Ever since its predecessor, the T360, the Honda Acty has been a slightly unusual mini truck that breaks away from conventional truck standards. The semi-cab truck T360, which appeared in 1963 as Honda’s first four-wheeled vehicle, was equipped with Japan’s first DOHC, four-cylinder, 30 horsepower engine, and boasted a cruising speed of 100 km/h, an incredible feat for a light vehicle at the time.
Then came the TN360, which was equipped with a full cab and two-cylinder engine, with the engine and transmission from a front-wheel drive passenger car moved exactly under the loading platform, compensating for the drawback of kei trucks, whose rear wheels tend to be light. In addition, the unusual leaf-type De Dion suspension reduced unsprung weight and ensured ground clearance. Furthermore, the monocoque structure, which makes the loading platform part of the frame, laid the foundation for the current Acty.
Even when 4WD was introduced in 1983, later than other companies, it was the first in its class to have 4WD+5-speed and front-wheel disc brakes, and the following year it was the first to have 4WD+AT in a light vehicle. In 1988, it introduced a viscous coupling full-time 4WD (product name: Real-time 4WD) to improve driving stability, and a high-gear setting for high-speed cruising, so it has always followed a different path from other mini trucks.
The Acty was introduced in May 1999, several months later than other companies. It is equipped with offset collision protection, which other companies still do not have, as well as pedestrian safety, interior head protection, SRS airbags and seatbelt tensioners for all drivers, a load limiter, and if you select the optional ABS, it is equipped with “EBD” that properly distributes front and rear brake force in addition to brake assist, and multi-reflector headlights that are bright and easy to see even with normal bulbs.
The adoption of iridium plugs that are maintenance-free for 100,000 km was also a hot topic. However, the vehicle weight is 100 kg heavier than the old standard. It is quite heavy compared to other companies.
