The Suzuki Cappuccino is a remarkable pocket-sized roadster that captures the essence of fun and excitement in a small package.
Despite its diminutive size, this Japanese Kei car offers an exhilarating driving experience that rivals larger sports cars.
With its clever engineering, solid build quality, and impressive performance, the Cappuccino has garnered a dedicated following and continues to impress enthusiasts.
It’s a Kei Car
It falls into the Kei car category, which is a segment in Japan that has specific size and engine displacement regulations. The Cappuccino fits these regulations with a maximum length of 3.4 meters and a displacement of 657cc.
It features a classic sports car layout with a rear-wheel-drive configuration and a longitudinally-mounted engine. The roof can be partially dismantled or removed completely for a convertible experience.
Its competitors at the time included the Autozam AZ-1, Honda Beat, and Daihatsu Leeza Spyder, collectively known as the Sporty Kei-Car's ABC.
History
The JDM Suzuki Cappuccino is a sports car that was produced by Suzuki from 1991 to 1998. In 1991, it was initially designed and manufactured specifically for the Japanese market to meet the requirements of the kei car class, which offered tax and insurance benefits.
However, due to its popularity and demand, Suzuki decided to expand its availability to other markets, including the United Kingdom and various European countries.
The Cappuccino was officially imported into the UK for a limited time, with around 1,100 units sold between 1993 and 1995. It received positive reviews and was praised for its reliability, affordability, and adorable appearance.
Two trim levels were available, with the higher-spec versions offering additional features like ABS, a limited slip differential, and electric door mirrors.
In 1995, the Cappuccino received a significant update that included a lighter engine with increased torque, new alloy wheels to reduce unsprung weight, and the option of a three-speed automatic gearbox.
Production of the Suzuki Cappuccino for sale ceased in 1997. The car remains popular among enthusiasts and collectors due to its unique characteristics, enjoyable driving dynamics, and its status as one of the iconic Kei sports cars produced in Japan.
Suzuki Cappuccino Review
General Specifications
The Cappuccino is a compact two-seater roadster with a detachable hardtop. It adheres to the dimensions and specifications set for kei cars, such as a length of 3,295 mm (129.7 in) and a width of 1,395 mm (54.92 in).
Weighing only 725 kg (1,598 lb), the Cappuccino car is lightweight, contributing to its agile and responsive driving characteristics.
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Manufacturer |
Suzuki |
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Model |
Cappuccino |
|
Class |
Sports car |
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Body type |
2-door roadster |
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Layout |
Front mid-engine, RWD |
|
Production |
1991 - 1998 |
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Number of seats |
2 |
|
Length |
3,295 mm |
|
Width |
1,395 mm |
|
Height |
1,185 mm |
|
Wheelbase |
2,060 mm |
|
Curb weight |
1,598 lb |
|
Engine |
657cc turbocharged three-cylinder |
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Power |
63bhp @ 6500rpm |
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Transmission |
5MT / 3AT |
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Top speed |
85mph |
|
0-62mph |
8 sec |
|
Fuel consumption |
42mpg |
Engine
Powering the Cappuccino car is a turbocharged, three-cylinder, 657 cc DOHC engine, just below the maximum displacement allowed for a kei car. It initially featured the F6A engine, later replaced by the K6A engine in newer models.
The K6A engine introduced chain-driven camshafts, resulting in lighter weight, increased torque, improved reliability and reduced maintenance requirements.
Both engines are 12-valve inline three-cylinder units, offering impressive performance within the limitations of the kei car regulations.
The power output is claimed to be 64 PS (47 kW; 63 hp) at 6500 rpm, allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 60mph in a little over 7 seconds.
Despite its modest power output, the lightweight nature of the car, weighing around 700 kilograms, allows for spirited performance. It offers agile handling, precise steering, and impressive grip on twisty roads.
Design & Engineering
The Cappuccino's overall design is both timeless and eye-catching, making it a standout in its class. Its compact size, sleek lines, and low-slung profile give it a sporty and agile appearance.
The car features three removable roof panels, allowing for versatile configurations, including a closed coupe, T-top, targa, or full convertible. The rear window is made of glass and wraps around, enhancing visibility and providing a stylish touch.
Despite its small size, the Cappuccino car for sale is a well-engineered vehicle, weighing only 1,653 lbs and measuring just over 3 meters long. The car's layout is front mid-engined and rear-wheel drive, with a claimed 50/50 front-rear weight distribution when both seats are occupied.
It received design awards and garnered positive reviews when it was released in the UK, with limited numbers imported. The car can be modified relatively easily, with options for increased power through remapping, air filter and exhaust upgrades, and even engine swaps.
Safety
In terms of safety features, the Cappuccino offered optional upgrades for enhanced protection. The higher-specification BA variants included an airbag for the driver, ABS on all four wheels, and a limited-slip differential.
These additions provided an extra layer of safety, especially considering the car's small size and sporty nature.
Handling
The Suzuki Cappuccino excels in the handling department. Due to the front mid-engine layout and rear-wheel drive, the Cappuccino car easily achieves a balanced 50/50 front-rear weight distribution when both seats are occupied.
This balance, combined with its lightweight construction, contributes to precise and nimble handling characteristics.
The Cappuccino's suspension setup, including aluminum double wishbones, provides excellent stability and control during spirited driving. The car's compact dimensions further enhance its agility, allowing drivers to maneuver through tight corners with ease.
Despite initial skepticism about its small horsepower output, the Cappuccino proves to be a thrilling and fun car to drive, outpacing and outperforming larger vehicles.
It offers excellent maneuverability, torque, and handling, making it enjoyable at low speeds and exhilarating when pushed.
The Cappuccino Price
In the UK, the Cappuccino was initially priced at £11,995 at its launch in 1993. The price of Suzuki Cappuccino varied depending on the market and the specific model year.
The Cappuccino's exclusivity and desirability have resulted in its value appreciating over time, making it a sought-after car among global collectors and enthusiasts, especially in the US and UK.
On JDM Export, the Suzuki Cappuccino price is ranging from $5,000 to $24,000, this doesn't include shipping cost.
Overall, the Suzuki Cappuccino is appreciated for its compact size, lightweight construction, and enjoyable driving dynamics.
It holds a unique place in the market as one of the iconic kei sports cars of its time, and its limited production and distinctive features make it a sought-after model among enthusiasts and collectors.