HONDA BEAT (1991-1996)
Joining Japan’s booming kei car market in 1991 was the Honda Beat, a mid-engined sportster with the kind of handling that could easily have dealt with more than its 64bhp. Still, the engine was a gem – an eager 656cc three-cylinder unit that achieved its maximum output at a buzzy 8100rpm. Top speed was artificially limited to just 87mph, but Honda’s smallest sports car was still hugely entertaining.
The Beat was never officially sold in the UK, although plenty of grey imports did arrive over the years. In its homeland, meanwhile, it proved to be a niche-market hit, with 33,600 cars built by the time production ceased in 1996.
Grab a grey-import Beat now and you’ll find it fun to drive, cheap to keep and a great summer plaything. You’ll also find it surprisingly well equipped, with every example coming as standard with electric windows and air conditioning.
At just 3295mm, this is a diminutive sports car; but as is so often the case, smaller really does mean more fun. So what if the Beat doesn’t boast neck-snapping acceleration? The emphasis here is on fun, feedback and funkiness. And in all three categories, the Honda still reigns supreme if an eager little soft-top is
