Honda Life

The Honda Life is an automobile nameplate that was used on various kei car/city cars produced by Honda: passenger cars, microvans, and kei trucks. The first series of the nameplate was built between 1971 and 1974, with the nameplate revived in 1997 and used until 2014. The Japanese-market Life has rarely been marketed outside Japan.

In 2020, Dongfeng Honda revived the "Life" nameplate in China as a rebadged variant of the Fit produced by Guangqi Honda.

First generation (1971)
The original Life range was offered as a two-door or four-door sedan and in a three-door wagon model (also sold as a commercial van), replacing the Honda NIII 360. Compared with the previous Honda minicar series, passenger comfort was improved to make this a better family car - indeed, Honda's target was to make a kei which was as habitable as a period 1-liter car. The wheelbase, at 2080 mm, was eight cm longer than that of the predecessor. The entire Life range had a water-cooled Honda EA 356 cc engine, usually producing 30 PS at 8,000 rpm. which began as the air-cooled engine borrowed from the Honda CB450 motorcycle. The top speed of the sedan is 105 km/h. The sprint to 100 km/h (62 mph) came up in 34.9 seconds in a period test. In September 1972, the tall and curiously shaped "Life Step Van" was introduced, with either three or five doors. A pickup version of this was later added to the lineup, but had minimal impact on the market.

The engine was also installed with a balance shaft to reduce vibration. The engine was called "refined" in period tests, and was considered to be as quiet and smooth as some four-cylinder engines. The change to a water-cooled engine also eliminated the smell in the heating system commonly associated with air-cooled engines that drew the heated air into the passenger compartment. Another improvement was that the gearbox was separate from the engine, unlike in the N-series where the gearbox was in the sump (as for the original Mini). Production of the Life coincided with the larger Honda Civic with both vehicles having introduced a timing belt (rather than chain) for the operation of the overhead cam.

This version of the Life was exported to a few markets such as Australia, where the four-door version (same specs as in the Japanese version) entered the market in the middle of 1972. The two-door N360/600 continued on sale alongside. The Life was only produced for four years, as the Civic proved to be much more popular both in Japan and internationally, and when the decision was made to cancel the Life, it ended Honda's production of a passenger kei car until 1985, with the introduction of the Honda Today. At the time, the Life was ¥350,000, and the Civic was ¥400,000. The Civic also had an advantage of size, making the car safer in a collision.

The Life emerged as the successor to the Honda NIII 360. It was fitted with a series of newly designed two-cylinder 356 cc SOHC, liquid-cooled four-stroke engines equipped with a balancer shaft. For strictly urban use, a lower-revving engine with a lower compression (8.0:1, as opposed to 8.8:1 for the higher powered version) was installed in the "Life Town". For this version, which was a no-cost option across the range, the engine output was dropped to 21 PS at 6,500 rpm - as opposed to 8,000 rpm for the high-compression unit. It also received a three-speed transmission, meaning that top speed was limited to 90 km/h. An all-new, three-speed, fully automatic transmission was made available. Unlike the manual, the automatic's shifter was column-mounted. A three-door commercial-use "Van" was added, with unique bodywork from the B-pillars back. Slightly taller than its sedan counterparts, like them the Life Van was also available with the full automatic transmission. A private-use version of the Life Van (called "Wagon", chassis code WA) was added, priced midway between the two- and four-door sedans. This could also be equipped with the three-speed automatic. The Van can be told from a wagon by its tattletale luggage rails visible through the rear windows. A sporty engine with twin constant velocity carburettors was added, for the new "Touring" range. The all two-door lineup consisted of the SS, SL, and the GS on top. Power was up to 36 PS at 9,000 rpm, and the top-of-the-line GS received a dogleg five-speed gearbox to take full advantage of the peakier engine. The Touring GS could reach a top speed of 120 km/h. On June 15 of the same year, the Life received a minor facelift with redesigned grilles, and in September four-door versions of the Touring range appeared. Production of the lower-powered "Town" engine also came to an end during 1972. The Life Step Van was launched, the packaging of which embodies the tall wagon style so popular for current keis. The Life Pickup was released. At the same time, the sedan lineup underwent a minor facelift (another new grille) and the lineup was reshuffled. The automatic option was now only available on one two-door and one four-door model. In the face of an ever-contracting Kei class combined with ever more stringent emissions standards, manufacture of the Life series, along with the Z360/600, came to an end. This ended Honda kei passenger car participation, until the 1985 arrival of the Today.
 * Development
 * 1971, June 1
 * 1971, July 20
 * 1971, September 6
 * 1971 October 25
 * 1972, May 1
 * 1972, September 20
 * 1973, August 21
 * 1974, October

Life Step Van
This Step Van type variant, which shares the VA chassis code with the low-bodied Life Van, also uses the same 30 PS 356 cc, two-cylinder water-cooled engine as does the rest of the range. At the time of introduction, its front-wheel drive layout and bonneted design was considered a novel approach, but it had some benefits in that the entire drivetrain was installed up front: The Step Van, while its loading space was shorter, could offer certain interior space advantages such as a very low and flat floor that competing, rear-wheel drive vehicles couldn't provide at the time. It drew many influences from the DKW Schnellaster produced in Europe. Its appearance, while unique and not appreciated when new, is now the standard approach for current kei products from Japanese manufacturers. The rear gate was of a clamshell style, divided horizontally. The 605 kg Step Van, like the regular Life Van, could carry 300 kg with two occupants, down to 200 kg with the full complement of two more passengers.

The van was first sold on 20 September 1972 with production ending in 1974, at an introductory price of ¥376,000 for the standard Step Van and ¥403,000 for the Super DX version. The Step Van series was only ever available with a four-speed manual transmission. The price of the Standard model had crept up to ¥388,000 by the time of the introduction of the pickup version. A total of 17,165 vehicles were produced, for a total of less than half the projected 2,000 units per month. It also can be found in the Gran Turismo 4, Gran Turismo (PSP), Gran Turismo 5 and Gran Turismo 6 videogames, as the Honda Life StepVan.

Introduced on 21 August 1973, this version of the Life was designed as a pickup truck. The pick-up received the PA chassis code. In spite of weighing only 550 kg, the Life Pickup could carry a 350 kg payload. Production ended in 1974, with no more than 1,132 vehicles produced, as the Honda TN7 cab over truck with its considerably longer bed proved to be more popular.
 * Life pick-up

Second generation (1997)
In 1997, the Life name was resurrected for a new line of small, front-wheel-drive 5-door MPV style cars, which required a redesign for 1998 because of new Japanese taxing regulations. The Life used the three-cylinder Honda E07A engine. It replaced the Honda Today and was available exclusively in Japan at Honda Primo dealerships. This bodystyle appearance was introduced in response to the popularity of the Suzuki Wagon R, which found many buyers, and competes with the Daihatsu Cuore, Subaru Pleo, and the Mitsubishi Toppo in the "tall wagon" segment of kei cars.

It was introduced as a revision of the 1970s "StepVan" appearance, sharing the second generation Honda Today's basic componentry. Powertrain and chassis, interior and dimensions are almost identical with the Honda Today. The JA4 Honda Life is an interim model as subsequent changes in the laws regulating kei cars made it outdated very soon. This version was only built for about one and a half years. Because of this, it has become a very rare car.

It used the Honda E07A engine, 660 cc SOHC 3-cylinder, four valves per cylinder, with Honda's PGM-FI as standard equipment. It was offered with a 5-speed manual or a 3-speed automatic transmission.

It was also included with a driver side "SRS" airbag, heat absorption ultraviolet radiation glass, antibacterial steering wheel, and an antilock brake system available options. Grade system was the three grades of "B", "G" and "T". The use of one windshield wiper for the front windshield was carried over from the Honda Today.

Chronology

 * 1997 April 18
 * Revived the name "Life".


 * 1997 December 15
 * Bargain grade "b" model added, still featuring AM/FM tuner with cassette deck, keyless entry, driver seat side armrest, body color colored door mirrors, bumper, door handles, special seat upholstery. Later announced the special specification car pricing affordable equipping seat headrests, vanity mirror, intermittent front / rear wiper, wheel caps. The "Super Select" trim package was added January 4, 1998.

Third generation (1998)
Responding to new legislation, the 1998 model was bigger than its short-lived second generation counterpart, with 3395 mm length and 1475 mm width.

In December 2000, a turbocharged variant named Honda Life Dunk was introduced as 2001 year model. The Honda Life Dunk and the Honda That's were listed by Forbes magazine as among the weirdest car names.

"Kei-Mover" appeared as a new version in the lineup. Practicality, safety, and environmental performance were prioritized, improving economic efficiency.

As the standard was revised in minicars, the body was lengthened to 3,395 mm and the width increased to 1,475 mm, which allowed for improvements in collision safety performance. Safety was increased further by the SRS airbags which are also standard equipment, also in the passenger seat.
 * 1998 October 1

Corresponding to the enlargement of the second generation body, the engine was changed from the E07A to the improved E07Z. About 20% while improving low rpm torque, low-emission vehicles (LEV) became in compliance. In 5-speed MT and 3-speed AT with follow basically the second transmission, the AT car (Column Shift) was adopted. A new four-wheel drive powertrain is introduced.

Chronology

 * 1998 October 8
 * Perform a full model change, the market from next October 09.


 * 1999 December 16
 * "G", based on privacy glass (rear tailgate) door mirrors door handles tailgate handles outer body same color, remote control electric door mirrors, CD player etc. equipped & AM / FM tuner, and a cloth seat covers only special edition models employing the side door linings clad "Minuet" was released.


 * 2000 May 15
 * The traditional "T" instead of the, CD player with AM / FM tuner, automatic air conditioning, privacy glass (rear tailgate), and equipped with electric remote door mirror body same color door handles, full performance and comfortable "L "was added.


 * 2000 October 19
 * "G" on the base, equipped with door handles and tailgate handles outer body having the same remote control electric door mirrors, Audio-less specification and customized for sensitive, special pricing $ 200 cheaper than car-based specification car, "select" was released.


 * 2000 December 20
 * Turbo charger models were given the trim package name Honda Life Dunk


 * 2001 May 24
 * Minor changes made. Change the front design, multi-reflector headlights were two-lamp. Also, "L" side mirror is change the landscape design, the new design of alloy wheels and full wheel caps. In addition to employing plated outer door handles tailgate larger part in the grade. "L" is also adopted plated door handles. In addition, the ground sheet to change the gray tones, "B" driver's power window switches add lighting in all grades except. 2DIN size of the audio space to expand, "B" also set the audio specification in all grades except less, "L" is also provided on the rear seat armrest. In addition, all types of "Excellent -" low emission certified as well, which also improves fuel efficiency. In addition, special edition models were released as "Minuet" will make the changes above specifications were upgraded to Grade catalog.


 * 2001 November 15
 * Turbo specification derived vehicles "Life Dunk" special edition models "TS Special" · "TR Special" was released. The former is "TS" is based on privacy glass, rear garnish, CD player with AM / FM tuner, while with the metallic center panel, the specification deals with 1.7 million yen less than the base model, the latter with AM / FM tuner MD / CD tuner, while prices were unchanged spec with leather-wrapped shift knob. Incidentally, the latter being also set the audio less specification.

"Minuet", based on half the front window shade, MD / CD player with AM / FM tuner, special edition models equipped with a metallic center panel "Minuet DX" was released.
 * 2001 December 13
 * 2002 January 24
 * "G" on the base, equipped with privacy glass, "Minuet" adopting seat is equipped, special edition models were set up $ 500 cheaper than car-based "forum" was released. The set also only eight colors plus color body color.

"Life," "Life Dunk" both made minor changes. "Life" is a full grade, "Minuet" and richer, the metallic center panel and front windows half-shade, as well as with the MD / CD player with AM / FM tuner, while making a high quality seat upholstery, 10,000 yen than before the Price. "G" is also equipped with privacy glass, while making a high quality seat upholstery, Price was $500 here than before. Other, "L"-equipped MD / CD player with AM / FM tuner. The body color is a "topic" to add the color was only three colors, including those of color was 10. "Dunk" is equipped with interior grade casual outside the newly dedicated "Diva (Diva)" was set. Others, along with applying a blue coating on reflector headlights, "TR" alloy wheels in a gunmetal color, the sheet was subjected to silver stitching, a 6-dash CD changer and MD players association with AM / FM tuner and the driver's seat armrest the equipment. In addition, body color was added.
 * 2002 August 22
 * 2002 December 5
 * "G" is based on, while with the metallic center panel and remote control door mirrors retractable electric body same color, cheaper 50,000 yen more than the base car, the car FF · MT, as well as 900,000 yen in the car FF · AT special edition models with prices set off a "super-topic" was released.


 * 2003 May 15
 * "G", based on a December 2002 release "Super topic" The equipment, CD player with AM / FM tuner, 2 rear speakers, special edition models equipped with front door to add water repellent door mirror + " Topic Super CD "sale. 9 colors color body has set a new color and contains three colors.

Fourth generation (2003)
September 2003 saw the Life updated with a new 660 cc three-cylinder engine. An optional turbocharger, mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission and optional 4-wheel drive are also available. The safety features were significantly improved and engine emissions were reduced. A triangle window was placed at the mounting point of wing mirrors in the third generation vehicle.

In 2005, Honda introduced the DIVA model, which included aerodynamic styling and aluminium wheels.

Unlike the predecessor body, "Honda's design made good" (advertising slogan in Japan) was the theme of a more rounded style. The newly developed Honda engine Type P07A 660cc SOHC 6 valve inline 3-cylinder with i-DSi of naturally aspirated (52PS) and Turbo (64PS) has increased horsepower. The transmission will only be AT, was a four-speed transmission. Placed next to the speedometer display is a multifunction display, including the emphasis on interior appearance than on price, and ride quality. Easy to grip in any direction, the circular door handles are said to be influenced by an ice cream spoon. The percentage of products purchased were expecting a higher percentage of young women buyers have come up mainly in emphasis towards drivability. The equipment grades were "C", "F", and "D", all three also available with the turbocharged engine. The turbo models were no longer given the separate "Life Dunk" name.

2007 change
2007 models started production on 2006-10-05. It marked the first use of Honda Smart Parking Assist System in a production Honda vehicle.

DIVA Special
It is a model went on sale in 2006-06-07.

F Happy Special
It is a model went on sale in 2007-11-8.

C Specials
C Comfort Special and C Fine Special went on sale on December 20, 2007.

Chronology

 * 2003 September 5
 * A full model change made to the fourth. The turbo cars a month after October 06 was released in the beginning. 15,000 monthly sales goal.


 * 2004 April 22
 * "F", "F Turbo" is based on 13-inch alloy wheels and aerodynamic, sporty appearance was well equipped with discharge headlights, which also features a special MD / CD player with AM / FM tuner and Micro-antenna specification car "F · Aero premium" was released.


 * 2004 October 14
 * Made some improvements. "F" is added to the interior color gray, "D" that was set was also employed in the front bench seat. "D" is a fully automatic air conditioner with a new standard. In addition, special edition models were released in April 2005 "F · Aero Premium" by changing the price of 80,000 options to manufacturers MD / CD player with AM / FM tuner with discharge headlights were standard conventional Price was a circle. Replacement system made with body color Blue and Pearl White. Because of the improved fuel economy, "C Turbo" · "F Turbo" of FF cars' fuel efficiency standards + 5% 2010 "has been achieved.


 * 2004 December 24
 * "F", based on aero parts, smoke type rear combination lamps, 14-inch alloy wheels in an exclusive color, half-shade front window, while equipped with a micro antenna, car audio less specification and special edition 'Divas ( DIVA) "was released. The "Diva" grade name is derived from the third car, "Life Dunk," and due to additional minor revival since "Life" is set as the first time. The body color is only set the color.


 * 2005 February 3
 * "C" on the base, equipped with privacy glass, special specification car audio less specification "C · Style" and announced the next day February 04 started from the sale.


 * 2005 August 25
 * "F" on the base, equipped with 13 inch alloy wheels, car audio less specification and special edition "F · Style" was released.


 * 2005 October 21
 * Made some improvements. Special edition models were released in December 2004 "Diva (DIVA)" has received favorable order, was promoted to Grade catalog. Only a new front grille, smoked headlight garnish plated, and 14-inch alloy wheels adopted an exclusive color. The new spec turbo "Turbo Diva" along with adding a turbo to the existing grade of "F Turbo" diaphragm, reviewing the structure type. In addition, all grades side turn lamp, high mounted stop lamps, headlights as standard equipment with leveling, "C" for all grades except the built-in mechanical keys "Honda Smart Key System" option added to the manufacturer. In addition, the two-wheel-drive cars all gained SU-LEV certification as their emissions levels were 75 percent lower than required by Japan's 2005 emission standards. Body color and three colors predecessor had been set to "Diva" has added color two colors only. The "Happy Edition" special edition was released on 21 October as well. It was based on the "F" model, with fully automatic air conditioning with an air clean filter, tinted band on top of the front window, and a keyless entry-integrated system.


 * 2006 September 28
 * Minor changes made. To support the new steering when parking back "Honda Smart Parking Assist System (simple type of voice guidance only)" to "Happy Edition" · "F Turbo", "Diva" · "Diva Turbo" in FF was a factory option on each car. Furthermore, "F" and "Diva" is the security alarm, high-performance deodorant filter-free allele, is standard on this new integrated keyless entry key 2. The exterior front, headlights, rear combination lamps, such as door handles redesigned. "Diva" will change the design of aero bumper, side mirror turn signal was adopted. "Turbo Diva" has also been equipped with front fog lights further. In addition, the type that is offset to the right the previous year's position was in the middle of the front license plate. ," LIFEalso' logo will change when the second generation model 4 "LiFE" instead, the second time since the late addition of type "Life" next, go from right to left position of the previous year type rear emblem, "Diva" is "Life" instead of "Diva" emblems are mounted only. At the same time, special edition models released in October 2005 "Happy Edition" With the change of the base model specification was changed to the front window shade half the special equipment and fully automatic air conditioner. In addition, "C", based on a rear wiper with washer and ABS + Brake Assist with EBD (cars only FF) and to not equipped with a black tailgate garnish (cars only FF) special edition models equipped with a "topic", then went on sale from October 05.


 * 2007 June 7
 * "DIVA", based on special edition models equipped with front fog lights and full auto air conditioning "Special" and "C" is based on, ABS + Brake Assist with EBD, instead of omitting the privacy glass, multi-angle outer door handles (colored), special edition models equipped with "super-topic" was released.


 * In 2007 November 8
 * "F" based on, Honda Smart Key System, Automatic Climate Control, CD Player with AM / FM tuner, half-shade front window, door mirror equipped with a special edition models turn "Happy Special" was released.


 * In 2007 December 20
 * "C" special edition models based on a "special comfort," "Fine Special" release. Both ??, CD player with AM / FM tuner, multi-angle outer door handles (colored), and equipped with high performance deodorant filter-free alleles, the former specification is also equipped with full remote control colored retractable electric door mirrors with Automatic Climate Control the latter is omitted specification deals with ABS + EBD brake assist

Specifications
Engine is rated 52 PS at 6,700 rpm and 61 Nm at 3,800 rpm for non-turbo model, and 64 PS at 6,000 rpm and 93 Nm at 4,000 rpm for the turbo model.

Fifth generation (2008)
In November 2008, Honda introduced the fifth generation Life. This generation is available in C, G, PASTEL, PASTEL turbo, DIVA, DIVA turbo. A higher specification model marketed towards a younger crowd is called the Honda Zest, sharing all mechanicals with the Life.

Specifications
It keeps on using Honda P07A engine from the previous generation. The naturally aspirated engine is rated 52 PS at 7100 rpm and 60 Nm at 3600 rpm, and 64 PS at 6000 rpm and 93 Nm at 4000 rpm for the turbo model, which is available in PASTEL and DIVA models.

Vehicle code:
 * DBA-JC1: FF
 * CBA-JC2: 4WD

2008 September 18, and in the press release, and continuously changing the amount of air bags, the emissions control for the driver's seat called the "ECO" button that displays encouragement for driving eco-friendly, and high protection performance and low-impact "i-SRS airbag system "(the force deployed during an impact is measured against many veriables) was announced to be built into the fifth generation Honda Life. October "teaser ad" started the introduction to the Japanese market, the "Casual" trim package represented the standard equipment trim package, the "G type", and the sporty grade "DIVA" in addition to the new grade enhanced the addition of the fashionably equipped "PASTEL" trim package.

In the fifth generations exterior styling is an interpretation of a "daily smile technology" approach. The original concept has been taken into account in particular the ease of operation. Front narrow pillars and lower door sash, with a large integrated triangle window in the front doors, a front windshield wiper review of the side front position, the waistline and front passenger outward view optimization, adoption of the rear quarter windows, the size of the tailgate window and rear seat review of the shape of the seat back, the embedded headlight inclusion, have improved the appearance of the front side and rear view over the previous generation.

Vehicle Dimensions Length Width is a mini-ever full frame, total height is 1,610 mm (FF models: +35 mm compared to its predecessor) has been set higher, and have contributed to the expansion of interior volume. The vehicles platform chassis was renewed, and yet it was about 40 kg lighter than its predecessor's. The position of number plates, as well as three second-top predecessor's tailgate, rear bumper on the back has been changed from the previous generation.

An audio monitor with back, the first in the mini standard (except for C-type). Thus, Honda Smart Parking Assist System, from the simple type of voice guidance, now assisted steering is performed in both forward and backward The first owner of Honda Life is Sheikh Faisal.

Chronology

 * 2008 November 6
 * Performed a full model change to the fifth generation, went on sale from November 07.


 * 2009 June 4
 * "PASTEL", "PASTEL turbo" special edition models equipped with headlamps, etc. based on the "HID Special" announced, sold from June 11. Also, "G type" and "PASTEL" was expanded to accommodate another grade of exclusive color.


 * 2009 October 15
 * Made some improvements. Improved fuel efficiency in cars and 4WD car turbo engine of FF NA engines, each "15% FY 2010 fuel economy standards," "fiscal 2010 fuel economy standards" has been achieved. The new FF NA engines in cars, "Taxation promote environmentally friendly vehicles," vehicles were covered. Done to improve the electric power steering, improved steering performance. In addition, "PASTEL" is a half-shade in the front window, "DIVA" in a half-shade front window, tailgate spoiler, which added with a micro-antenna. In addition, a new grade feature rich, "G type" is fully automatic air conditioning, high-allergy-free deodorant filter, driver seat height adjuster, tilt steering and equipped with "Comfort Select" a, "DIVA / DIVA turbo" The 14-inch alloy wheels ("DIVA" only, "DIVA turbo" is standard), discharge headlights, leather-wrapped steering wheel features a synthetic, non-audio was fitted with a back monitor "Cool Select" added the . In addition, in December 2006 a "G" and "pastel" colors are added to the body.


 * 2010 May 17
 * "C type" based on, ABS + Brake Assist with EBD, with feature privacy glass / UV cut heat-ray absorption (rear tailgate rear quarter), colored door mirrors (manual) and outer door handles, and full wheel caps special edition models equipped with "Comfort Special" and "DIVA" is based on the audio monitor with back, Honda Smart Key System immobilizer, security alarms, non-special edition models were equipped with front window shade half "Special" was released.


 * 2010 November 18
 * Minor changes made. Lift-up Seat passenger cars went on sale from December 09. "G type" is a revamped front grille, projector type headlights were changed. Interior has adopted a steady meter and 3 eyes wide center panel with decorative silver, front center armrest is standard with a rear wiper and washer. In addition, "Honda Smart Parking Assist System," with improved usability review of the speed setting also. "DIVA" also "G type" as well as improvements are made, dedicated to the design front grille chrome paint, projector headlights were changed to type. Headlamp headlamps (low beam, with automatic leveling mechanism), wide center panel Piano Black will be adjusted and, 3 eye meter is steady blue illumination adds, which occurred during differentiation. In addition, special sport seats with built-in door mirrors and turn signals. Together, the previous year had been fitted with type "Life" logo emblem is gone, "DIVA" has moved from right to left logo emblem. "DIVA" to wear the emblem of the logo is only since the late fourth type. In addition, the former is additionally equipped with audio remote control switch and a rear camera and lighting can be installed at the dealer affordable navigation option "Special Package for mounting navigation" was also set. Furthermore, due to this minor "PASTEL" is discontinued, the turbo cars "DIVA · Turbo Smart Style" was only offered.


 * 2011 August 22
 * "G", based on grade advanced "Smart Plus" discharge headlights with projector type of equipment (low beam, with automatic leveling mechanism), colored front grille, special edition models equipped with a front window, half-shade "HID smart Special "release.


 * 2011 November 28
 * "DIVA" is based on a 14-inch alloy wheels, fully automatic air conditioning, as well as equipped with a full specification Honda Smart Key System, subjected to the shift knob chrome inner door handles and knobs button air-conditioning outlets Vehicles specially designed "Smart Special" was released (launched December 22).

Honda Zest
The Honda Zest is a kei car built from 2006 until 2012, mechanically identical to the fifth generation Honda Life. It came equipped with a turbocharged three-cylinder engine and 5-door bodywork. It was one of the first kei cars available with optional side curtain airbags. It was available in two distinct versions — Zest and Zest Sports. In fall/winter 2008, the Zest Sports was replaced with the Zest Spark.

Chinese-market Life (GR; 2020)


The "Life" nameplate is also used by Dongfeng Honda for the renamed fourth-generation Fit (sold by Guangqi Honda) for the Chinese market. Introduced in 2020, the minor differences between the Fit and the Life are the front bumper designs and rear taillight tint colour (the Life has a clear smoked tint).