering philosophy ng Honda ng paglikha ng pinakamataas na kasiyahan mula sa minimal na resources. Bagamat ang mga limitasyon nito bilang kei car ay nangangahulugang hindi ito magiging straight-line performer, ang galing nito ay nasa balanse, responsiveness, at dalisay na karakter ng pagmamaneho. Para sa mga enthusiast na pinahahalagahan ang kadalisayan ng pagmamaneho kaysa sa raw na power, ang S660 ay kumakatawan sa isa sa mga huling tunay na analog driving experience sa patuloy na digital na mundo ng automotive.