117-507: The Honda N-Box ( Japanese: ホンダ・N-BOX , Honda Enubokkusu ) (corporately styled as N-BOX ) is a kei car produced by Honda for the Japanese market . Together with the N-WGN , N-One and N-Van , it is part of the renewed N lineup of kei class city cars from Honda. The use of the letter "N" in the name was previously used for the late 1960s and 1970s N360 . As of December 2019,
234-620: A commercial vehicle derivative of the Fronte , but over time the Alto nameplate gained in popularity and by 1988 it replaced the Fronte name completely. The Alto badge has often been used on different cars in Japan and in export markets, where it is considered a city car . In Japan, the Alto badge was originally meant to be for the commercial use version of the Fronte passenger car. The word " alto "
351-445: A displacement of just 150 cc (or just 100 cc for two-stroke engines ) in 1949, dimensions and engine size limitations were gradually expanded in 1950, 1951, and 1955, to make kei cars more attractive to buyers, and production more viable to manufacturers. In 1955, the displacement limit was increased to 360 cc for both two-stroke and four-stroke engines , resulting in several new kei car models beginning production in
468-549: A single-cam 12-valve 42 PS (31 kW) version. This engine was upgraded to 52 PS (38 kW) in January 1991. 4WD versions with the three-speed automatic transmission were fuel-injected and offered three more horsepower. The F6A-engined Works RS/X and RS/R still claimed the legally limited 64 PS (47 kW) with 8.7 kg⋅m (63 lb⋅ft) of torque, but the lower grade i.e. Turbo (introduced in July) received
585-538: A three-link rigid setup. Some lower end models retained the earlier leaf sprung rigid axle; those with ITL received the CA/CC72 chassis code. A "Walkthrough Van" was introduced in January 1987, while at the other end of the spectrum, the personal coupé Cervo on the CA/CC72 base was introduced in 1988 with a new 547 cc (33.4 cu in) F5B engine. In August 1987, higher spec Altos became available with
702-556: A 3- or 5-door hatchback body. A 3-door van version remained available. Passenger model production was discontinued in August 2004 to make room for the succeeding generation, but a decontented Van version was kept in production until January 2005. These forwent the VVT system and the automatic only had three forward speeds rather than four as before. This model also entered production in India as
819-415: A 3-speed automatic in addition to the standard 5-speed manual. This generation was very successful at home, with Suzuki's kei car sales tripling in 1989 versus the year before. It was, however, not generally exported, and was never built by Suzuki with engines of more than 660 cc nor with left-hand-drive. Export models arrived late, only by 1993 after the earlier export version had been retired, and it
936-403: A 55 PS (40 kW) fuel injected version, as was the case since the third generation Alto. The l'Èpo models also received a new (optional) airbag . The Works models only received smaller changes at this time, such as white-backed meters in the dashboard. The RS/Z also received 14-inch wheels and fuller equipment. In November 1997, the even better equipped l'Èpo Limited model appeared, with
1053-501: A 6-valve SOHC-engine producing 61 PS (45 kW) and 9.2 kg⋅m (67 lb⋅ft) of torque (slightly more than the high-revving, twin cam RS). Reflecting decreased tax benefits for commercial Kei cars, the Works series were now classified as passenger vehicles, allowing for a real back seat. The lineup was reorganised in January 1991, with a lot of new engine specifications. In September 1991, responding to increasing safety demands,
1170-587: A bigger opening. In May 1996, the l'Èpo model appeared, this three or five-door sedan was based on the Se/Le model and was also available with four-wheel drive. This version received full power equipment, remote key entry, distinctly upholstered full fabric seats (rather than the vinyl backed units of the Se/Le), hubcaps and many other amenities. The Works Turbo F Limited ie/s version appeared in November 1996, offering
1287-503: A carbon panel, special alloy wheels, and more spoilers. In April 1997, the range received a facelift with side door impact beams and a new front design, with new marker lights beneath the headlights and a redesigned trunklid. The Alto l'Èpo P2 appeared at the same time, using a fuel injected version of the 12-valve engine with 55 PS (40 kW) rather than the usual 52 PS (38 kW) carburetted unit. All 12-valve models fitted with four-wheel drive and automatic transmission received
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#17327796177061404-458: A continued market existed for the kei car. As sales improved, these engines only lasted for a model year or so until manufacturers had the time to develop maximum-sized engines. Only Daihatsu had a 550 cc engine ready and thus avoided developing transitional engines that did not immediately take full advantage of the new regulations. Kei car sales remained stagnant, however; while combined passenger and commercial kei car sales reached 700,000 for
1521-450: A displacement increase of 110 cc (6.7 cu in), or twenty percent, while the maximum length was increased by 100 mm (3.9 in). These changes occurred during the 1990s Japanese economic bubble , and all manufacturers quickly developed new models to suit. Within five months, all major kei models had switched from 550 cc to 660 cc engines. For the first time, a power limit of 64 PS (47 kW; 63 hp)
1638-493: A governmental backlash. This power limit matched the highest output reached by any kei manufacturer at the time and was a gentlemen's agreement amongst the manufacturers in an effort to avoid a kei-class horsepower war. The only kei car to have exceeded this limit is the Caterham 7 160, a lightweight British sports car that was not expected to qualify as a kei car, though it is small enough (in dimensions and displacement) to fit
1755-566: A kei car in Japan, a kei version of the Smart Fortwo (called the Smart K ) was sold in Japan by Yanase from 2001 to 2004. The Smart K used revised rear fenders and reduced tire dimensions and track width to conform to kei regulations. The model was not a success, and sold the fewest examples of a kei car when it was marketed. The Suzuki Wagon R was the best-selling kei car in Japan between calendar years 1996 and 2011, except in 2003, when
1872-548: A larger HT06/RA12 turbocharger was fitted, along with 260 cc injectors and a larger intercooler (necessitating a hood scoop nearly as wide as the bonnet itself). The weight savings were only 10 kg (22 lb) over the Works RS/Z for this model. This was the end of the Works R series of cars, foreshadowing the end of the Works badge in 2000. The fifth-generation Alto ( HA12/22 ) was introduced in October 1998. The styling
1989-694: A less costly car to accommodate new models such as the Cervo and Alto Lapin . The more powerful engines were moved into the other more upmarket versions like the Suzuki Kei Works and Alto Lapin SS , leaving the Alto with only a 54 PS (53 hp; 40 kW) version. In Japan, this version of the Alto was not only rebadged as the Mazda Carol, but also by Nissan as the Pino. The seventh-generation Alto
2106-575: A limited sporty edition based on the well-equipped Sf model (also with four-wheel drive) with a front and rear spoiler, appeared in June 1995. In July 1995, a version of the Works Turbo ie/s called the Limited appeared; this had special stereo equipment and keyless entry and power locks. It was developed by AddZest (Clarion) . In November 1995, the Works model received a new grille and front bumper, with
2223-618: A lower overall ownership cost. In most rural areas they are also exempt from the general Japanese shako shōmeisho ( 車庫証明書 ) parking-space ownership requirement to legally buy a motor vehicle at all, as street parking is generally restricted in Japan. Japan's carmakers also make microvans and kei trucks within this legal category. The kei category was created by the Japanese government in 1949, to stimulate both car ownership and growth of Japan's car industry. The regulations were revised multiple times until 1998, but since October 1998,
2340-497: A more powerful stereo system including a CD player. In January 1998, the Works Sports Limited model appeared, a Works ie/s with 14-inch wheels and special seats. In May the "Alto Beam" special model appeared, with UV reflecting glass and extra large seats. In March 1995, a second iteration of the Works R arrived, again a limited production vehicle with a close-ratio transmission, built for competition purposes. Like
2457-482: A new standard for the Chinese auto industry. In 1993, Changan Automobile took over production of the Alto. The Changan Suzuki SC7080 Alto was produced with the same F8B engine as used in other export markets, and was replaced by the facelifted SC7081 Alto/City Baby/Little Prince/Happy Prince in 2001. The top-of-the-line Happy Prince, discontinued in 2007, used the sportier looking front bumper, grille, and bonnet of
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#17327796177062574-457: A quarter of its overall sales. In April 2014, the Japanese government significantly reduced advantages for kei car owners, imposing a higher sales tax, a higher gasoline tax, and a higher kei car tax, the last of which was raised by 50 percent—greatly reducing tax benefits compared to regular-sized cars. Daihatsu, Honda, Suzuki and Nissan-Mitsubishi (through the NMKV joint venture) are currently
2691-428: A quarter of the exported kei vehicles. Due to the difficult economic environment, low-priced cars sold well at the turn of the decade; 1981 marked another successful year as Japanese kei car sales reached their highest since 1970 (at 1,229,809 units for cars and trucks). This was also thanks to a new phenomenon: To help boost their sales, Suzuki developed a new car which could be sold as a commercial vehicle although it
2808-478: A raised roof behind the front seats. This was unusual in that it used a modification of the five-door Alto's body rather than a completely new body, allowing Suzuki to market it as part of the Alto family. Its appearance was similar to the Nissan AD Max van . The Hustle was short-lived, only being offered between November 1991 and October 1993. The engine options were mostly as for other Altos, albeit without
2925-401: A regular car. A 24-month insurance contract typically costs ¥18,980 at the time of registration versus ¥22,470 for a larger car. An automobile weight tax also is levied: The amount is ¥13,200 and ¥8,800 for a three- and two-year period, respectively, as compared to the ¥18,900 and ¥12,600 charged for larger-sized passenger cars. The savings are thus more than 30% in both cases. This weight tax
3042-545: A single electric motor with a maximum output of 47 kW (63 hp; 64 PS). The eK X EV is a battery-electric version of the Mitsubishi eK X, and the Sakura is an update to Nissan's Dayz line. The two are eligible for EV purchase incentives in Japan, and as of June 2022, are also the cheapest new BEVs from a major Japanese manufacturer. The vehicle excise tax levy is 2% of the purchase price, compared to 3% for
3159-465: A single-carburetted 543 cc (33.1 cu in) engine with 19.2 kW (26.1 PS; 25.7 bhp) at 6000 rpm and 35 N⋅m (26 lb⋅ft) at 4000 rpm. The side rear windows were covered with fibreglass by default, with a glass panels optional. The only other option was air conditioning. The Hatch was by far the cheapest new car sold in Australia at the time, although equipment
3276-484: A standard five-speed transmission. A three-speed automatic was also available. In a period test, this model reached the 0–100 km/h benchmark in 15.9 seconds and a top speed of 148 km/h (92 mph). A very limited production version for competition purposes arrived in 1992, called the Alto Works R. This was a lightened, strict two-seater with four-wheel-drive, a close-ratio five-speed transmission, and
3393-474: A three-door van. The Works model was also reclassified as a sedan, as many advantages for light commercial cars had vanished. The tailgate and rear doors are still fairly angular, but the front was more rounded than previous models. In March 1995, the Alto Sv model appeared. This was a special fuel economy model, well equipped with air conditioning, power steering, AM/FM cassette stereo, etc. The "Alto With",
3510-406: A three-speed automatic rather than the two-speed unit that had been used before. Most export markets received the passenger car version, which would have been badged "Suzuki Fronte" in Japan, but were usually sold as Altos abroad. When equipped with the 543 cc F5A engine, the export model code is SB305 . Most cars sold outside of Japan, however, received the larger (0.8 litres) F8B engine and
3627-463: A tuned engine - although official output remained 64 PS (47 kW), as required by the Kei regulations. The car has an adjusted ECU and a free-flow Suzuki Sport RHB31 turbocharger, as well as a different throttle body. Less than a hundred were built, although it continued to be available until the arrival of the next generation Alto. This model, without a backseat and with racing bucket seats in front,
Honda N-Box - Misplaced Pages Continue
3744-730: A version of the German-made Smart Fortwo was briefly imported and officially classified as a kei car. In addition, the British Caterham 7 160 and the Polish Polski Fiat 126p (Maluch) also received such classification. Japanese government regulations limit the outer physical size, and ( combustion ) engine displacement and power output of kei cars, see detailed table below. Kei cars have also been subject to other restrictions, chiefly lower speed limits than bigger vehicles; older Kei-cars also had
3861-544: A warning chime that sounded when being driven too fast. Kei cars are issued special license plates , with black numbers on a yellow background for private use, and yellow numbers on a black background for commercial use, earning them the name "yellow-plate cars" in English-speaking circles. Modern Kei cars are often available with turbocharged engines, automatic and continuously variable transmissions, and choice of front-wheel or all-wheel drive . After
3978-407: Is a musical term. When introduced, the Alto was only available as a three-door "light van" and with bare-bones equipment. However, Suzuki generally did not use the "Fronte" badge in export, usually calling all versions "Alto" abroad. Most early export Altos were thus technically speaking rebadged Suzuki Frontes. These were exported with changes such as enlarged engines, sometimes modified bodywork. Thus
4095-491: Is a three-door cargo version of the Fronte passenger car, equipped with a folding rear seat. Front suspension comprised coils struts , with leaf springs at the back. The steering was of the recirculating ball type, and four-wheel drums were used. On introduction, the Alto received the T5B two-stroke 539 cc (32.9 cu in) (SS30) three-cylinder engine, producing 28 PS (21 kW) at 5500 rpm. The Alto
4212-716: Is actually a different car from the Japanese market one although they share the same name. The car is manufactured exclusively in Haryana , India and is exported worldwide. It is available in some European markets with a somewhat different front end as the Nissan Pixo. The car was rolled out to the Indian customers in December 2008 and exports began in April 2009. With a totally new body and engine, Maruti hopes to bring freshness to
4329-414: Is paid after the vehicle has passed its safety inspection . The required road tax is based on the engine's displacement. Suzuki Alto The Suzuki Alto ( Japanese : スズキ・アルト , Hepburn : Suzuki Aruto ) is a kei car produced by Suzuki since 1979. The model, currently in its ninth generation, was first introduced in 1979 and has been built in many countries worldwide. The Alto originated as
4446-789: The Daihatsu Move outsold the Wagon R. Starting in 2011, Toyota entered the kei car market for the first time. The resulting Toyota Pixis Space, a rebadged Daihatsu Move Conte , was expected to increase competition in that market. Nissan and Mitsubishi began to jointly produce the Mitsubishi eK (also sold as the Nissan Dayz and formerly the Nissan Otti). Honda's kei car lineup—the N-one , N-Box , and N-WGN —accounts for around
4563-612: The Honda Z GS of January 1970. Power outputs also kept climbing, reaching a peak with the 40 PS (29 kW; 39 hp) Daihatsu Fellow Max SS of July 1970. Sales increased steadily, reaching a peak of 750,000 in 1970. Until 31 December 1974, kei cars used smaller license plates than regular cars, at 230 mm × 125 mm (9.1 in × 4.9 in). From 1975, they received medium-sized standard plates, which are 330 mm × 165 mm (13.0 in × 6.5 in). To set them apart from regular passenger cars,
4680-537: The MLIT requirements to be classified as an "excellent low emissions vehicle". The retro-style Alto C was also discontinued. In February 2001 a new retro version was introduced, the Alto C2. Unlike the earlier C, this one had the same headlights as other Altos and did not have the chrome detailing of the earlier version. Front- or four-wheel-drive, manual and automatic transmissions were available (no more CVT ), in either
4797-634: The Maruti Suzuki Alto (model code RF) in September 2000 and was built there until 2014. From 2002 until 2009 Maruti-built Altos were exported to Europe as Suzuki Altos; sales continued in Latin America and other markets until the next generation Maruti Alto took over in 2012. The car is powered with 0.8-litre F8D three-cylinder and 1.1-litre F10D four-cylinder engines with fuel injection. Pakistani production began in 2000 utilizing
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4914-645: The R06A engine lifted from the Suzuki MR Wagon and an idling stop function. It is capable of reaching 30.2 km/L (85 mpg ‑imp ; 71 mpg ‑US ) based on Japan's JC08 Mode test cycle (32 km/L under 10-15 test cycle). This is .2 km/L higher than the Daihatsu Mira e:S . In 2013, the Alto Eco was updated with the addition of Suzuki's ENE-CHARGE system, first applied on
5031-526: The SB308 model code. The 796 cc, 41 hp (30 kW) F8B-engined CA/CB91 was sold in Europe with either a four-speed manual or two-speed automatic transmission. Export Altos were technically speaking Frontes , as this was the name used for passenger versions in Japan. They received larger bumpers, making them 105 mm (4.1 in) longer and 10 mm (0.4 in) wider. European Altos received
5148-420: The " Family Rex ") quickly followed suit with cut-price "commercial" vehicles that were really intended for private use. Suzuki was unable to keep up with demand the first few years, particularly in the home market. The Alto helped Suzuki move into seventh place in Japanese production for cars and trucks. In the last full year of production for this generation, it was still by far the best selling Kei car, with
5265-524: The "Fronte" badge in the Japanese domestic markets), and usually received the 796 cc (48.6 cu in) F8B engine and the SS80 chassis code. The 800 had better performance, and due to the higher possible gearing it saw an improved fuel mileage as well - by about ten percent according to Suzuki. The SS80 was also built in New Zealand, by South Pacific Suzuki Assemblers at a rate of six per day. It
5382-438: The "Suzuki Hatch" in Australia. The four-doors were not proper hatchbacks, only featuring an opening rear window. Export cars were also available with twelve-inch wheels, unlike the domestic versions which only used ten-inch units until the introduction of the 4WD version in October 1983. The 4WD "Snow Liner" thus gained an extra 2.5 cm (1 in) of ground clearance. Most export Altos were passenger car versions (which used
5499-416: The 'A' market-segment of motor vehicles. Although some Kei models are successfully exported or licensed, the great majority are designed and built for the Japanese domestic market only, as they are entirely optimized to offer the most appealing vehicles within the very specific to Japan Kei-car rules, in addition to mainly being built with the steering on the right. Contrary to popular belief, according to
5616-503: The 1 January 1990 regulations, there is no official power limit for Kei cars. The limit is dictated by a Gentleman's Agreement between Japanese auto manufacturers as the most powerful Kei car at the time was rated at 64 PS (47 kW; 63 hp). This agreement was reached to prevent a horsepower race, and to remain true to the modest spirit of the Kei class, to charge lower tax on small vehicles that are just enough to meet basic transportation needs. The kei legal class originated in
5733-516: The 1960s, consisting of over one-third of domestic new-car sales in fiscal year 2016, after dropping from a record 40 percent market share in 2013. To lower the market share of kei cars, Japan increased taxes on the category by 50% in 2014. In 2018, seven of the 10 top-selling models were nonetheless kei cars, including the top four, all boxy passenger vans : the Honda N-Box , Suzuki Spacia , Nissan Dayz , and Daihatsu Tanto . For exports,
5850-445: The 1980s progressed, kei cars became increasingly refined, losing their utilitarian origins, as Japanese customers became ever better off. Features such as electric windows , turbochargers, four-wheel drive , and air conditioning became available on kei-car models. Conversely, van versions of kei hatchbacks were now marketed to non-business customers to take advantage of even lower taxation and more lenient emissions rules; this move in
5967-668: The 1980s, Kei cars had matured so much in power, speed, and passive (crash) safety, that they were no longer bound to lower maximum speeds than other cars. Japan's carmakers since agreed on a self-imposed maximum 140 km/h (87 mph) speed, mostly because of their narrow width. Kei cars are often considered the Japanese equivalent of the European Union 's A-segment "city cars". However, contrary to Japan's special Kei cars' legal status and limitations, there are no EU- or pan-European legal restrictions, exceptions or benefits for what European auto journalism or market analysts call
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#17327796177066084-510: The Alto C with a deep chrome grille and a curious headlamp arrangement by which circular main lamps were joined with ovoid sidelights and indicators, which was shared with the Alto Works; and the later Alto C2 which had separate headlamps and sidelights and a wider grille. Mazda also sold the standard Alto as the Carol , and Mitsuoka used the Carol as a basis for their Ray . In December 2000,
6201-400: The Alto Works. Citing lower sales and stating that upgrading the design to meet new regulations would not be cost effective, Chang'an ended production of the old Alto on 28 July 2008. A total of 504,861 were built by Chang'an Suzuki between 1993 and 2008. Another version called JN Auto has been built by Jiangnan Auto . As of December 2010 Zotye's Jiangnan Alto is one of the cheapest car in
6318-516: The Alto outselling the passenger-oriented Fronte at a rate of about five to two. In May 1980, a fully automatic two-speed option was added to the Alto SS30. In January 1981, the F5A four-stroke 543 cc (33.1 cu in) from the Fronte was also made available for the Alto; although it only had a single-barrel carburettor , it too put out 28 PS (21 kW) but at 6,000 rpm. Torque
6435-596: The Alto received side impact protection. Also, the vertical door handles (see picture on the right) on three-door versions were replaced by traditional horizontal ones. The re-engineering was extensive enough to necessitate new model codes, with vans becoming CL/CM22 (FF/4WD) and passenger versions (including the Works) now called CR/CS22 . While most of the engines remained as they were, the Alto Van's engines were updated with power output up to 40 PS (29 kW). This
6552-454: The CA71 in September 1988. This was the last generation of Alto to have an associated Fronte model. It had strikingly angular styling, with an unusual glazed C-pillar on the 5-door. Another curiosity of this generation was the availability of a version with a sliding door on the driver's side, the "Slide Slim", intended to simplify entering and exiting in tight spaces. It also made egress easier for
6669-597: The Japanese SS40 Fronte became the SS80 Alto with a 660 cc engine abroad. The Alto badge gradually took over in Japan as well, as the distinction between kei commercial vehicles and passenger cars was diminished in early 1989. The Fronte line was retired in March 1989. The Alto plate has been used on export versions of various Indian-built derivatives since the early 1990s, as neither cars are restricted by
6786-673: The Japanese Transport Ministry. It was the world's first mass-produced electric car, and the first electric car to sell more than 10,000 units. Rebadged and slightly updated variants of the i-MiEV were also sold in Europe as the Peugeot iOn and Citroën C-Zero . In 2011, Mitsubishi launched the MINICAB-MiEV; a battery electric version of the Minicab microvan, borrowing the drivetrain and key components from
6903-495: The Japanese and European market from 1984 to 1988. The Mehran remained in production due to its cost effective nature and cheap parts availability. In March 2019, the moniker Mehran officially ended its production after over 30 years of production, replaced by the eighth-generation Alto. Around 1990, the China Ordnance Industries Corporation (COIC, a predecessor company to Norinco ) purchased
7020-569: The N-Box has been the best-selling car in Japan for 28 consecutive months. As of 2019, 1.7 million units had been sold since its introduction. The first-generation N-Box was unveiled on 27 October 2011 and launched in Japan on 30 November 2011. The N-Box+ was released on 5 July 2012. The N-Box Slash was a lower roof version of the N-Box released in December 2014. Unlike the regular N-Box, the Slash model had hinged rear doors. The second-generation N-Box
7137-531: The car, in 1992. Jilin Jiangbei lost money on each car built and ended up on the brink of bankruptcy; Xiangtan Jiangnan never got production off the ground, while Xi'an Qinchuan suffered a fire and chose to develop their own design instead (a car called the Qinchuan Flyer ; the company was later made part of BYD Auto ). Chang'an ended up without real competition in the segment. Chang'an's productivity set
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#17327796177067254-534: The complete rights and all machinery for manufacturing the SB308 Alto from Suzuki. COIC charged four hitherto military enterprises with manufacturing the Alto: Chongqing Chang'an, Jilin Jiangbei, Xiangtan Jiangnan, and Xi'an Qinchuan were all to switch over to civilian manufacture. Chongqing Chang'an were able to adapt Suzuki's just-in-time manufacturing (JIT) methods and were the first to market
7371-473: The engine was upgraded to the 657 cc (40.1 cu in) ( F6A ), and the Alto became the CL/CM/CN/CP21 in the process. The new standards also allowed for a 100 mm (3.9 in) longer car, which meant new bigger front and rear bumper, and new headlights and grille. Lower grade Van versions received a 6-valve 36 PS (26 kW) engine, while passenger car versions (and the l'Èpo Van) got
7488-455: The era following the end of World War II , when most Japanese citizens could not afford a full-sized car, though many had enough money to buy a light motorcycle . To stimulate growth of the car industry, as well as offer alternative commuting means, and small delivery vehicles for shops and businesses, the kei-car category, reduced tax-burden, and accompanying legal maximums for "essential transportation" vehicles were created. At first limited to
7605-402: The exemption from commodity tax. In spite of relentless cost cutting, Suzuki did increase the safety standards with standard equipment not typically found in kei cars at the time, such as three-point belts in front and individually fused headlamps (so that if a fuse were to blow, one headlamp would still work). The Alto's success changed the kei-car market, and other producers such as Subaru (with
7722-463: The fifth generation Alto received a thorough facelift, becoming the HA23 . Front- and four-wheel drive models now used the same chassis number. As the Works and all other turbocharged models were discontinued, naturally aspirated versions of the new K6A became the only ones on offer, with either 54 PS (40 kW) or 46 PS (34 kW) in an especially efficient lean burn iteration. The K6A met
7839-551: The fifth generation Wagon R. With this technology, fuel economy has now improved to 33.0 km/L based on Japan's JC08 Mode test cycle. The Suzuki Alto available in international market is known in India as the Maruti Suzuki A-Star (short for "Alto-Star"), but is also known as the Suzuki Celerio in some other countries. It was launched in December 2008 by Suzuki's Indian subsidiary Maruti Suzuki . It
7956-404: The first Works R it was built in less than one-hundred examples, but this one appeared in two series: The Series 2 had sold out by October 1995 and the third series was available from January until September 1998. Unlike the first Works R, this one was a passenger car version (chassis code HB21S) and received the new, lightweight K6A engine. It was lighter than the regular Works RS/R, and the engine
8073-469: The first generation Alto (SS41) on offer. Performance versions of the Alto family first appeared in September 1985, when a fuel injected and turbocharged engine with 44 PS (32 kW) was made available; this could also be had in combination with four-wheel-drive. The Alto Turbo gradually acquired more performance-related modifications until the Alto Works version was introduced in February 1987. This
8190-657: The first time since 1974, the small cars still lost market share in a quickly growing market. As the kei cars became larger and more powerful, another benefit appeared as exports increased considerably. In particular, export sales of kei trucks increased, while kei passenger car exports increased at a lower rate. In 1976, the number of exported kei cars and trucks combined was 74,633 (up 171% year-on-year), despite exports of passenger kei cars decreasing. In 1980, another record year occurred as exports grew by 80.3% (to 94,301 units), of which 77.6% were microtrucks. Nearly 17% of exports went to Europe, dwarfed by Chile , which took nearly
8307-492: The following years. These included the 1955 Suzuki Suzulight and the 1958 Subaru 360 (considered the first truly mass-produced kei cars), which were finally able to fill people's need for basic transportation without being too severely compromised. In 1955, the Japanese Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) also set forth goals to develop a " national car " that was larger than kei cars produced at
8424-654: The i-MiEV. As of March 2015, over 50,000 units across all variants (including the two minicab versions sold in Japan) have been sold worldwide since 2009. Production of the i-MiEV was discontinued in 2021. In May 2022, NMKV launched the Nissan-badged Sakura and the Mitsubishi-badged eK X EV in the Japanese domestic market . These models have a 20 kWh lithium-ion battery pack with an estimated WLTC range of 180 km (110 mi). Both use
8541-583: The kei rules and Indian cars are also considerably cheaper than Japanese-built ones. Thus, the European-market models were actually: In 2014, the Suzuki Celerio replaced the Alto in Europe and many other export markets. Outside of the Japanese domestic market, the Alto badge remains used on the second generation of Indian-built Maruti Altos which is generally sold as a Suzuki in export markets. The first generation ( SS30V/40V ), introduced in May 1979,
8658-438: The law consistently specifies a maximum vehicle length, width and height under 3.4 m (11.2 ft), 1.48 m (4.9 ft) and 2.0 m (6.6 ft), respectively, and engine displacement under 660 cc (40.3 cu in). A " gentleman's agreement " for a maximum power of 64 PS (63 hp; 47 kW) was reached between Japanese automakers and lawmakers. Kei cars have been very successful in Japan since
8775-520: The locally made Chevrolet Wagon R+ . GM Colmotores began building it themselves in 2000 and kept it in production until 2003. The Chevrolet Alto was also exported to Ecuador . The sixth-generation Alto ( HA24 ) was introduced in September 2004. The bonnet and headlamps curved down at the front, giving a similar effect to the Toyota WiLL Vi or the Citroën C2 . The Alto was realigned as
8892-493: The market was spearheaded by Suzuki with their 1979 Alto , and competitors soon followed suit, with the Subaru Family Rex and the Daihatsu Mira appearing within a year's time. In the 1980s, the speed limit for kei cars was 80 km/h (50 mph). Government rules also mandated a warning chime to alert the driver if this speed was exceeded. The kei car regulations were revised in March 1990, allowing engines
9009-524: The mid-1960s, when the kei speed limit was increased to 60 km/h (37.3 mph). The early vehicles were comparable to the European 'bubble-cars' of the era. The class then went through a period of ever increasing sophistication, with an automatic transmission appearing in the Honda N360 in August 1968, and front disc brakes becoming available on a number of sporting kei cars, beginning with
9126-399: The new requirements. All manufacturers of kei cars were clamoring for increased engine displacement and vehicle size limits, claiming that the emissions standards could not be met with a functional 360-cc engine. In the end, the Japanese legislature relented, increasing the overall length and width restrictions by 200 mm (7.9 in) and 100 mm (3.9 in), respectively. Engine size
9243-700: The old and the infirm. The Slide Slim has two regular doors on the passenger (left) side. This door type wouldn't be used for some time until the arrival of the Toyota Porte and Peugeot 1007 . When the Fronte name was discontinued in October 1989, the passenger car versions ( CN/CP11 ) became Altos. Initially the CL11 used the 12-valve 42 PS (31 kW) F5B engine known from the SS71 Cervo, but with an added 34 PS (25 kW) 6-valve version in lower-spec versions. A 46 PS (34 kW) DOHC version
9360-623: The old carburetted 1.0-litre F10A four-cylinder engine and also available with CNG variant. The production was halted in 2012. Beginning in mid-1999, and originally imported from Japan, the car was also sold in Colombia as the Chevrolet Alto . As the market for two-door cars was minimal in Colombia, it was only available with five doors. The Colombian model was equipped with a one-litre, sixteen-valve inline-four engine with 65 PS (48 kW) at 6500 rpm, an engine it shared with
9477-424: The only mass-production manufacturers of kei cars. Mazda sells rebadged Suzuki models, Toyota and Subaru sell badge-engineered Daihatsu models, and Nissan-Mitsubishi sources their commercial kei models from Suzuki. The electric version of the Mitsubishi i , the Mitsubishi i-MiEV was the first electric kei car. This was launched for fleet purchasers in 2009 in the Japanese domestic market . It became available to
9594-439: The plates were now yellow and black rather than white and green. Throughout the 1970s, the government kept whittling away at the benefits offered to kei vehicles, which combined with ever stricter emissions standards to lower sales drastically through the first half of the decade. Previously exempt, mandatory annual inspections for kei cars were added in 1973 and put an additional damper on sales. Honda and Mazda withdrew from
9711-481: The regulations. Its engine is rated at 80 hp (60 kW; 81 PS)—since that is how the car is homologated in the United Kingdom, Japanese authorities told the importer that its power should remain unchanged. The Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association also self-imposes a speed limit of 140 km/h (87 mph) for kei cars. In a rare example of an overseas mass-produced model being sold as
9828-748: The same facelift as the CA/CB72 did in early 1987 (a little later than in Japan), followed by a market specific facelift in January 1988, unveiled at the Brussels Motor Show. This model remained in production (latterly by Maruti Udyog) for the European market until 1993, when it was replaced by an also Maruti-built 1-litre version of the Cervo Mode , which was sold as the Alto until 2002. The Maruti 800 did continue to be available under its own name in Europe until 2004, when it could no longer pass emissions and safety requirements. The Suzuki Alto
9945-418: The seat's headrest, its refresh mode can be used as a bed. The second-generation N-Box received a facelift in late December 2020. The third-generation N-Box was unveiled on 3 August 2023. In December 2011, Honda set a monthly sales target at 12,000 units for the N-Box series. When the N-Box switch from the first to second generation, Honda increased the target to 15,000 units, the N-Box series exceed above
10062-422: The shrinking passenger kei car market in 1974 and 1976, respectively, although they both maintained a limited offering of commercial vehicles. Sales had been steadily declining, reaching a low of 150,000 passenger cars in 1975, 80% less than 1970 sales. Emissions laws were another problem for the kei car industry in the mid-1970s. From 1973 to 1978, emissions standards were to be tightened in four steps. Meeting
10179-435: The stricter standards, which were to be introduced in 1975, would be problematic for manufacturers of kei cars. This was particularly hard for Daihatsu and Suzuki , which focused on two-stroke engines, and especially Suzuki, a relatively small company whose entire lineup consisted of two-stroke kei cars. Daihatsu, though, had both the engineering backing and powerful connections of their owner, Toyota , to aid them in meeting
10296-434: The target selling in 6-digit number figures. Kei car Kei car is the smallest category of Japanese expressway -legal motor vehicles. The term kei is a shortening of kei-jidōsha , ( kanji : 軽自動車 ), which translates to English as "light automobile" ( pronounced [keːdʑidoːɕa] ). With restricted dimensions and engine specifications, owners enjoy lower tax and insurance rates which lead to
10413-447: The time. This goal influenced Japanese automobile manufacturers to determine how best to focus their product development efforts for kei cars or the larger "national" cars. The small exterior dimensions and engine displacement reflected the driving environment in Japan, with speed limits in Japan realistically not exceeding 40 km/h (24.9 mph) in urban areas. Kei cars were not allowed to be driven any faster than 40 km/h until
10530-415: The turbocharged offerings. The standard model has 40 PS (29 kW), while a 12-valve version has 52 or 55 PS (38 or 40 kW) depending on if it was carburetted or fuel injected. The lowest and highest-powered versions were also available with four-wheel-drive, and there was a bare bones two-seater version (Hu-2) on offer. The fourth-generation Alto ( HA11 ) appeared in November 1994. The design
10647-628: The vehicles are generally too small and specialized to be profitable. Notable exceptions exist, for instance the Suzuki Alto and Daihatsu Cuore , which have been exported consistently from around 1980. The export version of the Suzuki Jimny has become very popular, both in and outside of Japan. Kei cars are both popular with the elderly, but also with youths and younger families because of their affordability and ease of use. Nearly all kei cars have been designed and manufactured in Japan, but
10764-485: The wider public as well as the global market in 2010. The i-MiEV uses a 47 kW (63 hp) permanent-magnet synchronous motor powered by a 16 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. It can charge overnight in 14 hours from home 100-volt mains, or in 30 minutes from quick-charging stations installed at fleet locations. Its range is 100 km (62 mi) as tested by the US EPA , and 160 km (99 mi) as tested by
10881-475: The world, with a price tag of $ 2830. The entry-level model comes with the 796 cc (48.6 cu in) F8B three-cylinder 36 PS (26.5 kW). An inline-four engine with a displacement of 1,051 cc (64.1 cu in) and an output of 52 PS (38.5 kW) was also available. The Jiangnan TT was eventually replaced by the Zotye Z100 in 2010. The third generation ( CL/CM11 ) replaced
10998-492: Was a "micro sensation" when introduced, largely due to its rock bottom price of ¥470,000 (circa $ 1,900 in 1979, at a time when the cheapest Ford Pinto cost $ 4,999 in the US). This low price was made possible by a number of Japanese special concessions for commercial vehicles: most notably, the engine was subject to less stringent emissions rules and did not require expensive twin catalysts. Two fewer doors provided another saving, as did
11115-436: Was also applied in addition to the limit on engine size, in response to the ever-increasing power outputs available with turbocharging and multivalve technologies popularized in the late 1980s. Engine technology was also shared with sports bikes , which are designed more for rider enjoyment and less so for fuel economy, going against the idea of small people's cars and putting the kei cars' tax and structural advantages at risk of
11232-463: Was also available in the Twin Cam Rl . Passenger car versions had the same engines, but all with 2 PS less due to more stringent emissions controls. The fuel-injected, 6-valve, turbocharged Works models came with an SOHC 58 PS (43 kW) engine (FF S/X or 4WD S/R ) or a 64 PS (47 kW) DOHC version (FF RS/X or 4WD RS/R ). The front-wheel-drive Works' were available with
11349-763: Was built in India as the Maruti Suzuki 800 . By 1984, the 800 cc Alto/Fronte (called "FX") were introduced in Pakistan and were locally manufactured by Pak Suzuki Motors along with the 1000 cc Jimny (SJ410). In Australia, the SS40V was sold as the Suzuki Hatch , only available as a two-seat commercial vehicle. This meant it was taxed at 35 percent duty as opposed to 57.5 percent for passenger cars, and sales were not affected by Australia's then- quota on import cars. The Hatch originally offered
11466-518: Was classified as a van and accordingly received the CM22V chassis code, unlike the usual Alto Works. The undercoating and most creature comforts were deleted (although air conditioning remained an option) and the car sat on steel wheels, which made the car about 20 kg (44.09245 lb) lighter than a regular Works RS/R. Suzuki also produced a version of the Alto, known as the Alto Hustle, with
11583-403: Was considerably lower, however, down from 5.3 to 4.2 kg⋅m (52 to 41 N⋅m; 38 to 30 lb⋅ft). 1981 was also when it became available in the United Kingdom, as Suzuki began selling cars there that year. In export markets, the Alto name was used for the passenger car versions (chassis codes with trailing letter "S") as well as on commercials (ending in "V"), while the van was marketed as
11700-523: Was considerably more powerful - although claimed output remained 64 PS (47 kW) as per the regulations, torque increased from 10.5 to 11.0 kgm (at 3500 rpm for the Series 2, 4000 rpm for the Series 3). Period sources state that the engine's actual output was at least 80 PS (59 kW). The engine received considerable changes over the regular Works, many more than the first Works R. The throttle body and camshafts were different, while
11817-474: Was first shown at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show alongside its sister car, the Mazda Carol. It is available with a 660 cubic centimetres (40 cu in) engine, a 5-speed manual, a 4-speed automatic transmission or a CVT , in FWD or 4WD variants. Under the Japanese 10-15 test cycle, the front-wheel-drive with CVT achieves 24.5 km/litre fuel economy. In 2011, Suzuki launched the Alto Eco variant, that features
11934-544: Was generally more rounded, the shape of the cabin showing the Alto's relationship with the new Suzuki Kei . Suzuki designed the new Alto with an eye to reducing cost, both for themselves and for the end users. To that end, weight was reduced to a minimum, while four-wheel drive models were able to use the same bottom plate as front-wheel drive models. With sales of the 2-seat commercial versions dropping steadily, those versions (Va and Sc, with four-speed manual transmission) were now only built to order. The 658 cc K6A engine
12051-493: Was generally not exported, with most foreign markets instead receiving Alto-badged versions of the Indian-built Maruti Zen . The 657 cc (40.1 cu in) F6A engines were joined by a new high-performance 64 PS (47 kW) 658 cc (40.2 cu in) K6A ( HA21 ) for the Works RS/Z model. Front-wheel drive or full-time four-wheel drive were offered, in three- or five-door sedans or as
12168-627: Was increased to 550 cc, taking effect from 1 January 1976. The new standards were announced on 26 August 1975, leaving very little time for manufacturers to revise their designs to take advantage of the new limits. Most manufacturers were somewhat surprised by the decision; having expected a 500 cc (30.5 cu in) limit, they had already developed new engines to fit such restrictions. These new engines were quickly introduced, usually mounted within widened bodies of existing models. These interim versions, with displacements ranging between 443 and 490 cc, were "feelers", developed to see if
12285-506: Was introduced in New Zealand in March 1980. While Suzuki held on to the two-stroke engine concept for a half decade longer than any of its Japanese competitors, eventually market pressures and ever tightening emissions regulations spelled its end in the Alto by September 1981. The Jimny , however, did use the same 539 cc (32.9 cu in) engine (called LJ50 in the Jimny) as late as 1987. Between 1983 and 1986, this generation Alto
12402-584: Was introduced in September 1984. This generation Alto echoed the design of the GM M-platform that underpinned the 1983 Suzuki Cultus. It continued with the F5A engine of the SS40, but also became available with turbocharged and multi-valve engines thereof, mainly in the "Works" series. In December 1984, a four-wheel-drive version ( CC71 ) was added; until it arrived Suzuki had kept the four-wheel-drive version of
12519-553: Was limited: the buyer received standard vinyl seats and mats and cross ply tires, with the only concession to luxury being a push-button AM radio. M. W. Suzuki in Victoria , Suzuki's distributor for Southern Australia, introduced the "800 pack" in January 1981 that included the 796 cc (48.6 cu in) motor. The pack also added steel-belt radial tyres, 12-inch wheels (up from 10-inch), front-wheel disc brakes and bolder bumpers front and rear. The second generation ( CA71 )
12636-457: Was marked by simplicity, as Suzuki strived to return to making a more basic car. The Slide Slim model, with its sliding door on one side, was discontinued, as were some of the higher end versions of the third generation Alto such as the Regina. The new Wagon R took over much of the more expensive Alto's market share, leaving the Alto to compete at the lower end of the market. The fourth generation
12753-460: Was now also available without a turbocharger, joining the turbocharged version and the familiar 657 cc F6A engines. The HA12 chassis number was for F6A-engined cars; HA22 denotes cars with the K6A engine. The turbocharged Works models were available with a 60 PS F6A engine (Alto i.e., 5MT/3AT/4AT and FWD or AWD) or a 64 PS VVT K6A (RS/Z, 5MT/4AT and FWD or AWD). The front-wheel-drive RS/Z
12870-702: Was only seen in a very few places, namely New Zealand, Hong Kong, and Singapore. In most countries the earlier Alto/Fronte was replaced by an Alto-badged Maruti Zen (an Indian-built Suzuki Cervo Mode ). With a 0.8-litre engine the CL11 Alto was built with left-hand-drive in South Korea, Poland, Romania and Uzbekistan as the Daewoo Tico , and also in China by Anchi. When the Kei car standards were changed in 1990,
12987-487: Was originally a special model introduced to celebrate the one millionth Alto produced. The CB model code was not used on the Alto in Japan, as it signifies the passenger car version which was still sold as a Fronte in the home market. In July 1986, the CA/CC71 received a rather thorough facelift. New wraparound headlights, a new dash and interior heralded the new available ITL rear suspension ( I solated T railing L ink),
13104-455: Was produced and sold in India as the Maruti 800 between late 1986 and 2014, succeeding the previous generation which had been built there since 1983. While the car has been long retired in other markets, it remained in production in Pakistan under the moniker Suzuki Mehran . The Pakistani version is essentially a simplified basic rebadged second-generation Suzuki Alto CA/CB91 which was sold in
13221-410: Was really intended for private use, thus avoiding the 15.5% excise tax . Efficient, bare bones design meant that the resulting Suzuki Alto was considerably cheaper than any of its competitors, and it set the tone for kei cars for the entire 1980s. Until the excise tax was abolished in 1989, light commercials like the Alto and its competitors nearly completely supplanted the passenger car versions. As
13338-489: Was sold with a non-VVT K6A engine when in combination with a 4-speed automatic transmission, it too with a claimed 64 PS. Unique to this generation was a five-door version of the Alto Works. With the December 2000 facelift, the Works versions were discontinued, as the Alto family was realigned strictly as an economy version. The Suzuki Kei Sports picked up the Works' mantle. Several derivatives were produced from this generation. Suzuki produced two "classic-style" versions:
13455-432: Was the first kei car to reach the legal limit of 64 PS (47 kW). It acquired considerable popularity, with models of it still made by Fujimi . A five-door body became available on the Alto in October 1985. This was superficially identical to that of the Fronte's , but the rear seat folded flat and it was technically speaking a commercial vehicle. This was the first five-door commercial of its kind in Japan, and
13572-407: Was the model that reached limited exports. The New Zealand version was mostly the same as the Japanese market five-door van model, with a cargo-oriented bare-bones trim combined with the rather soft Japanese suspension settings and light, low-geared steering. Unlike the Japanese models, however, this low spec was coupled to the (carbureted) 12-valve engine with 38.2 kW (52 PS; 51 hp) and
13689-610: Was unveiled on 25 May 2017 and launched in Japan on 31 August 2017 via a livestream on YouTube . It went on sale on 1 September 2017. It is equipped with Honda Sensing technology which includes pre-collision assist with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning with lane keeping assist, ultrasonic mis-acceleration mitigation system and road sign assist. The N-Box's seats can slide front to back, recline, and tip up and down separately or both to accommodate passengers, long and tall cargo and its slope can be used as an under-storage compartment and ramp for PWD wheelchairs. By removing
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