<P> An upgraded 36 PS (27 kW) engine was added in October 1968 for the N360 TS, which was sold as the N360 Touring following a minor update in January 1969 . The updated version is referred to as the NII . A 401.54 cc engine was used in the similar N400, a model sold in certain export markets beginning in late summer 1968 . This occupied the narrow slot between the 360 and the 600; in most markets it was only sold as the N400 L with better equipment . The Hondamatic - equipped N360AT which appeared in August 1968 was the first kei car equipped with an automatic transmission . </P> <P> The larger - engined N600 was developed alongside the N360 in order to target export markets like the US and Europe, where motorways demanded higher top speeds . Just seven months after road testing the N360, Britain's Motor magazine tested a Honda N600 in November 1968 . They reported that it had a top speed of 77.1 mph (124.1 km / h) and could accelerate from 0 - 60 mph (97 km / h) in 19 seconds . An overall fuel consumption of 36.3 miles per imperial gallon (7.8 L / 100 km; 30.2 mpg) was achieved . The test car was priced in the UK at £ 589 including taxes, at a time when the Mini 850 was retailing for £ 561 . The testers were impressed to find 1100 cc performance from a 600 cc car, but found it' very noisy when extended' . They found the Honda as easy to drive and park, and' quite well equipped' . The performance figures put the car at or near the top of its class under most criteria, reflecting its favourable power - to - weight ratio . The car was thus 5 mph (8 km / h) faster than the 72 mph (116 km / h) achieved by rival magazine Autocar in an N360 in May 1968, and more than ten seconds quicker to 60 mph (97 km / h) which the N360 achieved in 29.3 seconds . Consistent with its slower performance, the N360 squeezed 3 extra miles out of a (UK) gallon of fuel, managing an overall 39.4 miles per imperial gallon (7.17 L / 100 km; 32.8 mpg). </P> <P> The N600 was introduced to the USA in 1969 as a 1970 model, and was the first Honda automobile to be officially imported to the United States . It was technologically advanced for its time, with an all alloy engine that could achieve 9000 rpm . Engine output was 36--45 hp (27--34 kW) and the N600 was capable of 81 mph (130 km / h). The lower - powered engine arrived in 1972; with milder cams and lowered compression it gave up some peak power and torque, while allowing for a less peaky delivery and higher drivability . It delivered surprisingly peppy performance because of its light weight (around 550 kg / 1100 pounds), due to compact dimensions and some plastic parts (like the boot lid). The brakes on early models were very weak, despite having front discs and servo assistance . Rear suspension was a dead axle on leaf springs . </P> <P> The N600 (along with the TN360 kei truck), were the first Honda cars to be assembled outside Japan, with production in Taiwan by local joint venture Sanyang Industrial beginning in 1969 . The N600 was called the Fu Gui, meaning' Wealth' in Chinese (富貴). </P>

When was the first honda car sold in america