Honda's Kei Car Van Gets Off-Road Makeover Inspired by Land Rover Defender

Dubbed the Dafunder, the upgraded version of the mini-van features a Land Rover Defender-inspired front fascia, 14-inch steel wheels with all-terrain tires, and a one-inch suspension lift kit, giving it a new off-road persona.

Honda introduced the N-Van in 2018 as its first kei car van, measuring only 3,395 millimeters (133.7 inches) in length, 1,475 mm (58.1 in) in width, and 1,950 mm (76.8 in) in height, with a wheelbase of 2,520 mm (99.2 in). It is available in cargo and passenger versions and sold exclusively in Japan.

Now, a Japanese tuning company, ESB Style, has given the N-Van a more rugged appearance, reminiscent of one of the world's most iconic off-roaders, the Land Rover Defender. The new off-road kit, dubbed Dafunder, includes a revamped front fascia with new bumpers, grille, and headlights. The front grille and headlights take on a Defender-like style, without compromising the N-Van's adorable proportions. The hood also features the Dafunder lettering, adding to its new identity.

While the side of the van looks nothing like the Defender, it does feature a black D-column and a sharp edge between the roof and the rear hatch, resembling the three-row Defender 130. ESB Style has also added a one-inch suspension lift kit, providing added ground clearance, as well as 14-inch steel wheels with all-terrain tires, further solidifying the off-road character. Additionally, the rear bumper now includes a new faux aluminum skid plate and new taillight graphics.

The mini Defender-inspired N-Van retains its standard 660 cc gasoline engine with a peak output of 63 horsepower (47 kilowatts) and 77 pound-feet (104 Newton-meters) of torque when equipped with a turbocharger. The car is available in either front-wheel drive or AWD, and the CVT is the only transmission option. It is worth noting that Honda has recently introduced an electric version of the N-Van, which will go on sale in Japan in the spring of 2024.

Those interested in the new off-road kit can purchase it in Japan at a reasonable price. The front bumper costs ¥70,000 (around $519), the rear bumper is another ¥30,000 ($222), and the suspension lift kit is priced at ¥38,000 ($282). The funky 14-inch wheels cost an additional ¥56,000 ($415).

Source: Carscoops