Autozam AZ-1 History

The Autozam AZ-1 was developed alongside Suzuki's RS/1 and RS/3 concept programme and launched in October 1992 as a joint project: Mazda sold it as the AZ-1 while Suzuki sold a near-identical version as the Cara. Classified under Japan's kei regulations, it measured just 3,295 mm long and 1,395 mm wide, yet was engineered with a rear mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout and dramatic gullwing doors on both sides.

Power came from Suzuki's 657 cc F6A turbocharged inline-three, producing the kei-class maximum of 64 PS (47 kW) at 6,500 rpm. Weighing only 720 kg (1,587 lb), the AZ-1 offered genuine sports-car dynamics in a package no bigger than a city car. A standing-start 0–60 mph time was competitive for its class, and top speed was electronically limited to 140 km/h (87 mph).

Launched into Japan's post-bubble recession at ¥1,498,000 — expensive for a kei car — the AZ-1 found fewer buyers than Mazda hoped. Total production reached approximately 4,392 AZ-1 units before the car was discontinued in October 1994, making it rare even in its home market. Decades later the AZ-1 has become a sought-after collector's item, commanding strong prices on the used-import market worldwide.