Mitsubishi Town Box Kei Car Cars
The Mitsubishi Town Box is a compact Kei car that has garnered attention in New Zealand for its practicality and versatility, especially with its 4WD (4x4) capability. Designed originally for the Japanese domestic market, the Town Box offers a unique blend of efficiency, space, and off-road readiness in a small footprint, making it well-suited to New Zealand’s diverse driving environments.
With a length generally around 3.4 metres and width under 1.5 metres, the Town Box is highly manoeuvrable on tight city streets while offering surprising interior space. The cabin comfortably seats four adults, and its boxy shape maximizes cargo room, which is ideal for weekend getaways or transporting gear in both urban Auckland traffic and more rural or rugged settings.
One standout feature of the Mitsubishi Town Box is its part-time 4WD system. This provides enhanced traction on New Zealand’s wet roads, gravel tracks, and even light off-road terrain commonly encountered in areas like Canterbury's rural backroads or Fiordland’s less accessible routes. Its modest engine size—typically a 660cc three-cylinder unit as per Kei car regulations—balances fuel economy with sufficient power for daily commuting and moderate loads.
In addition to being practical for everyday use, the compact dimensions combined with 4WD make it suitable for narrow rural roads and slippery conditions during winter months across regions like Central Otago or the Southern Lakes area. The suspension is tuned to handle uneven surfaces while maintaining comfort inside the cabin.
While it may not have the high horsepower of larger SUVs common in New Zealand, the Mitsubishi Town Box’s economical design ensures low running costs, reduced emissions, and easier parking—a definite plus for both city dwellers and those needing reliable access beyond paved roads. Overall, this Kei car variant stands out as a capable mini SUV option tailored to meet the challenges of varied Kiwi landscapes.
