Suzuki Lapin LC

The Suzuki Lapin was updated for the 2023 Model Year with some minor tweaks underneath and apart from that, it has spawned a posh addition to the Lapin range. It's called the Lapin LC and it's the poshest kei car young Japanese ladies can't wait to drive.

2023 Suzuki Alto Lapin LC

2023 Suzuki Alto Lapin LC interior

The new Lapin LC, priced at 1,409,100 Japanese Yen plus additional costs, is the poshest kei car in the Suzuki lineup, and those who want to have a little haute couture on their daily trip to the metropolis should consider this the ideal fashion accessory that matches the ladies' personal tastes.

While the styling is nearly identical to the normal Lapin, the LC features a different front view that pays tribute to the Suzuki Fronte 360 LC10 of the late 60s. The rear view dons a specially-made badge to distinguish it from the normal Lapin. It's no wonder why they called it the LC because it pays tribute to one of Suzuki's iconic kei cars, whatever the reason.

Inside, the LC features specially-made seats, a quilted roof that is fun to touch, a specially-made steering wheel with dark brown faux wood and wine-red labeling in the middle, and a choice of two center panels; simple and chic. Like the normal Lapin, the LC features useful conveniences to store stuff, charge their phones, and so on, living up to its role as the ideal fashion accessory on wheels.

Under the hood, the Lapin LC is powered by an R06A 660cc 3-cylinder petrol engine with ENE-CHARGE, ECO-COOL, and Idling Stop. Now mated to a CVT gearbox, the Lapin LC delivers 26.2kmpl of fuel economy based on WLTC Mode standards. Not bad for an unrivaled posh kei car that is also as enjoyable to drive on city roads.

In terms of safety, the Lapin LC features a wide array of safety systems under the Suzuki Safety Support banner, such as Dual Camera Brake Support, Reverse Brake Support, False Start Suppression, Lane Departure Warning, Sign Recognition, false start suppression, high beam assist, and the most useful feature of all, the omnidirectional view monitor.

The posh kei car from Suzuki is here to give Japanese ladies something to match their personality with its styling, interior, and fuel efficiency that will keep them going until nighttime unless they're rushing for a midnight sale somewhere.

Available colors: Terracotta Pink Metallic, Trad Khaki Metallic, Fawn Beige Metallic, Nocturne Blue Pearl, Urban Brown Pearl Metallic, Soft Beige Metallic, Fawn Beige Metallic Urban Brown 2-tone Roof, Trad Khaki Metallic Urban Brown 2-tone Roof, Terracotta Pink Metallic Urban Brown 2-tone Roof, Urban Brown Pearl Metallic Soft Beige 2-tone Roof, Trad Khaki Metallic Soft Beige 2-tone Roof, and Nocturne Blue Pearl Soft Beige 2-tone Roof.

Photo: Suzuki Motor Corporation

Mazda Carol (HB37/97S)

Following the launch of the ninth-generation Suzuki Alto, the Mazda equivalent known as the Carol is not left behind as it follows suit to the Alto's regeneration and is ready to take on the new normal with its record-breaking fuel economy and simple design that truly reflects Japan's civilized society.

2022 Mazda Carol

With an MSRP of 998,800 Japanese Yen plus additional costs, the all-new Carol is the reinvention of a modern kei car that will take on the challenges of the new normal. Although it remains compact as it should be, the new Carol features an adorable new design that suits its size and personality. When you take it on a Sunday afternoon drive at Hakone, the new Carol has a charming personality that soothes away your stress all the way home.

The interior, meanwhile, raises a bountiful of questions, especially from those who have driven the previous model because the dashboard looks nearly identical to its predecessor. Despite the questionable dashboard, it still incorporates the "simple is best" mantra and it's slightly roomier than the previous model, meaning it still accommodates up to four people without worry. The same goes for the boot space as well.

Now running on the HEARTECT platform, the all-new Carol drives better than the previous model, and thanks to some reworking underneath, the minimum turning radius is now 4.4m Not only does it feel nicer to drive, it's soothing as well. It's easy to drive, hard to regret, even on a quiet Sunday drive in the woods.

The base Carol is powered by the R06A 660cc 3-cylinder DOHC 12V EPI engine with ENE-CHARGE that produces 46PS of power, 55Nm of torque and mated to a CVT, it delivers a fuel economy of 25.2kmpl based on WLTC Mode standards. However, to get the most out of the new model, you can opt in for the HYBRID variant which comes with a tiny WA04C motor and a Li-ion battery. This mild-hybrid powertrain grants you 27.7kmpl of fuel economy based on WLTC Mode standards.

True to its simple character, the new Alto comes with a Collision Damage Mitigation Brake and Pedal Mistake Sudden Start Suppression Device, making it a certified "Support Car S Wide".

So, if you need a ninth-generation Suzuki Alto but your nearest dealer is a Mazda dealer, the new Carol is within reach.

Photo: Mazda Motor Corporation

Suzuki Alto - Ninth Generation

Built by the 99% for the 99%, the Suzuki Alto is the kei car that symbolizes every Japanese people's daily life. Affordable, Light on gas, Technology from Japan, and Outstanding value for money, that's what the Suzuki Alto is all about. With the arrival of the ninth generation Suzuki Alto, one of Japan's most affordable cars, it is ready to take on the new normal with its record-breaking fuel economy and simple design that truly reflects Japan's civilized society.

2022 Suzuki Alto

2022 Suzuki Alto

With an MSRP of 943,800 Japanese Yen plus additional costs, the all-new, ninth-generation Suzuki Alto is the reinvention of a modern kei car that will take on the challenges of the new normal. Although it remains compact as it should be, the new Alto features an adorable new design that suits its size and personality. When you take it on a Sunday afternoon drive at Hakone, the new Alto has a charming personality that soothes away your stress all the way home.

2022 Suzuki Alto interior

The interior, meanwhile, raises a bountiful of questions, especially from those who have driven the previous model because the dashboard looks nearly identical to its predecessor. Despite the questionable dashboard, it still incorporates the "simple is best" mantra and it's slightly roomier than the previous model, meaning it still accommodates up to four people without worry. The same goes for the boot space as well.

2022 Suzuki Alto

Now running on the HEARTECT platform, the all-new Alto drives better than the previous model, and thanks to some reworking underneath, the minimum turning radius is now 4.4m Not only does it feel nicer to drive, it's soothing as well. It's easy to drive, hard to regret, even on a quiet Sunday drive in the woods.

The base Alto is powered by the R06A 660cc 3-cylinder DOHC 12V EPI engine with ENE-CHARGE that produces 46PS of power, 55Nm of torque, and mated to a CVT, it delivers a fuel economy of 25.2kmpl based on WLTC Mode standards. However, to get the most out of the new model, you can opt in for the HYBRID variant which comes with a tiny WA04C motor and a Li-ion battery. This mild-hybrid powertrain grants you 27.7kmpl of fuel economy based on WLTC Mode standards. Enough to outlast its main rival, the Daihatsu Mira e:S, which is almost a hundred thousand yen cheaper than the new Alto of course. Still, it's worth proof that when it comes to fuel-efficient vehicles, Suzuki still reigns.

True to its simple character, the new Alto comes with a Collision Damage Mitigation Brake and Pedal Mistake Sudden Start Suppression Device, making it a certified "Support Car S Wide".

The new Suzuki Alto is now built to tackle the challenges of the new normal with its new design, interior, ecology, and safety while retaining the same kei car feeling it pioneered. It truly is built by the 99% for the 99% and you are more than welcome to drive the new Alto to your heart's content. Bland but it's the joy of driving.

Photo: Suzuki Motor Corporation

Suzuki Alto Works (HA36S)

Last March, Suzuki brought back the magic of a hot kei hatch in the form of the Alto Turbo RS. It was a fun kei car to drive but with the lack of a more enjoyable manual gearbox, the new Alto Turbo RS doesn't feel like the Works of yesteryears...until now...

2016 Suzuki Alto Works

Yes, the legendary Suzuki Alto Works is finally back and this time, this is the real deal. It's the rebirth of a hot kei car that shows that no matter how small the power output this car is, the new Alto Works shows its strengths in the handling department, and with a sport-tuned suspension and shock absorbers courtesy of KYB, this hot kei hatch is a well-proven track toy in its own right and because this is so good to handle, even rookies can master it during a track day. Sounds like Suzuki has finally brought back the legend in its modern form.

2016 Suzuki Alto Works interior

The interior of the new Works is more like the normal Alto but it's been peppered in a much darker shade to see how sleek and sporty the interior is. It even comes with a specially-made speedometer as well as RECARO seats, which is unheard of for sporty kei cars. Even though this is a hot hatch, it's got room in the back and is practical as well thanks to being a four-door hot kei sedan with seating for four. You would imagine taking one on a joyride at the mall or at the nightclub or whatever points of interest you come up with but don't get too jumpy just yet, folks.

2016 Suzuki Alto Works

The engine, like the Turbo RS, is a turbocharged R06A petrol engine complete with the breakthrough Suzuki Green Technology for fuel-efficiency measures. This engine produces 64PS of power and 100Nm of torque. That's the highest torque ever recorded in kei car history and this car knows a few tricks in its sleeves. Having learned their lesson with the mild but tangy Turbo RS, the new Alto Works is fitted with a 5-speed manual gearbox, which means it's back! Of course, there's an optional 5AGS gearbox available if you wouldn't mind one but either way, you'd be salivating this hot kei car right now.

In terms of fuel consumption, well, thanks to the SUZUKI GREEN Technology, the new Alto Works is expected to have a fuel consumption of 23kmpl for manual models and 23.6kmpl for the 5AGS models.

Although this is a much more enjoyable hot hatch to drive on a track day, the new Alto Works still has some safety equipment as any other car in the world would have such as the Radar Brake Support that stops automatically when an object nearby, a false start suppression system that prevents collision when the driver hits the pedal and gearbox by mistake when a car crawls, and an Emergency Stop Signal to warn drivers at the back.

2016 Suzuki Alto Works

Should you buy one? The new Alto Works starts from 1,509,840 to 1,639,440 Japanese Yen, which is more costly than the mild but tangy Turbo RS, but no matter how expensive this hot Alto is, it's a great thing the legendary Works is back and looks like it would give the big hot hatches a run for its money if this kei car knows what it is doing on a track day. Besides, you can afford one of these if you can't afford to buy a European hot hatch for a change.

Available colors: Steel Silver Metallic, Pearl White, Pure Red, and Bluish Black Pearl 3.

Photo: Suzuki Motor Corporation

New Suzuki Lapin (HE33S)

2016 Suzuki Alto Lapin

The Suzuki Lapin, a favorite among young female drivers, is now on its third-generation and for this new model, the new Lapin promises to be a cheap, cheerful, and more economical thanks to Suzuki's knowledge for fuel-efficiency. This goes to show that the days are numbered for its potential rival, the Daihatsu Mira Cocoa because later on, you will notice how fuel efficient the new Lapin is compared to the Cocoa rival.

2016 Suzuki Alto Lapin

2016 Suzuki Alto Lapin interior

To some young Japanese women who got their driver's license for the first time, a car is considered themselves as an accessory rather than an appliance much like their high-tech smartphones, tablets, fondations, jewelry, and whatever girly they knew, and that's why the Lapin was born to cater every women's needs. On this new model, it's somewhat dysfunctional rather than cheery because on the front, you'll see some rounded headlamps and a new grille which looks like what happens when a party-crashing magical girl and a girl with braces met each other at a pizza chain and mash each others' faces. Ooohh...

It's the same story in the back because when you look at it, you'll notice that the rear lamps look like it came from an "old" New Beetle. Why is it so fussy?

On the interior, every girl in Japan shouldn't be worry about because it has plenty of hiding spots for their girly stuff, convenient when they're starting to notice when their boyfriend is at close range, speedometer that displays some cutesy messages, a Lapin tradition, air conditioner that will keep them fresh after their game of volleyball with their mates, and for more expensive versions, a big screen which works like an iPad. With all that stuff, the Lapin is more convenient than the Mira Cocoa, and it has an ample space for whatever girls can throw into.

2016 Suzuki Alto Lapin

Fuel efficiency is the main focus of the new Lapin and thanks to SUZUKI GREEN TECHNOLOGY, which implements ENE-CHARGE, ECO-COOL, and a new generation IDLING STOP feature, it promises a much better fuel economy of 35.6kmpl when mated with a CVT gearbox. For entry-level models, it comes with a brand-new 5-speed Auto Gear Shift (ASG), and when mated with it, fuel economy is 29.6kmpl, comfortably beating the Mira Cocoa's fuel economy.

Because the Lapin is made as a city car, it's not so bad to handle even if you're new to driving and with the 4.4m turning radius, it's great to slip into tight spots if you knew what you're doing.

The all-new Lapin starts at a reasonably priced 1,077,840 Japanese Yen, which is surprisingly cheaper to own than the Mira Cocoa, so what you're looking at, ladies, is a girl-friendly kei car that you can buy if you already passed your driver's exam. Although the design isn't appealing to some, the interior and the efficiency is what makes the new Lapin so special for the modern Japanese females.

Available colors: French Mint Pearl Metallic White 2-Tone Roof, Coffret Pink Pearl Metallic White 2-Tone Roof, Chiffon Ivory Metallic White 2-Tone Roof, Phone Beige Metallic White 2-Tone Roof, French Mint Pearl Metallic, Coffret Pink Pearl Metallic, Chiffon Ivory Metallic, Phone Beige Metallic, Urban Brown Pearl Metallic, Cassis Pink Pearl Metallic, Pearl White, and Bluish Black Pearl 3.

Photo: Suzuki Motor Corporation

Suzuki Alto Turbo RS

2015 Suzuki Alto Turbo RS

Remember the Suzuki Alto Works? Yes. It was the kind of Alto that garnered a fresh batch of car enthusiasts because of its sporty appearance and its hot hatch-like handling that proves even kei cars can be a lot of fun to drive. Now, fast forward to today, and looks like there's a new successor to the legendary Alto Works. It's called the all-new Suzuki Alto Turbo RS and while this is essentially based on the latest generation Suzuki Alto, the car that garnered the crown of being the king of fuel-efficient petrol cars, the Turbo RS model changes everything what a kei car should be; light, agile, and a lot more enjoyable to own.

It looks like a normal Alto but the Turbo RS's exterior traces its roots to the legendary Works because it has some of the Works-inspired cosmetic treatments at the front as well as some red accents that will make it a bit more of a juvenile delinquent. Just imagine, if you're going to park it at your nearest coffee shop, they will think you are more of an open window maniac rather than the boy next door.

2015 Suzuki Alto Turbo RS interior

2015 Suzuki Alto Turbo RS interior

The interior looks more like a normal Alto as well but with some red accents and some red stuff at the seats, it really brings out that fresh hot hatch smell to the Turbo RS. You can even see a different speedo made specifically for this model.

2015 Suzuki Alto Turbo RS

The performance-oriented Alto Turbo RS is equipped with the turbocharged version of Suzuki's R06A petrol engine complete with the breakthrough Suzuki Green Technology for fuel-efficiency measures. This engine produces 64PS of power and 98Nm of torque.

The Alto Turbo RS is mated exclusively with Suzuki's 5-speed Auto Gear Shift transmission and if you need a quick refresher, the ASG is Suzuki's new automatic gearbox equipped with an electro-hydraulic actuator that automatically operates clutch and gearshift by integrating these two, ASG is made to provide unity on the operating device, resulting to an excellent fuel efficiency of 25.6kmpl, easy driving, and fun driving. Best of all, it comes fitted with paddle shifters and when the driver engages the gearbox into Manual Mode, shifting is not so bad, although it can be somewhat a dreadful experience because for us car enthusiasts, changing gears is a freedom of expression that can't be denied. Sadly for the Turbo RS, it's an automatic gearbox or nothing. Sigh... I thought they wanted to make an Alto that captures the magic of the legendary Alto Works from the past but feels like they didn't.

What about handling? Well, for a hot kei car, looks like the Alto is trying to redeem itself from its lousy gearbox thanks to some sport-tuned suspension, ventilated disc brakes, and some Bridgestone Potenza tires built specifically for this model. This is definitely a great car to handle even for beginners when they take one on a track day at Tsukuba. It feels light and agile, and drivers can have as much fun as they like as long as they know how to unleash this hot kei car's potential.

The Alto Turbo RS starts at 1,293,840 up to 1,415,880 Yen, making it one of the most affordable hot hatches to start with. It may be more expensive than any other kei car but for a driver's car, this is a great start to your car enthusiast life if you got yourself a driver's license for the very first time.

Available colors: Pearl White, Pure Red, and Bluish Black Pearl 3.

Photo: Suzuki Motor Corporation.

Mazda Carol (HB26S)

2015 Mazda Carol

Following with the launch of the eighth-generation Suzuki Alto, the Mazda equivalent known as the Carol is not left behind as it follows suit to the Alto's regeneration that led them to record-breaking fuel economy figures.

2015 Mazda Carol interior

2015 Mazda Carol interior

Set to launch this late January, the all-new Carol, mostly a borrowed version of the Suzuki Alto, follows a much traditional design fit for a budget-friendly car made for first-timers or those who got their driver's license for the first time. Although simple-looking for a mainstream car, its fuel economy stands out from the rest because the new Carol, like the new Alto, comes with the S-ENE-CHARGE system that assists the engine's acceleration with a motor by adopting the Integrated Starter Generator and a Li-ion battery that specifically made for this system. Coupled that with the R06A engine and the CVT gearbox and the result is a record-breaking fuel-economy of 37.0kmpl based on Japan's JC08 Mode standards.

2015 Mazda Carol

The cheapest version comes standard with the 5-speed manual gearbox which leads the entry-level version a simple fuel economy of around 27.2kmpl.

For those who want an all-rounder should choose the 4WD version which is capable when the roads are getting a bit slippery when wet but although mated exclusively with a CVT gearbox, fuel economy is dropped to 33.2km/L. That's a small price to pay but this version really takes the cake regardless of the weather, be it rainy or snowy.

Prices start from 847,800 to 1,123,200 Japanese Yen.

Available colors: Fizz Blue Pearl Metallic, Urban Brown Pearl Metallic, Pure Red, Silky Silver Metallic, Chiffon Ivory Metallic, Superior White, and Pearl White.

Photo: Mazda Motor Corporation

Suzuki Alto - Eighth Generation (HA36S)

2015 Suzuki Alto

There's a new king of fuel-efficient petrol cars arrived in Japan and it comes from a Japanese car company that helms as the king of fuel-efficient cars. Many have rivaled it but this car company's still fighting back and in Japan, they're winning in the fuel-efficient stakes. Yes, we're talking about Suzuki and what you're looking at, ladies and gentlemen, is the brand new, eighth-generation, Suzuki Alto. Yes. Suzuki has been using the Alto name for some time now since 1979 and for this 8th-generation model, looks like Suzuki's on a different approach when it comes to making this car from scratch.

2015 Suzuki Alto

2015 Suzuki Alto interior

Starting first with the design and for this new model, they've gone for a more retro approach which dates back from the 1980's. That sounds fine but for me, the new look is a bit tad old-fashioned for a new model but that's the way budget-friendly city cars look. Cheaper prices with cheaper designs that car enthusiasts wouldn't want in their dream garage except for Gran Turismo fanatics because it's a kei car and kei cars live well in the Gran Turismo virtual environment.

The same thing goes for the interior because just like the outside, it looks cheap and plasticky but it has the basic necessities that a car needs such as aircon, a radio, an instrumental panel, and seating for four people. The new model's height may be lower than the previous model but you can expect more space for your legs because the wheelbase is now 60mm more so, good job.

2015 Suzuki Alto

Now, here goes the most important stuff about the brand-new Alto: its performance. The new model inherits Suzuki's revolutionary S-ENE-CHARGE from the recently facelifted Wagon R, its big brother. If you need a quick recap, S-ENE-CHARGE is a system that assists the engine's acceleration with a motor by adopting the Integrated Starter Generator and a Li-ion battery that is specifically made for this system. Coupled with the R06A engine and the CVT gearbox, the result is a record-breaking fuel economy of 37.0kmpl based on Japan's JC08 Mode standards. This fuel economy is by no means the new Alto is the most fuel-efficient petrol-powered vehicle in the world today. There's no way other car makers can match that kind of fuel consumption.

This is only the beginning because the new Alto is offered in different variants, apart from its most fuel-efficient model ever made, including the one with the 5-speed manual gearbox and the one with a brand-new 5-speed Auto Gear Shift (ASG), a new type of gearbox that combines merits of both manual and automatic transmission.

It is equipped with an electro-hydraulic actuator that automatically operates clutch and gearshift and by integrating these two, ASG is made to provide unity on the operating device, resulting to an excellent fuel efficiency of 29.6kmpl, easy driving, and fun driving. Yes. Fun. Shifting gears is fun for this kind of city car.

Although I'm not going to pretend that this is a boring car made for old people with no sense of fun for a city car, it's not so bad. I mean, with a turning radius of 4.2 meters, this car is very easy to park and slip through the bends. It's that good but for a cheap car, it's not what you call comfortable because judging from its cheap seats and its cheap performance, it feels like I couldn't sleep in here. It feels like I'm sleeping on a rusty chair in my classroom during recess.

Even though it's a cheap car, the new Alto is not far behind when it comes to safety for this model, it comes with Radar Brake Support that stops automatically when an object is nearby, a false start suppression system that prevents collision when the driver hits the pedal and gearbox by mistake when a car crawls, and an Emergency Stop Signal to warn drivers at the back.

Time to conclude with with a little thing called "Evaluation Time" and if I had to evaluate it, the new Alto excels in the rear space due to its added wheelbase, its record-breaking fuel-efficient that can't be beat by its rivals, and with prices start at 847,800 Yen (around $8,500), it's a value for money. What the Alto flunks is its design, its comfort, its measly performance, and the interior that is as cheap as a check-in at a dirty motel. No matter though because with this new model, its fuel efficiency is unquestionable on the city streets and if any carmaker makes a car higher than any Suzuki model, they will still counterattack it despite their limited resources.

Photo: Suzuki Motor Corporation

Suzuki updates Alto Eco, fuel economy now 35kmpl

Suzuki Alto Eco

Months ago, Daihatsu facelifted their fuel-efficient Mira e:S and with the 33.4kmpl fuel economy, we were wondering what's going to be the response from Suzuki. Guess what? They've responded...hard. And to counterattack the e:S' fuel economy, Suzuki updated their Alto Eco to have fuel economy up to 35kmpl. 35kmpl! About the same as the Toyota Aqua hybrid but more importantly, about 1.6kmpl more than the recently facelifted Daihatsu Mira e:S!

So, how did Suzuki do it? The 660cc engine's compression ratio is now 11.2: while the combustion efficiency was improved by reshaping the piston to its smooth concave shape. The friction was reduced with the adoption of frictional resistance and the powertrain's optimized. The CVT's shift control's optimized, making it possible to run at low speeds. 2WD models also get improved heater performance and coolers as well.

With all the upgrades for the Alto Eco, looks like Suzuki Motor Corporation is acknowledging their achievement, giving the Daihatsu Mira e:S rival a run for its money. Prices now start at 838,950 Yen for the ECO-L model.

Report: http://autoc-one.jp/news/1550999/

URL: http://www.suzuki.co.jp/car/alto_eco/

SOME SAY: Next-generation Suzuki Alto will make 2013 Tokyo Motor Show debut?

Seventh-generation Suzuki Alto

As of now, the Daihatsu Mira e:S is now the most fuel-efficient petrol-powered car in the world with the fuel consumption of 33.4km/L based on Japan's JC08 Mode cycle but word from Suzuki is that they're not throwing in the towel just yet in the name of fuel consumption because some say, they're planning a next-generation of the Suzuki Alto kei-car for 2013 Tokyo Motor Show debut. Well, that's a rumor anyway but some say, their next Alto will be aiming for the 34-35km/L mark and possibly, it will be more fuel efficient than the Mira e:S' 33.4km/L fuel economy.

Is there a possibility? The jury's still out there...

Story: http://car-research.jp/suzuki/alto-3.html

Suzuki Alto Lapin Chocolat

2014 Suzuki Alto Lapin Chocolat

Suzuki's answer to the Daihatsu Mira Cocoa, called the Alto Lapin Chocolat, might just be the cutest car on the block even though both of these rivals share the same chocolate-y names. Hmmm...Cocoa and Chocolat...sounds so sweet but in terms of the rivalry between Daihatsu and Suzuki, they're bitter enemies, and the all-new Chocolat, which is the posh version of the second-generation Alto Lapin cute compact car targeted for Japanese women in their 20's, it promises to offer anything that the Cocoa can't.

Starting with the design that was made to captivate many young Japanese women. While Suzuki tries to make the new version of the Lapin even cuter than the normal Lapin, think of it as Suzuki trying to inject too much "cutonium" into the normal Lapin's design. Sadly for the readers, if you don't know what "cutonium" really is...I picked that word from a Phineas and Ferb episode titled "Meapless in Seattle" but forget about that. What's best to describe the new Chocolat is....well, it's about as cute as the host of a noontime talk show goes by the name of Ryzza. Cute as Ryzza. That's what that is.

2014 Suzuki Alto Lapin Chocolat interior

The Chocolat adds poshness to the familiar Lapin interior and getting in here feels like Peppermint Butler fixed it up for you before you set off. He he he...Peps. You really got me now but anyway, this isn't all Peppermint Butlers and Banana Guards on the Chocolat because on the more expensive versions, you'll get the smartphone-integrated navigation system as applied from the Spacia and then the familiar Lapin speedo where there's some cute bunny animation flashing up. Lovely...

2014 Suzuki Alto Lapin Chocolat

Unlike the new Wagon R or the Spacia, the new Chocolat, like the normal Lapin, didn't rely on the ENE-CHARGE system because some say, that could just spoil its cute looks. Instead, Suzuki's gone old-fashioned by adding Idling Stop on the Lapin Chocolat's K6A engine, which seems to be outdated because most Suzuki kei cars are now relying on the R06A engine since the current MR Wagon. Anyway, with the Idling Stop added, Suzuki promises that the Chocolat has a fuel economy of 26.0kmpl based on Japan's JC08 Mode standards, which theoretically, is the same as the Mira Cocoa's! However, with the 4WD powertrain, fuel economy is 25.2kmpl, which is .4kmpl less than the Cocoa's 4WD model.

As for the pricing, the all-new Lapin Chocolat starts at 1,291,500 Japanese Yen, which is about a hundred thousand more than the Daihatsu Mira Cocoa and more annoyingly, more pricey than the Suzuki MR Wagon. That's a small price to pay for a car that was made to captivate young women who think that the Mira Cocoa's not cute enough for them...

But still, the posh Chocolat from Suzuki is more than enough to eat the Mira Cocoa for breakfast and I had to say that such cute looks and posh interior feels like it's been made in Candy Kingdom or Candied Island with tender loving care. Wait, Candied Island? Oh dear...Why did I even have the urge to mention it?

Available colors: Pearl White, Bluish Black Pearl 3, Cassis Pink Pearl Metallic, Urban Brown Pearl Metallic, Champagne Pink Pearl Metallic, Milk Tea Beige Metallic, Aromatic Aqua Metallic, and Air Blue Metallic.

Photo: Suzuki Motor Corporation

2014 Suzuki Alto Eco

2014 Suzuki Alto Eco

Ever since the Suzuki Alto Eco came out in 2011, Suzuki is now the king of fuel efficiency because it's fuel economy is about 30.2km/L based on Japan's JC08 Mode standards and that's about .2kmpl more than the Daihatsu Mira e:S.

As fuel economy is now an issue of today, the Suzuki Alto Eco is updated for the 2014 model year and for this year, the Alto Eco borrows something from the latest Suzuki Wagon R; a new mild-hybrid system named "ENE-CHARGE" (short for 'energy charge'). Combining the Alto Eco's R06A engine with an electric motor/generator and a lithium-ion battery, ENE-CHARGE provides regenerative braking and at least some level of power assist to the internal combustion engine.

For that, the fuel economy for the world's most fuel efifcient car is now improved to a record high 33kmpl  based on Japan's JC08 Mode standards. 33KMPL! No other fuel efficient car comes close!

For styling details, the 2014 Alto Eco has given a new front design and a new speedo on the interior. Prices start at 900,000 Yen and for the first time, the Alto Eco now comes with an available 4WD variant.

URL: http://www.suzuki.co.jp/car/alto_eco/index.html

Scoop: http://autoc-one.jp/news/1313764/

e:S killer! Suzuki launches ALTO ECO!

2012 Suzuki Alto ECO

This is Suzuki's answer to the Daihatsu Mira e:S, the 2012 Suzuki Alto Eco. Unlike the Daihatsu Mira e:S that accumulates a record-breaking fuel economy of 30.0km/L JC08 and 32.0km/L 10-15, the new Suzuki Alto Eco accumulates, and this will put the Mira e:S "on notice", 30.2km/L JC08 and 32.0km/L 10-15! That's a .2km/L gap between the 2012 Daihatsu Mira e:S and the 2012 Suzuki Alto Eco!

You see, that's because the new Suzuki Alto is equipped with the new R06A engine lifted from the third-generation Suzuki MR Wagon but with the improved CVT and Idling Stop system that provided an impressive fuel economy that ousted the Mira e:S' rule of being the most fuel efficient gasoline-fed vehicle.

Available this December 13, 2011, prices start at 895,000 Japanese Yen for the Alto ECO-L variant and 995,000 for the Alto ECO-S variant. Those guys who made the Daihatsu Mira e:S has one word about the new 2012 Suzuki Alto ECO:

"You're Welcome"

Scoop: http://carview.co.jp/green/news/0/4457/

Official Site: http://www.suzuki.co.jp/car/alto_eco/index.html

Cocoa or Lapin?

Suzuki's Alto Lapin

and Daihatsu's Mira Cocoa

Both are JDM, both are kei cars, and both are targeted for the young and fashionable women. In my feminine side, I wonder which of these are the best?

CASE ONE:

The Suzuki Alto Lapin is a spin-off of the world-famous Suzuki Alto and it doesn't share the Alto's mainframe. This car was launched in 2002 and followed with a full model change in late 2008. There used to be a Mazda OEM of the Lapin, called the Spiano, but it was discontinued after the Lapin gained its second-generation. Two engine types are offered on the Lapin; a Natural Aspiration K6A engine and a Turbocharged K6A engine. Whoa! A turbocharged Lapin! Seems that someone would go for the Lapin rather than the Cocoa because of the turbo variant!

There is something cute about the Lapin, the interior... When you start the Lapin's engine, you will be greeted by some animated display on the Lapin's dashboard. How cute!

CASE TWO:

The Cocoa is a spin-off car from the Daihatsu Mira. Although it replaces the Mira Gino and the Move Latte, feminine side is always go first for the Mira Cocoa. Unlike the Lapin, the Cocoa is equipped with just only one engine, the KF-VE engine. No turbocharger included. On the bright side, this engine has more power output than the Lapin's Natural Aspiration K6A engine, but not quite fuel efficient than its rival even when both of them have CVT. There is one feature that the Lapin didn't have; the back monitor equipped on the Cocoa's room mirror.

For styling, I think I'll go for the Daihatsu Cocoa, but for performance-wise women, the Suzuki Lapin takes the bet. It depends on how Japanese women think about these two super-cute kei cars targeted for a certain young Japanese woman.

Mazda Carol HB25

2010 Mazda Carol

If you don't know what in the world is the Mazda Carol, then I'll explain more about this before explaining this latest model change.

Back in the 60's the Mazda Carol was a mini 4-door sedan built by Mazda. With the introduction of the Autozam brand in the 90's the Carol name has been revived as a cute kei car, but it's just a 3-door kei car. In 1995, the Autozam Carol received a full change way before Mazda stopped making Carol cars in 1998. In 1998, Mazda brought in the new Carol, but it was an OEM of the Suzuki Alto. When the Suzuki Alto reached its 6th generation, the Carol was followed on a 5th generation basis.

When the seventh-generation Japan-spec Alto (not to be confused with the Maruti Alto sold worldwide, including the Philippines as the Suzuki Celerio), the Mazda Carol follows its model change as well.

Under the chassis code of HB25, the sixth-generation Mazda Carol tries to be more cuter as the Suzuki Alto. Since the Mazda Carol is the OEM of the Suzuki Alto, you can experience the same characteristics. The DOHC 658cc VVT engine, the available transmissions (CVT, 4AT, and 5MT), the same optional 4WD drive-train, and the same interior.

2010 Mazda Carol

My thoughts about the Carol:

With the Suzuki Alto (Japan-spec, not the Celerio) updated, the Mazda Carol is updated as well, but I think there's nothing much to say about the latest model. With the smiley face (or Nagare) in front of the new Carol, the other views are the same as the seventh-generation Japan-spec Alto. In other words, this car is still boring for me so leave this one to Japanese women who had a liking for kei cars.