Mazda Autozam AZ-1 1992

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Like the Honda Beat and the Suzuki Cappuccino, the Mazda Autozam AZ-1 was an iconic kei car that helped launch this small car genre in September 1992. But unlike its peers, the AZ-1 featured several unique traits that were more likely to be found on an exotic sports car than an affordable mini commuter.

This 2-seat Mazda kei car not only had its engine placed amidship, but it also featured gullwing doors! While the exterior of the AZ-1 was quite outrageous, the interior was anything but. The cabin's styling adopted a simple, straightforward theme with easy-to-use controls and bucket seats void of a reclining feature. Another common trait that the AZ-1 had with exotic sports cars was a tiny luggage compartment under the hood.

The mid-mounted engine was the maximum size allowed under a self-imposed regulation by kei car auto manufacturers, a turbocharged 657-cc DOHC inline-3 that produced 63 HP. The only gearbox available was a 5-speed manual transmission. The suspension utilized struts for both the front and rear, with disc brakes all around (ABS was available was an option).

The Mazda Autozam AZ-1 may have been produced for only one year, but it made quite and impact on auto enthusiasts. Nearly twenty years later, it is arguably as popular today as it was back when it was introduced.