What the car is and where it came from
A two-seater kei car built by Mazda from October 1992 to October 1994. Sold under the Autozam brand. Designed as a sports car, not a rebadged commuter vehicle.
How it works, in terms someone would actually use
It sits low. The driver climbs in through gullwing doors. The engine is behind the seats. Power goes to the rear wheels. The turbocharged 657 cc engine delivers its peak torque at 4,000 rpm. Top speed is capped at 140 km/h.
What it gets right
It gets the seating position right: low, central, eyes level with the front axle. It gets the weight distribution right: rear mid-engine layout tightens turn-in and sharpens throttle response. It gets the door solution right: gullwings clear low sills without demanding overhead clearance.
What it does not
It does not isolate the driver from road noise or vibration. It does not offer luggage space. It does not soften its responses for daily use.
What it changed
It proved a kei car could be a proper mid-engine sports car—not just a scaled-down hatchback. It forced reconsideration of what regulatory constraints could permit in packaging and driving intent.
Who it is for, and who it is not
It is for drivers who prioritise agility, intimacy with controls, and mechanical honesty over convenience. It is not for families, long journeys, or anyone unwilling to fold themselves into a cockpit.
Is it worth your time
Yes—if you care about compact sports car logic executed without compromise. No—if you need space, comfort, or unfiltered performance.
