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.

A low-resolution spy shot taken in China has given us the best look yet at the next-gen BMW X1.
Although the BMW X1 may seem like a relatively new product to buyers in the United States, the current generation of the compact utility vehicle has actually been on sale for a few years in other world markets such as Europe.

As such, BMW is putting the final touches on a brand new X1. For efficiency and packaging reasons, the crossover will make the switch from rear-wheel-drive to a new front-wheel-drive architecture called UKL that currently underpins the 2-Series Active Tourer and the third-gen MINI Hardtop.

The spy shot confirms the X1 will gain the new BMW corporate face, with streamlined headlights that flow into the Blue Roundel’s kidney grille. Updating surface detailing will also be part of the package, as will a slightly elongated front overhang that hints at the X1′s FWD underpinnings.

Marginally smaller all around than the outgoing model, the next X1 will reportedly be joined by a long-wheelbase variant that will offer seating for up to seven passengers and a noticeably bigger trunk. Additionally, BMW is expected to introduce a two-door model called X2 that will boast a sporty silhouette inspired by the X6 and a four-seater configuration.

Trade journal Automotive News Europe finds the entry-level X1 will be powered by a 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine that is currently found under the hood of the aforementioned MINI and the Active Tourer. More expensive models will feature a 2.0-liter four-cylinder mill, and a 190-horsepower gasoline-electric plug-in hybrid drivetrain will likely be added to the lineup later in the production run.

It is too early to tell whether BMW will offer the next X1 with a turbodiesel engine in the United States. Similarly, BMW is keeping mum about a rumored range-topping M-tuned variant of the crossover.

The new BMW X1 is expected to launch across Europe next summer, meaning it will likely debut at the Geneva Motor Show next March. However, it’s possible the soft-roader might not arrive on our shores until a later date.