A Japanese Classic: the Cappuccino
Serena Aburahma
· 4 min read
Early Japanese vehicles have swiftly become some of the most sought-after
classic cars
today. The first-gen Mazda Miata
has recently become a huge hit among younger drivers because of its cute aesthetic and peppy performance. One of the ugliest Subarus
ever made has also been increasing in resale value.Both of these classic cars, and many others, have unique shapes that make them unforgettable among collectors. Another great example is the Suzuki Cappuccino, introduced in 1991 and falling out of fashion seven years later.
How did this little sports car come to be and what made it so unique?
The history of the Cappuccino car
Just from its appearance and specs, you can tell that the Cappuccino was made specifically with Japanese drivers in mind.
Car sales in Japan were heavily taxed and had high insurance rates, so "kei cars" were produced to meet those demands. The bodies of these vehicles must be less than 10.8 feet long, with an engine smaller than .66 liters.
After its success in Japan, the Cappuccino was eventually imported to the United Kingdom. It was available for a couple of years, and
Drivetribe
says that only around 1,200 units were sold. Sadly, its life across the pond was eventually terminated thanks to new emissions standards. The Suzuki Cappuccino car: a surprisingly fun drive
The Suzuki Cappuccino looks very unassuming on paper, powered by a tiny three-cylinder engine capable of just 63 horsepower. It seems underwhelming until you remember that the Cappuccino weighs only 1,543 pounds. Combined with the engine's standard turbo power and its ability to hit 9,300 rpm, it's a joy to handle.
Its speed is impressive for that tiny engine, reaching 60 mph at 8.5 seconds. Its top speed is recorded to be 93 mph, but it reportedly feels faster when you're behind the wheel. The only notable complaint among its owners is that gears can stick if the engine is too cold.
It came with power steering upon release, along with a double-wishbone suspension and disc brakes on all four wheels. A five-speed manual gearbox was standard, though the 1995 model would add a three-speed automatic option. A new engine was also introduced for this year, with more torque thanks to the chain-equipped camshafts.
Drivetribe even argues that the Cappuccino is superior to the Mazda Miata thanks to its engine location. It's further away from the front axle, resulting in a 50:50 weight distribution between both riders. With less weight on the rear wheels, drivers can pull off the riskiest turns without fear of losing traction.
The Suzuki Cappuccino car is fun AND multifunctional?
With the three roof panels in place, the Suzuki Cappuccino presents the image of a stylish and sporty coupe. However, it's also a targa top thanks to the functional rollbar in the back. You can also remove the roof panels, which neatly fit into the trunk, for the true roadster experience.
New driver's aids added in 1995 also made it a more practical choice for the average driver. Drivers could opt to have an airbag, power door mirrors, and ABS. A limited-slip differential could also be added, further increasing the Cappuccino's excellent traction abilities.
The Suzuki Cappuccino was quietly discontinued in 1998, without much outcry or even a planned replacement. Fortunately, it's old enough now that drivers in the U.S. can import one and experience it for themselves.
How much does it cost to insure a Suzuki car?
Based on our research
, Suzuki models are generally less expensive than many other popular cars on the market. Suzuki cars produced between the late 80s and 90s, including the Cappuccino, generally have the cheapest policies.If you don't know where to find the best auto coverage, sign up with
Jerry
. The app can find quotes for even the rarest vehicles in seconds, saving you time as well as money!
