Mazda has revealed a newly redesigned Carol supercompact, the seventh generation of the popular kei car.
The first thing one notices about the small city car is that it eschews the Kodo design language of recent Mazda releases. That’s because it’s designed and built by Suzuki, and is actually a rebadged eighth-generation Alto. Though the Carol has been in Mazda’s lineup since 1962, Mazda and Suzuki have been sharing platforms in their home market since 1989, much like Subaru and Daihatsu and Nissan and Mitsubishi.
The Carol utilizes a twin-cam three-cylinder with variable valve timing and 660cc displacement as per kei car restrictions. Power is limited to 64hp and transmitted via either a 5-speed manual or CVT. The total weight is just 1,345 pounds.
Despite its bargain basement price, starting at just $7,038 for the 5-speed, front-wheel-drive version, the five-door hatchback is crammed with modern safety features, including traction control, dynamic stability control, radar braking support and false start suppression.
Styling-wise, the Carol takes a modern approach, with a distinctive nose that belies its entry-level status. An offset grille sharply angled C-pillar offer cues that set it apart from other cars in the segment, while wheels are pushed towards all four corners to maximize packaging.
The Carol goes on sale, along with its Suzuki counterpart, January 30 across Japan.
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