A low-volume flash in the pan built exclusively for Japan's domestic - 1998 Suzuki Cappuccino Review
0Did you ever want a sports car? One that’s smaller, lighter and can fit into the smallest of parking spaces? Japan has been building cars like this for decades, many of which fit into the country’s strict Kei car regulations, but these intriguing machines very rarely come to the UK officially. One that did however, was the Suzuki Cappuccino.
Occupying the space below the likes of the comparatively large MX-5, Japan has produced a good number of sports Kei cars, from the Honda Beat and Autozam AZ-1 to the later Daihatsu Copen. Today, you can even buy the Honda S660 – a modern interpretation of the brilliant Beat.
This interesting niche has been driven by the Japanese Kei-car regulations, which dictate a very specific set of requirements from a car, to qualify for significantly reduced tax, as well as increased city driving privileges. Measuring a maximum of 3.4 metres long, 1.48m wide and up to 2m tall, the general result is a quirky four-seat box which rarely sees success outside of its homeland. However, the tiny footprint allows for a different approach. The combination of low kerb weight and modest power serves up the ingredients for a hugely enjoyable sports car. To this day, the Suzuki Cappuccino remains one of the finest examples of the breed.
The dinky two-seater boasts the classic sports car layout: the rear wheels are driven by a longitudinally-mounted engine sitting ahead of the driver. The hard-top roof can be either partially dismantled for a T-bar style configuration, or removed altogether for a full cabriolet experience. Once dismantled, it can be stored in the boot with specific bags (though there isn’t much room for anything else once it’s in there).
Governed by kei-car rules, the double overhead cam three-cylinder engine – an earlier version of the unit used today in the Caterham Seven 160 – displaces only 657cc, with power supplemented by a turbocharger. Thanks to a miniscule mass to lug around (barely 700kg, depending on model), performance is still sprightly despite the modest power output. Even if Suzuki’s claims of an eight-second 0-60mph time were perhaps a little ambitious, there’s more than enough poke to make the Cappuccino feel genuinely exciting, particularly when the driving position places you inches from the ground.
It’s at its best, predictably, on twisty roads. The skinny tyres offer up an impressive amount of grip, while the steering (power-assisted, depending on spec) feels sharp and precise. The narrow body allows you to pick a desired line within your own lane – an ability all but lost in wide, more modern machinery.
Living with the Cappuccino is fairly stress-free, with one or two minor caveats: if you’re very tall or need to cover motorway miles, it might not be the car for you. Otherwise, it’s a fun, reliable, cheap to run – and not to mention, pretty adorable – sports car.
Produced for six years, with the exception of a mid-life technical upgrade the Cappuccino remained largely unchanged throughout its life. Two trim levels were offered, with higher spec BA versions equipped with a driver’s airbag, ABS, a limited slip differential and optional electric door mirrors.
Shortly after the car was released in Japan, Suzuki UK attempted to seek type-approval to allow the Cappuccino to be officially imported into the UK. First deliveries of the UK-market examples began in 1993, and ran for approximately two years. Of the 1100-or-so units, which were sold here, colour choices were limited to red and silver. Japanese models were offered in eight further shades.
1995 brought about the most significant update for the Cappuccino. A revised engine switched to chain drive, weighed less than the previous unit, and increased torque from 63 to 76lb ft. Other changes included new alloy wheels, which reduced unsprung weight and the option of a three-speed automatic gearbox.
As with most classics, a full service history will always be desirable. UK models are generally easier to track down evidence of previous work, so buyers looking for pre-update models would be well-advised to go for these. There are currently around 670 Cappuccinos in the UK, more than half of which are declared SORN.