Honda Beat

PP1 — Mid-engine Kei roadster, 1991–1996.

The Honda Beat is a mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive open-top Kei sports car produced from 1991 to 1996. It was the last vehicle personally approved by Soichiro Honda before his death in 1991. Despite its 656cc displacement, the Beat was engineered with a sport-first philosophy: the engine sits amidships behind the driver, the chassis is stiff, and the suspension geometry prioritizes handling over ride comfort. It remains one of the most driver-focused vehicles ever built within Kei regulations.

Key Specifications

Model Code

PP1

Production

1991–1996

Engine

E07A — 656cc SOHC 3-cylinder MTREC

Power Output

64 PS (63 hp) @ 8,100 RPM

Torque

6.1 kg·m (44 lb·ft) @ 7,000 RPM

Redline

8,500 RPM

Transmission

5-speed manual — rear-wheel drive

Wheelbase

2,280 mm (89.8 in)

Curb Weight

760 kg (1,676 lb)

Layout

Mid-engine, rear-wheel drive (MR)

Body Style

Targa top (removable roof panel)

Total Produced

Approximately 33,600 units

MTREC Induction System

The E07A engine in the Beat uses Honda's MTREC (Multi Throttle Responsive Engine Control) system — three individual throttle bodies, one per cylinder, each with its own fuel injector. This gives the engine a direct, linear throttle response more typical of a motorcycle engine than a car. Peak power arrives at 8,100 RPM and the engine pulls cleanly to its 8,500 RPM redline. The system has no variable valve timing; the power delivery is achieved entirely through carburetion geometry and intake tuning.

Note:The E07A in the Beat is fuel-injected via MTREC. This is a different configuration from the carbureted E07A used in some Honda Acty variants — they share the displacement and block but the induction systems are not interchangeable.

Import Eligibility

The Honda Beat qualifies for import to the United States under the 25-year exemption rule (49 U.S.C. § 30112). Production ran from 1991 to 1996, meaning all Beat variants are now eligible. The vehicle was never sold in North America, so it qualifies as a non-conforming vehicle imported for show or display, or as an exempt vehicle under the 25-year rule depending on the import year.

The Beat's light curb weight (760 kg) and right-hand drive configuration are common to all PP1 units. No left-hand drive variants were produced.

Common Maintenance Notes

Engine oil capacity is approximately 2.5 L with filter — use 10W-30 or 10W-40 API SJ or later
Spark plugs: NGK BKR6E — same family as the Acty but confirm gap to Honda spec (0.8–0.9 mm)
Timing belt replacement interval: 60,000 km — the E07A is an interference engine; a snapped belt causes valve damage
The targa roof panel is prone to UV degradation — inspect the seals at each removal
Rear mid-engine placement means the engine bay is accessed from a rear lid — coolant and oil service points are behind the seats

Tip:The Beat community is active on Japanese domestic forums and the Beat Owners Club network. Parts availability is better than expected for a vehicle of this age — Honda Japan continued producing some components through the early 2020s, and a dedicated aftermarket exists in Japan.

Full maintenance articles for the Honda Beat are in development. The specifications above are drawn from Honda factory documentation and the PP1 service manual.