Autozam AZ-1.

[gumball]

A car even rarer than ours. I've liked the funky design of the AZ-1 for a while now, and was wondering if anyone here had any experience with them.
http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z148/gumball3ooo/Mazda_AZ-1_92-94_30.jpg

[m666 edd]

It's funny that you mention it as I've been looking at these lately. Along with Honda Beats.

Would be a really cool car to have.

[NSXGB]

Looks like they got their styling ideas from a Reault Twingo, Subaru SVX, Testarossa & 550....red & black colour scheme looks familiar too.

[gumball]

Looks like they got their styling ideas from a Reault Twingo, Subaru SVX, Testarossa & 550....red & black colour scheme looks familiar too.

Well I don't think they copied the 550 or Twingo. ;) 1992.
Here's some stats to see if it will fit in the garage M666 edd.
http://my.reset.jp/~inu/ProductsDataBase/Products/MAZDA/AZ-1/AZ-1.htm

[Nick Graves]

Blimey! I'd forgotten that existed! That was a fun era for Kei cars. Dunno about the garage; have you got a spare room?

There's a guy on Prime who's got an (almost) matching yellow Beat and NSX. Which has a certain daft appeal.

[gumball]

They do look mighty tempting in this age of mad fuel and tax prices.
Here's one with light tuning,
(Mazda rotary etc..)
Greddy 6
http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z148/gumball3ooo/greddy206.jpg
http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z148/gumball3ooo/greddy6w_front3.jpg

[PeteM]

How much more difficult will it be to get in it with that roll cage bar smack bang in the middle of the door way!

Looks brilliant though..

[nakamichi]

does nothing for me at all.......sorry,but it is hideous.

[gumball]

Well I can't leave that^^ post as the last word. ;)
Sure it's maybe not be your cup of tea, but hideous?!
Away from the looks it's seems a very fun car to drive, the Best Motoring crew have driven it, they said it was "scary" :laugh: (a very lively rear and fast steering).

[m666 edd]

This is what makes them cool:

http://keikarsinthepark.co.uk/index.php?action=media;sa=media;in=781

[nakamichi]

It is amazing how peoples perception of "cool" is so different.
I would just be embarrassed to drive one.It is like a joke car to me.
There are people out there that think Reliant Robins are cool.
Still,we can't all be the same.:)

[m666 edd]

Guess it depends whether you care about other people's thoughts of you from what car you drive? I just buy what I enjoy, it's my money not joe public. So many people I know are unaware I own an nsx.

I try not to judge people by material :-)

[PeteM]

I like the greddy one because it reminds me of the Mazda 787b

8772

On the subject of 787b's can't believe how well the rotary in this thing revs !


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9675TKafw3g&tracker=False

[Chazzi]

I love rotaries -have been dreaming of getting a 3 or 4 rotor, they sound awesome, but cost is a major factor! -A search for Mad Mike on youtube brings some good results.

I was considering importiing an AZ-1, however, I was not sure if I would fit in (I am 6'2"). My Dad has a Beat and it is such a fun thing to drive, without going fast. It has a revvy little engine, direct steering and a quick gear shifter -a great little motor, if not that fast. AFAIK, the AZ-1 shares the same engine as the Suzuki Cappucino -a 660cc turbo 3 pot, making for more tuning potential than the Beat.

Sure people look at you while driving a little yellow Honda Beat, but I reckon most are intrigued, rather than thinking anything which may make you feel embarrassed. -Perhaps the general public have a better view of people who drive these Kei cars than people who drive large, fast cars??

[gumball]

I love rotaries -have been dreaming of getting a 3 or 4 rotor, they sound awesome, but cost is a major factor! -A search for Mad Mike on youtube brings some good results.

I was considering importiing an AZ-1, however, I was not sure if I would fit in (I am 6'2"). My Dad has a Beat and it is such a fun thing to drive, without going fast. It has a revvy little engine, direct steering and a quick gear shifter -a great little motor, if not that fast. AFAIK, the AZ-1 shares the same engine as the Suzuki Cappucino -a 660cc turbo 3 pot, making for more tuning potential than the Beat.

Sure people look at you while driving a little yellow Honda Beat, but I reckon most are intrigued, rather than thinking anything which may make you feel embarrassed. -Perhaps the general public have a better view of people who drive these Kei cars than people who drive large, fast cars??

This guys 5'10''. But I guess anything is possible if you really need one. :)
http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z148/gumball3ooo/interiorii.jpg
Check out how responsive the steering is on this short circuit,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bvYBso5D__c
I've read a review with a 6'2'' guy getting into a Cappuccino OK, I haven't warmed to the other kei cars though.

[Sudesh]

I love these cars, actually looked at importing one towards the end of last year, but they are hard to find and not cheap!!

[TheSebringOne]

very different & quirky, but not my cup of T.

Apparently one went for £12k in 2008 as mentioned on PH.

Get a Suzuki Cappucino for alot less IMHO.

[gumball]

very different & quirky, but not my cup of T.

Apparently one went for £12k in 2008 as mentioned on PH.

Get a Suzuki Cappucino for alot less IMHO.

They have the same engine but a very different character, the Cappuccino is a sports car, while the AZ-1 has more of a hint of the exotic(mini supercar even :)).

[Sudesh]

There are some different specs to the AZ-1, not sure what they all are but they do vary in styling and some interior bits.

Depending on spec/grade/miles, £12K was fairly reasonable money for one here,

They range roughly between £6500 at the low end, and at the higher end in as new condition with low miles about £18k/£19k

There is a 1994 available with only 10,000miles and some extra styling, that car would cost qround £19,500 on the road here.

[Chazzi]

Has anybody come across any of these badged as a Suzuki Cara?? -Perhaps it effects the pricing???

[UltraViolet]

This is what makes them cool:

http://keikarsinthepark.co.uk/index.php?action=media;sa=media;in=781

I may have been at that track day if it is Anglesea ...... I was chatting with the owner of the AZ-1 as a good friend of mine also has one with the Mazda Speed upgrades. They are an absolute hoot to drive and the engine def feels much more responsive than it does in the Suzuki. It just makes you giggle with all the chirping and whooshing it does with the turbo and chatter. Mid engined, rwd, gull wing doors ...... all in something so tiny - it is just a lot of fun. Oh - my mate is just over 6 foot and fits in it fine. Looks hilarious mind when this tiny car parks up, then the chap gets out and when he stands near the car, it is at about waist height!