Honda’s virus-proof cabin filter

Compared with the N95 filters used in some vehicles, which prevent the entry of viruses and other particles larger than 0.3 microns into the cabin, the Honda system actively works to destroy existing viruses in air being circulated through the cabin using a zinc phosphate chemical conversion treatment.

Honda claims the Kurumaku filter can remove 99.8 per cent of airborne virus droplets inside a car within 15 minutes of air recirculation being activated, while it can take around 24 hours for viruses on surfaces to be eliminated.

For it to remain effective, the Kurumaku filter must be replaced annually or every 15,000 km at a cost of around $80 (converted from Japanese Yen).

The catch? It’s only currently available on the Japanese domestic market N-Box Kei car but will likely be rolled out to other models soon.