Mazda Autozam AZ-1. Any good?
16 February 2006, 03:10 PM
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Mazda Autozam AZ-1. Any good?
I'm considering getting rid of my twin turbo Legacy B4 since I own a cheap diesel VW Passat to be the practical car and by getting a cheaper "fun" car I can recoup some much needed cash.
I'm looking at a Mazda AZ-1, also known as the Suzuki Cara which is a tiny little mid-engined RWD 660cc turbocharged Kei car in a similar vein to the Suzuki Cappuccino, and wondering if anyone has any opinions, or even better, owns one.
What I want to know:
Practical stuff:
Will it be any good for long journeys?
What is the interior like? (there are no good photos on the net) I would want to install a pair of half-decent speakers and my Car PC.
How much luggage space is there? I need to carry a laptop and a bag of clothes, though it would be nice if a 4U server could fit too. I don't mind using the passenger seat as additional luggage capacity
How easy is it to get parts? Are there any shared with other Mazda or Suzuki vehicles?
What is the insurance like, will anyone even insure the thing over here?
Fun stuff:
What is the handling and grip like? How easy is it to upgrade?
What potential is there for tuning that engine for more torque?
What is the largest engine that will fit sensibly in that engine bay? (Will a CA18DET or a Hayabusa fit?)
Is it fun to drive?
Given the lower weight, and lower power and torque figures, how will it compare to the Legacy when overtaking on a single carriageway A or B road?
I'm looking at a Mazda AZ-1, also known as the Suzuki Cara which is a tiny little mid-engined RWD 660cc turbocharged Kei car in a similar vein to the Suzuki Cappuccino, and wondering if anyone has any opinions, or even better, owns one.
What I want to know:
Practical stuff:
Will it be any good for long journeys?
What is the interior like? (there are no good photos on the net) I would want to install a pair of half-decent speakers and my Car PC.
How much luggage space is there? I need to carry a laptop and a bag of clothes, though it would be nice if a 4U server could fit too. I don't mind using the passenger seat as additional luggage capacity
How easy is it to get parts? Are there any shared with other Mazda or Suzuki vehicles?
What is the insurance like, will anyone even insure the thing over here?
Fun stuff:
What is the handling and grip like? How easy is it to upgrade?
What potential is there for tuning that engine for more torque?
What is the largest engine that will fit sensibly in that engine bay? (Will a CA18DET or a Hayabusa fit?)
Is it fun to drive?
Given the lower weight, and lower power and torque figures, how will it compare to the Legacy when overtaking on a single carriageway A or B road?
16 February 2006, 03:39 PM
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In terms of preserving a rare car, I agree with you, in terms of being able to own a unique fun little car, upgrading it is the way to go.
I am being silly with the CA18 idea since I doubt it will fit, but just trying to get an idea. I can't find much information (and no good interior photos) so am wary about getting one from Japan in case I don't like it.
So far it looks like no-one will insure it anyway
I am being silly with the CA18 idea since I doubt it will fit, but just trying to get an idea. I can't find much information (and no good interior photos) so am wary about getting one from Japan in case I don't like it.
So far it looks like no-one will insure it anyway
16 February 2006, 05:19 PM
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Adrian Flux will insure it for £550, thats with 9 points, 2 non-fault bumps and 5yrs no-claims. They quoted it as "something a bit like a Honda Beat" after googling the car 
17 February 2006, 10:13 AM
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They're expensive for a tiny car. I've got a Toyota Sera - so bit bigger, but twice engine size and power and still has funny doors - these are 1/4 of the price of a AZ-1 or Cara.
The AZ-1 commands really high prices in Japan, partly due to its looks, but also rarity and the benefit of being a K-car in Japan - ie not needing a dedicated parking space and so on.
Its a city car, so not so good for longer journeys - top speed is limited to 85mph.
I'd be tempted to keep it standard as it will maintain its value best that way. Parts supply will be tricky - everything will have to come from Japan, and parts will dry up as they're over 10 years old which is a lifetime in Japanese car product cycles.
The AZ-1 commands really high prices in Japan, partly due to its looks, but also rarity and the benefit of being a K-car in Japan - ie not needing a dedicated parking space and so on.
Its a city car, so not so good for longer journeys - top speed is limited to 85mph.
I'd be tempted to keep it standard as it will maintain its value best that way. Parts supply will be tricky - everything will have to come from Japan, and parts will dry up as they're over 10 years old which is a lifetime in Japanese car product cycles.
Last edited by Pumpkin; 17 February 2006 at 10:15 AM.
17 February 2006, 03:04 PM
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