New Mazda Carol revealed – Suzuki Alto’s twin sister

mazda-carol-new-a

Wait a minute – isn’t that the new eighth-gen Suzuki Alto? Well it is… and it isn’t. They’ve actually been the same car for some time now, and Mazda’s Carol is in fact an older nameplate, so there.

To be sold through Autozam dealers in Japan from end-January, the new Mazda Carol shares nearly everything with the new Suzuki Alto, from its 660 cc three-pot motor, through six-speed manual and CVT gearboxes, to its 37 km per litre JC08 consumption, and even its 847,800 yen (RM24,600) starting price!

More similarities abound – regenerative braking, auto stop/start, Eco-Cool (keeps air-con cool when engine is off), Radar Brake Support (a collision-mitigation braking system) and hill hold control are offered on some variants, while stability control is standard across the range. Seven body colours are offered, including two new shades – Pure Red and Chiffon Ivory Metallic.

No Kodo, no SkyActiv and not exactly Zoom-Zoom – but which of the twins do you prefer in terms of looks? Or is the Suzuki Alto Turbo RS concept more up your alley?

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Jonathan James Tan

While most dream of the future, Jonathan Tan dreams of the past, although he's never been there. Fantasises much too often about cruising down Treacher Road (Jalan Sultan Ismail) in a Triumph Stag that actually works, and hopes this stint here will snap him back to present reality.

 

Comments

  • Josh Ling on Dec 30, 2014 at 4:19 pm

    i like suzuki alto more, though i prefer the more retro feel and look of alloy rims of the mazda. wondering if the rims itself are the same as the “normal” (non-x) variant of alto as well.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 1
  • OMG…Ugly like shit…puihhh…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 7
  • SIX SPEED MANUAL GEARBOX?!?! WOW!!!! too bad only 660cc…..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 1
    • Good news! Toyota will start use 5 speed from now on because others using 6 now. Toyota gearbox theory, always minus 1 gear.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 0
  • kzm (Member) on Dec 30, 2014 at 5:29 pm

    Maybe japanese like the car but not the badge..that’s why many same car diff brand alto-carol, boon-passo, T camry – D camry, 86-Brz etc

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 2
  • Seriously i think the rear light position is too low if directional light is on and i believe driver behind can not see at all.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 0
  • Sam Loo (ori1) on Dec 30, 2014 at 6:53 pm

    As long as its not a kimchi, it will have RV

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 5
  • Samad Jain on Dec 30, 2014 at 7:11 pm

    the seats are soooo plain. Even my chair in the store room is better than this car’s chair…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
  • panjang on Dec 30, 2014 at 9:56 pm

    At least it does not come with optional tissue box as a premium.
    Everything is as expected from a no nonsense small city car.
    For those whom wants more luxury then can buy the Aston Martin Cygnet.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • policeman on Dec 30, 2014 at 10:07 pm

    Designed in India?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 7
  • No more Value on Dec 30, 2014 at 10:18 pm

    dont know why but I feel this mazda version’s rear design was better than suzuki’s.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • sepuct9a on Dec 31, 2014 at 8:47 am

    Really nice modern-retro design, wish this will come here..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • leonardo on Dec 31, 2014 at 9:02 am

    A good example of “Platform sharing” or ‘Rebadging’ here. (For those who are still unclear of the concept). To minimise investment and maximise revenue.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
 

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