Following the announcement of the eighth generation Suzuki Alto kei car in Japan, the Mazda Carol kei-car has also been unveiled. No prizes for guessing the connection, as the Mazda is almost entirely based on the Alto, except for the badge. The Carol will will start selling in Japan by the end of January next year, and shares the 660 cc three-pot motor outputting 54bhp of power & 63Nm of torque , the six-speed manual & CVT gearboxes, and even the 37 km per liter fuel consumption with the Alto, making the cute couple the most fuel efficient vehicles among non-hybrid gasoline vehicles in Japan.
Like on the Alto, the Carol will also benefit from regenerative braking, 4WD, auto stop/start, Eco-Cool – which keeps air-conditioning on when engine is off, a collision-mitigation braking system called Radar Brake Support, and hill hold control. Stability control is standard across the range. Seven body colors are offered, including two new shades – Pure Red and Chiffon Ivory Metallic.
Inside, the cabin, shared with the Alto, is said to be the roomiest in its class, thanks to the slightly longer wheelbase. Apart from that, things are pretty straightforward and utilitarian, with some white upholstery on the dash and seats breaking the monotony of black. The Carol starts a 4.47 lakh INR for the base variant, and is priced exactly like the Alto.
