Autozam Carol
| Autozam Carol | |
|---|---|
| Production period: | 1989-1998 |
| Class : | Microcar |
| Body versions : | Station wagon |
| Previous model: | Mazda Chantez |
| Successor: | Mazda Carol |
The Autozam Carol was a miniature car in the Japanese kei car class that was first presented in 1989. The cooperation between Mazda and Suzuki resulted in the joint Autozam models and the Autozam Carol sold by Mazda was therefore based on the contemporary Suzuki Alto . Mazda was represented in the kei car class for the last time with the Mazda Chantez until 1976 . Since Mazda could not offer the Chantez as planned and the sales figures were weak, Mazda no longer developed a successor and withdrew from the segment. With the Autozam cooperation with Suzuki, it was decided to start a new experiment to test purchasing behavior. With the abandonment of the Autozam brand in 1998, the Mazda Carol was launched , which now corresponds completely to the contemporary Suzuki Alto thanks to badge engineering .
Autozam Carol AA5PA / AA6PA 1989-1995
| AA5PA / AA6PA | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Production period: | 1989-1995 |
| Body versions : | Station wagon |
| Engines: |
Petrol engines : 0.55-0.66 liters (38-45 kW) |
| Length: | 3190 mm |
| Width: | 1395 mm |
| Height: | 1415-1435 mm |
| Wheelbase : | 2335 mm |
| Empty weight : | 580-630 kg |
In 1989 the Autozam Carol started to be produced on the basis of the Suzuki Alto , but with its own interior and exterior design. The model was sold through the newly established Autozam dealer network, which was largely integrated with Suzuki and Mazda dealers. The front design was based on the Nissan Pao , which was very popular at the time but was in a different price category. Originally, it was assumed that demand would be limited. However, the model was very successfully accepted, so that the conservatively planned production figures for 1989 meant that the models produced that year were only available to customers as demonstration cars. Therefore, in some cases, sales only started in 1990, as it was only at this point in time that customers had the choice of customizing their Carol. At the start, the Carol was available with the Suzuki SOHC FB5 547 cm³ and F6A 657 cm³ with optional 3- speed automatic transmission and standard 4-speed manual transmission. In addition to the standard front-wheel drive, there was also an optional all-wheel drive version . In 1991 the power transmission was upgraded. In order to better distribute the torque of the F6A with turbocharger and to ensure better fuel efficiency, all models now have a 5-speed manual transmission. In addition, safety has been improved with new three-point seat belts and side impact protection in the doors. An electric folding sunroof was also available as an option, which was already very popular on the Mazda 121 . For the turbo model, there was the Kyarosupo roof spoiler with an integrated third brake light, which was curved at both ends . This was also available on the Autozam AZ-1 and Suzuki Cappuccino . The Carol Miredi version was brought onto the market for wheelchair users , which makes it possible, thanks to modifications, to lift it to the rear using a rear power lift.
Autozam Carol AC6P 1995-1998
| AC6P | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Production period: | 1995-1998 |
| Body versions : | Station wagon |
| Engines: |
Petrol engines : 0.66 liters (38–45 kW) |
| Length: | 3295 mm |
| Width: | 1395 mm |
| Height: | 1400-1425 mm |
| Wheelbase : | 2335 mm |
| Empty weight : | 610-680 kg |
The second generation started in mid-1995, but it was not completely redeveloped. The chassis corresponded to the predecessor, while the body was redeveloped. The handles of the car doors and the rear bumper were the same as the predecessor, while the cover of the headlights was simplified. Again there was only a three-door with four seats. Depending on the version, the safety equipment has been expanded to include standard double airbags and optional side airbags. The only drive available was the F6A SOHC 657 cm³ petrol engine, optionally with a turbocharger, combined with a 5-speed manual gearbox or a 3-speed automatic gearbox, with front-wheel drive as standard and optionally with all-wheel drive. Overall, the upgrade in technology and equipment made the Carol significantly more expensive and was therefore not as popular as its predecessor. As a result, Mazda ended the further development of the Autozam Carol in 1996. The only changes still carried out until the end of production in September 1998 were the sale of the Carol as a commercial version without rear seats and with significantly stripped-down equipment in the Japanese Mitsuoka market from December 1996 , as well as the Carol AC , available from 1997 , a Mazdaspeed with a tuning Kit called A-Spec Refined Carol. From October 1998 the Mazda Carol was the successor model.
