Why Kei Cars May Be in Demand in Russia

In recent years, "kei cars" - small Japanese cars - have become popular in some regions of Russia. Men often perceive these cars as a “toy for girls”, and many quite adequately consider such a miracle of automotive engineering for purchase.


Kei car can be literally translated from Japanese as "light car". Such cars appeared in Japan in the late 40s. The country had just lost World War II, the economy was in ruins. The population needed to be given work, to produce cheap and accessible goods. This is how the first kei cars were born. By the way, not only the Japanese followed this path. The legendary Volkswagen Käfer (aka "Beetle") began to be mass-produced in 1946.

Today, kei cars occupy about 1/3 of the Japanese car market, and in 2013, more than 40% of sales were “light cars”. Residents of the land of the rising sun love such cars for their cost-effectiveness in maintenance and for their dimensions, which are especially important in dense urban areas. In addition, buying a kei car in some regions of Japan does not require the owner to have a parking space.

The standards for Japanese small cars have changed several times. The last changes in size and safety requirements were announced in the 90s. Since then, Japanese automakers have followed a single concept. They only update the design and equip their models with the latest technological advances.

Kei cars in Russia

The Soviet Union also developed its own "light machines." Let's recall at least the SMZ S-3A, produced in Serpukhov since 1958. The machine gained immortal fame thanks to the film "Operation Y and Other Shurik's Adventures."

It is impossible not to mention the famous "invalid" or SMZ S-3D. 500 kg of weight and up to 14 hp made the car quite passable in rural areas.

A special place in the "book of Soviet automobile industry" is occupied by the ZAZ-965 "Zaporozhets", also known as "Humpbacked", which was produced in the 60s. In total, the Soviet industry was able to give the people over 322 thousand of these cars.


Well, how can we not remember the Oka, a product of the Volga Automobile Plant, which was produced until 2008. The small car was produced for more than 20 years and underwent many modifications. Small-scale snowmobiles, vans, pickups and even sports cars were assembled on the basis of the Oka.

In the 90s, used Japanese cars flooded the Russian market. They quickly won the competition with domestically produced small cars. The "Japanese" were more reliable and comfortable. They were widely distributed in Siberia and the Far East. In the European part of the country, car enthusiasts continued to give preference to "good old Germany" or their native AVTOVAZ.

But in recent years, due to the increase in recycling fees, customs duties and the weakening of the ruble, even residents of the capital region have begun to pay attention to "right-hand drive". Parking problems, traffic jams and taxes force people to consider buying Japanese compact cars with low mileage.

Top kei cars for Russian conditions

Today, there are hundreds of models of various small cars to choose from. But we decided to compile a "top 3" based on the realities around us and, sometimes, specific everyday tasks that most Russians face.

Suzuki Jimny

And the first on the list was the legendary Suzuki Jimny. The first compact SUV was introduced in 1970. Since then, 4 generations of this model have been released, and in 2023, Suzuki Motors first introduced a five-door car of the series with a 105 hp power plant and a volume of 1,5 liters.


Jimny is available in different trim levels. Models have both rear and all-wheel drive. Gearboxes can be mechanical or automatic. The latest generation cars are equipped with a 0,7-liter engine with 64 hp.


On the used market, you can find three-door 2018 models from 1,7 million rubles. The average price varies from 2 to 3 million.

Suzuki Jimny is ideal for both city use and country trips. Light weight, all-wheel drive and high ground clearance allow the car to be actively used in the off-season on poor quality roads.

Daihatsu Tanto

Budget car for a family. With its sliding rear doors, the Tanto resembles a small minibus for short trips. The cabin can easily accommodate 4 people. The rear row of seats can be lowered to create a spacious luggage compartment.


The engine capacity is 658 cm³. Since 2013, the classic automatic transmission has been replaced by a variator. Depending on the configuration, the weight can vary from 870 to 960 kg, and the engine power from 58 to 64 hp.

The cost of the fourth generation Daihatsu Tanto starts from 1,2 million rubles. Cars of 2011-2014 can be found in the range of 630-900 thousand. At the same time, real mileage will rarely exceed 100 thousand km.


In general, Daihatsu, which is part of the Toyota concern, specializes in the production of small cars. Therefore, when choosing a kei car, it makes sense to consider other models.

Daihatsu Copen

Another kei car that has captured the attention of young people. This is a two-seater roadster. The Copen is called one of the most dynamic in its class.

The first generation was produced from 2002 to 2012. The cars were equipped with engines of 659 cm³ and 1,3 l. The latter, of course, is more in demand, since it allows the car to accelerate to 180 km/h. Models were produced both with a manual and automatic transmission. Average fuel consumption does not exceed 6 liters per 100 km.


The second generation was launched in 2014. Daihatsu engineers "played" with the suspension, reduced the weight of the car. Designers presented a choice of various options and colors for the interior trim.

The main "feature" of the model is the folding soft roof. This element gives the car a sporty style and attracts the attention of others. With the roof raised, the trunk volume is 210 liters, but when folded, the rear compartment can barely accommodate a couple of backpacks.

The price for the second-generation Daihatsu Copen in Russia starts at 1,3 million rubles. For relatively little money by modern standards, you can buy a stylish, fashionable and youth car.

To take or not to take – that is the question...

We have shown only three models of Japanese kei cars that can suit people with different lifestyles. But it is worth considering that the choice of the same light SUVs or "minibuses" is not limited to Suzuki or Daihatsu. Mitsubishi, Honda, Toyota and others have their own kei cars. Let's not forget about the European market of small cars.

In any case, for many, buying a small car can be the solution to an urgent need for their own vehicle. For some, a kei car will be their first car in life, for others, it will be one of the stages in the evolutionary path of a car owner.


The most attractive features of such models are their price, low fuel consumption and maintenance costs. At the same time, modern kei cars have all the same functions as classic full-size cars. Here you have heated seats, multimedia, and even all-round cameras.

So if you are looking for a car, take a closer look at Japanese kei cars. It is possible that you will find the very option you have been looking for so long there.