Car Advice
  • Home
  • »  Mazda Japan unveils Alto-based Carol

Mazda Japan unveils Alto-based Carol

By Tim Beissmann |

Accompanying today’s unveiling of the updated 660cc Suzuki Alto is the debut of its sister car – the Mazda Carol.

Pricing for the four-seat kei car ranges from 899,850 to 1,167,600 yen (AUD$11,140 to $14,450), with Mazda predicting monthly sales of 800 units in the Japanese market.

All Carol models come with the standard 660cc VVT engine which gives 15 percent better fuel economy (down to 4.1 litres/100km).

2010-mazda-carol-3

More important than size and power is the fact that every model qualifies for a 50-75 percent tax reduction through Japan’s eco-car incentive program.

Most surprising is the choice of transmissions and drive systems.

2010-mazda-carol-4

The base model GS comes with a four-speed automatic, five-speed manual or CVT gearbox and can be ordered in front- or all-wheel-drive.

Mazda says safety features in the new Carol come in the form of driver and passenger side airbags and its “lightweight shock-absorbing body”.

2010-mazda-carol-2

Interior space and cargo area has all increased over the previous model, while other very individual Japanese features include push-button start, five cup holders, shopping bag hook, vanity mirror with attached light and a heated seat (but only in the 4WD model).


 
  • RdS

    aww…
    for 14450 which id assume would be the top of the line, id take a 4wd 5speed one!
    where would this be getting made too? japan? or with the alto?

    • Jake02

      Jap-market Alto is made in Japan, just like this thing

  • Sammy

    A little 4wd manual, with that great interior please. Who else is sick of grey interious? Weve been using grey for the last 20 years now, when are carmakers going to make the change.

  • Innova
  • o

    maybe mazda should bring it over. also it should be noted that there are a lot of sheetmetal differnces between the jap and indian models

  • Alex

    That interior is almost identical to the Nissan Micra’s. It looks quite good on the outside, but I like the Alto better. An AWD one would be good though.

  • Shak

    i like this better. The grey in the Alto puts me off. the 4WD option and heated seats is very goos for a kei car.

  • Duckula

    How awesome is this little car, and with 4wd… bout time we got something different over here… and it makes the worlds ugliest car, the Nissan Micro look even uglier… if thats at all possible.