- Dune Rover is a rugged kei camper based on Daihatsu Hijet.
- Interior adds dual beds A/C fridge and compact mini kitchen.
- Company also sells urban focused alternative called the Plat.
Forget massive RVs that require a heavy-duty license and a dedicated parking lot. Japan has a habit of solving problems by shrinking them, and the kei-based micro-camper is a neat example. The latest entry is the Dune Rover, also called the Katana Mini, from Direct Cars, which turns the back of a Daihatsu Hijet truck into something that passes for a compact hotel room.
The exterior wears a scratch-resistant Raptor finish, paired with black accents on the bumper, alloy wheels, and rigidized metal panels. Extra LEDs on the roof reinforce the rugged look, though a lift kit and grippier tires would make the off-road promise feel a bit more convincing.
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Access to the cabin comes via a rear entrance door with electric steps. Once you get inside, you’re greeted by a cozy atmosphere similar to high-end motorhomes, only compressed into dimensions that remind you this is still very much a kei truck.
Dune Rover
Sleeping For Four
The dining area features a table and two couches that convert into a double bed by rearranging the cushions. Above the cabin, a second double bed makes use of the added vertical space. In theory, the Dune Rover can sleep up to four people, though it would be a tight fit. Two of them would also need alternate transportation, as the Hijet remains a strict two-seater.
More: Even After 12 Years, This Tiny $7K Kei Truck Refuses To Grow Up
Despite the tight footprint, the company has somehow squeezed in a sink, a microwave, a 35 lt (9.25 gallon) refrigerator, a TV screen, underbed storage, ambient lighting, and even an A/C unit. There is also a control panel and plenty of USB ports to keep everyone’s devices alive.
The only real omission is a toilet or shower, though expecting either in a cabin this size might be asking a bit much.
All of the amenities are powered by an 100Ah lithium-ion battery pack that can be upgraded to 200Ah. Off-grid time can be extended further with the optional 100W solar panels.
If the Dune Rover feels a bit too adventurous, Direct Cars also offers the PLAT, another Hijet-based camper designed with a focus on urban use. It adopts a more aerodynamic design for the cabin, different wheels, and a black and silver livery. It also adds a side door, an awning, and a larger kitchen area.
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Both campers retain the stock underpinnings of the Daihatsu Hijet truck. This means they are powered by a tiny 660cc engine, generating up to 63 hp (47 kW / 64 PS) in turbocharged flavor. Depending on the donor vehicle, power is transmitted to either the rear or to all four wheels via a five-speed manual or a CVT.
What Does It Actually Cost?
According to the company, the PLAT starts at ¥4,390,000 ($28,000), while the Dune Rover begins at ¥5,980,000 ($38,100). Start adding options, though, and the rugged mini-home can climb to ¥7,178,000 ($45,800), making it a rather costly affair for its size.
If that price or size gives you pause, the same company also offers camper and motorhome conversions based on the larger Toyota Dyna, HiAce, and Hilux, for buyers who prefer their adventures with a bit more elbow room.
PLAT
