With importers becoming more and more popular in the US the amount of 90's era Japanese cars straight from the motherland has grown exponentially. Many of these cars are being preserved because of this since the ones who long after them so much are ones that will want very clean examples and take a lot of pride in caring for them. Cars like the; Skyline, Supra, RX7, 240sx, and 300zx are very common to see on an importer's Instagram page/website because of their large following in the automotive world. But something that isn't seen as often are some of the gems that Japan has to offer like what you see here, a Suzuki Cappuccino.
The Cappuccino is designated as a Kei car, "kei" being an abbreviation of the word "Keijidosha" meaning "light automobile" in Japanese. These cars are given this name due to the specifications they have to be built under in order to fall into that class of vehicle. Owners of vehicles in the Kei car class are granted lower insurance and tax rates for owning that type of car. Specifications for the car being in the Kei class have been revised several times since it's establishment but the current regulations are a maximum of: - 11.2 ft long (3.4m) - 4.9 ft wide (1.48m) - 6.6 ft tall (2.0m) - Displacement of 0.66L (660cc) - 63 HP (47 kW)
Regulations like that created a way where manufacturers were able to provide an affordable car for post-war citizens to get a "family" vehicle at an affordable price. With the Kei class being around since 1949 there have been many fun little cars to zip around the streets of busy cities and cruise the mountain roads with however it wasn't until the late 80's and early 90's with the dawn of turbo vehicles that they became a great tuning platform for the every day car guy. With the 25 year rule in the US only allowing imports 25 years or older into the country (besides special exceptions) it is only now that we get to see some of these fun little cars and see the cult following they have overseas.
A Cappuccino is much like a Miata where you have space for a driver, passenger, maybe a bag or two in the trunk, and not much else. But what it lacks in practicality it makes it up by giving you a massive smile every time you drive it. The first generation (EA11R) only comes in a manual, 3 cylinder turbo, rear-wheel drive format whilst weighing in at roughly 1,600 lbs (725kg) making the car very nimble and fun. With the engine being a 0.6L motor the turbo is minuscule compared to what you're used to seeing at merely 3/4 the size of a Ko4 off of a 1.8T Audi/VW. With such a small turbo you do get a quick spool and are almost always in boost meaning that with a good blow off valve there are constant turbo noises.
One major downfall of these motors being only three cylinders is that the exhaust note, even with a turbocharger, is very reminiscent of a John Deere tractor. But the main audio that you get is the whistle/flutter that all car enthusiasts love. The Cappuccino does have a major feature that sets it apart from its rivals (The Mazda Autozam-AZ1 and Honda Beat) with the fact that the top has three modes or options. The panels above the occupants remove and become a T-Top style, center panel lifts out for a Targa top style, and the rear window folds down into the area behind the seats to make it a full convertible. The removed panels are made to fit into the trunk but do take up all the available cargo space.
Cappuccinos sport a very usable and fun 0-60 mph at just under 8 seconds. Most of your fun can be had all while driving under the speed limit and revving each gear out to 9300rpm adding to the allure of the car. This particular car was imported with a few modifications such as: - Greddy boost controller - Upgraded blow-off valve
- Catback exhaust - Momo steering wheel - Carbon skinned roof panels The extra boost wakes up the car quite a bit however even with stock power the car is a blast. Pairing the stock performance with the surprisingly vast aftermarket for such a niche car you get a vehicle you can drive every day to work whilst still having a bit of fun provides the perfect fit for the every day enthusiast that wants to stand out a bit from the rest of the import cars you're used to seeing.
While the other major JDM imports get all kinds of questions from other car people, quirky cars like the Cappuccino, Autozam, and the Beat will get you a vast range of people wondering what they are and wanting to know more about them. To some enthusiasts that kind of attention is unwanted but most people who are in to cars love showing off, sharing their knowledge, and making new friends. With this little car packing such a punch and being such a great talking point it's hard not to smile and have a blast every time you drive it.
- Joshua Brown
@luckyclub.us
Thank you to @andrewbelveal for letting me borrow the Cappuccino for a few hours!
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