Honda Beat
The high-revving, mid-engined masterpiece that was Soichiro Honda's final blessing.
- Power
- 63 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 12.9 s
- Top speed
- 84 mph
- Est. value
- $6k–$15k
About the Honda Beat
The Honda Beat is a mid-engined kei roadster that represents the pinnacle of naturally aspirated small-car engineering. It was the final project personally approved by Soichiro Honda before his death, and it features a high-revving three-cylinder engine equipped with MTREC individual throttle bodies—a rarity for its class. Styled by Pininfarina, the Beat offers a pure, mechanical driving experience with a 8,500 rpm redline and a lightweight chassis that prioritises agility over outright speed. While never officially sold outside Japan, it has become a global cult classic for its 'midship amusement' philosophy and distinctive zebra-print interior.
Honda Beat specs
The Honda Beat produces 63 bhp (47 kW) and 60 Nm (44 lb-ft) of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 12.9 seconds and has a top speed of 84 mph (135 km/h).
| Make | Honda |
|---|---|
| Model | Beat |
| Trim | 656cc |
| Years | 1991–1996 |
| Type | JDM |
| Body style | Roadster |
| Country | Japan |
| Production | About 33,635 built |
| Engine | 656cc SOHC 12-valve inline-three |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 656 cc (0.7 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 63 bhp (47 kW) at 8,100 rpm |
| Torque | 60 Nm (44 lb-ft) |
| Redline | 8,500 rpm |
| 0–60 mph | 12.9 s |
| Top speed | 84 mph (135 km/h) |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Weight | 760 kg (1,676 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 83 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
How much is a Honda Beat worth?
A typical Honda Beat is estimated to be worth $6,000 – $15,000 (about £4,500 – £11,000).
Values are directional estimates for a typical example, not appraisals. Condition, mileage, history and specification all change what a real car is worth. Pound figures use the exchange rate of 3 November 2026. How values are estimated
Honda Beat rarity in CarSpot
The Honda Beat is an Uncommon card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 23 out of 100. Hot hatches and premium sporty cars. An Uncommon card is worth 20 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Honda Beat fun facts
- The Beat was the first production car to feature individual throttle bodies for each cylinder in a kei-sized engine, a system Honda called MTREC.
- It was the last car to be personally approved by company founder Soichiro Honda before he passed away in August 1991.
- Despite its tiny dimensions, the Beat was the first kei car to be equipped with four-wheel disc brakes as standard.