The world's smallest car and caravan combo

The world's smallest car and caravan combo has been launched by Honda at the Japan Camping Car Show 2015.

The car doing the towing is a tiny Honda N-Truck and the caravan is the new N-Camp. The N-Truck is referred to in Japan as a ‘Kei car’; a vehicle restricted in size, engine displacement and power in order to bypass tax and insurance regulations and, in certain areas, a requirement that parking is available for a vehicle before it is bought.

Unfortunately, we are unlikely to see such cars here unless car manufacturers have their hands forced in the same way.

Size is the Kei

When environmentalists and road safety campaigners criticise 4x4s, they are in most part objecting to Chelsea tractors; the large and heavy off-road cars used in urban areas, and not four-wheel drive Kei cars like the 66 mpg Nissan Carol.

Four-wheel drive adds weight, but helps in slippery conditions, and in the case of the 660 cc Nissan Carol, is combined with electronic brake distribution and fuel-efficient continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Even though it is small and relatively modest in appearance, the tiny £8,000 Nissan Carol is packed with features normally found only on more expensive models: key-less entry and start, four-wheel ABS and wing mirror heaters all come as standard.

The Nissan Carol proves that tough regulations do not stifle the creativity of car makers, quite the opposite in fact.

City-friendly SUVs

The Land Rover Discovery, a 4×4 popular in urban areas, weighs 2,740kg – over three-and-a-half times more than the 700 kg Daihatsu Basket concept car.

The Basket seats four, has a removable roof canopy and the rear seats that fold flush to create a pick-up configuration. A combination of low kerb weight and an efficient three-cylinder, 660 cc engine delivers an impressive 70 mpg.

City cars such as these could redefine the SUV for city dwellers who want the flexible load space and lifestyle associations of an off-road vehicle, but have no need for four-wheel drive and want to significantly reduce the environmental impact of their motoring.

The option of a N-Truck miniature caravan would only add to their versatility.

The ethical choice

The ETA was established in 1990 as an ethical provider of green, reliable travel services. Over 30 years on, we continue to offer cycle insurance , breakdown cover and mobility scooter insurance while putting concern for the environment at the heart of all we do.

The Good Shopping Guide judges us to be the UK’s most ethical provider.

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