From Commercial to Household: The Second-Generation Honda Today

Original: HonDaZhi, Japanese Car Enthusiast Magazine, 2025-03-05 01:47:32

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Continuing from the previous article, following the first-generation Today, after Japan's Kei-Car regulations changed in 1990, both the body size and engine displacement increased slightly. However, the manufacturer finally realized that Today was still a commercial vehicle. While it was loved by many, its design and craftsmanship still lacked comfort. Therefore, in January 1993, Honda officially announced the launch of the second-generation Today, redesigning it and abandoning its commercial nature, turning it completely into a passenger car.

🚗 Unique Pochette Design
The exterior of the second-generation Today changed little, but its most distinctive feature was the Pochette design. The Pochette version had a rear windshield that curved inward while the trunk lid extended outward, creating a unique structure where the trunk lid folded downward to open. This feature was rare for a car of its size and was inspired by designs seen in Kei-Car vans. Honda cleverly named it "Pochette," a French word for "bag," making the Today even more appealing.

🛠 Engineering & Interior Adjustments
Despite its compact size, Honda maximized interior space, continuing the asymmetrical layout from the first generation. The driver’s side was wider (500mm), while the passenger side was narrower (460mm)—a thoughtful choice based on research showing that most users were single women driving alone.

🔄 Expanding Variants: The Four-Door Associe
Initially, Today was only available in the two-door Pochette body style. However, in May 1993, Honda introduced a four-door version named Today Associe. The Associe eliminated the Pochette design and became a full hatchback. This model also received upgraded features such as power windows (front only), ABS, and ELR three-point seat belts.

🚀 Power & Performance
Under the hood, the second-generation Today was powered by a 656cc three-cylinder E07A engine, borrowed from the Honda Beat. Despite having only one engine option, it came in two versions:

• Standard Version: 48 hp @ 6,300 rpm, 5.8 kgm torque @ 5,500 rpm

• High-Output MTREC Version: 58 hp @ 7,300 rpm, 6.1 kgm torque @ 6,200 rpm

Both versions offered 5-speed manual or 3-speed automatic transmissions, with optional four-wheel drive. Unlike the previous generation, the four-wheel-drive models now had automatic transmission compatibility.

🚘 Shifting Towards Comfort
Since Today was now a true passenger car, Honda prioritized comfort, especially in the rear suspension. Though it still used a torsion beam setup, Honda fine-tuned the springs and dampers to make the rear end softer and more comfortable.

📉 Market Performance & Legacy
While Today remained a beloved Kei-Car, it never surpassed the success of Suzuki’s Wagon R. This led Honda to develop a new strategy, ultimately launching the Honda Life in 1997—a Kei-Car designed to capture a larger market.