The Suzuki Cappuccino and the Autozam AZ-1 are among the two most interesting Japanese kei cars. How about a duel on track between the two?
Engine in center rear position, rear wheel drive, two seats, gull wing doors, only 720 kg in weight… So far it sounds like a description of a competition car, doesn't it? So let's continue. 660 cubic centimeters and 64 horsepower. Yea… sixty-four horses?! Only?!
More than enough power for fun moments at the wheel – as we'll see below. Welcome to the world of kei cars, small Japanese cars, a segment that doesn't exist anywhere else in the world. Originally created to stimulate the Japanese car industry after World War II, this segment remains “alive” to this day.
Compared to conventional cars, kei cars have tax advantages that allow a lower sale price to the public, and are the ideal solution for congested Japanese cities.
As this movie reveals, kei cars are not just pure city dwellers and work vehicles. They also gave rise to exciting little machines. The 90's were undoubtedly the most interesting at this point.
Of the present pair, the Suzuki Cappuccino is perhaps the best known – some have even made it to Portugal. Imagine a Mazda MX-5 that has shrunk and is not far from what is a Cappuccino. In terms of proportions, know that the Cappuccino is shorter and narrower than a Fiat 500. It really is very small. Longitudinal front engine, rear-wheel drive and, of course, the regulated 64 hp (maximum allowable power) of the small 660 cc in-line three-cylinder with turbo.
But there is more…
The Autozam AZ-1 was without a doubt the most radical of the kei cars. A 1/3 scale super sports car. A project initially proposed by Suzuki, which eventually reached the production line through Mazda's hands. The engine comes from Suzuki – the Japanese brand also sold the AZ-1 with its symbol.
The Autozam brand is also a creation of Mazda, when it decided to create different brands to conquer different segments of the market. Japan's Best Motoring has happily retrieved this 1992 comparison, putting the two small but fun models side by side.
To see the action in circuit, and wet ground, watch the video from 5:00 minutes. Before that, there is a description of the AZ-1 and a comparison of acceleration on the road. Unfortunately, subtitles don't even see them… do you understand Japanese? We neither.