Nissan’s New Kei Car Debuts New Features for Japan’s Popular Segment

The 2026 Nissan Roox has been unveiled in Japan, debuting new features for the country’s popular kei car segment, priced at ¥1.6 million (around $16,700). 

The fourth-generation Nissan Roox is built by NMKV, a joint kei car-building venture between Nissan and Mitsubishi that also produces the Nissan Dayz and Sakura, and the Mitsubishi Delica Mini and eK models. 

The Roox – a combination of the words Roomy and Max – is among the best-selling kei car models, with over 70,000 examples of the outgoing generation sold last year. 

While large screens are commonplace in other segments, and smaller units have been fitted to other kei car offerings before, the Roox arrives with a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, the first system of its kind to be offered in a kei car from the factory. 

The system is compatible with the NissanConnect app and Google built-in, incorporating Google Maps, Google Assistant, and Google Play. 

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The new Roox comes with Invisible Hood View as part of its Intelligent Around View Monitor system – another kei car first – providing drivers with a view of the road unobstructed by the bonnet. 

Additional new features on the Roox include Intelligent Emergency Braking, Intelligent Blind Spot Intervention and Blind Spot Warning, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

Nissan claims class-leading interior length and storage space for the Roox. Sitting at 2,315mm, the interior length over the outgoing Roox has grown by 115mm, while cargo space is sufficient for up to four 48-litre suitcases. 

Engine efficiency improvements have reportedly been made for the incoming Roox. While official specifications are set to be confirmed closer to its official launch, the previous generation hybrid variants could achieve a fuel economy of as little as 3.6L/100km. 

The NVH has also reportedly been improved over the outgoing model, with increased sound deadening in the doors and around the tyres. 

While likely to be a popular model in Japan when it goes on sale later this year, and while kei cars are sometimes brought to Australia through specialist importers, Nissan almost certainly won't sell the Roox locally, and it is unlikely to see Australian roads any time soon.