Engineering:Suzuki Kei
| Suzuki Kei (HN11S/HN12S/HN21S/HN22S) | |
|---|---|
.JPG) 1999–2000 Suzuki Kei 5-door | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Suzuki |
| Also called | Mazda Laputa |
| Production | 1998–2009 |
| Assembly | Japan |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Kei car |
| Body style | 3-/5-door hatchback |
| Layout |
|
| Related | |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | |
| Transmission | |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,360 mm (92.9 in) |
| Length | 3,395 mm (133.7 in) |
| Width | 1,475 mm (58.1 in) |
| Height | 1,545 mm (60.8 in) |
| uk|uk|Kerb|Curb}} weight | 820 kg (1,808 lb) |
| Chronology | |
| Successor | Suzuki Hustler |
The Suzuki Kei (Japanese: スズキ・Kei (ケイ), Hepburn: Suzuki Kei) is a kei car produced by Suzuki between 1998 and 2009. Originally only available as a three-door hatchback, a five-door version arrived in the third quarter of 1999.[1] The car received a facelift in late 2000, when the three-door version was also dropped, and another facelift in 2001, including a newer dashboard.
Overview
The Kei was launched in October 1998, as the response to the revision of the Kei car dimensions.
Initially, it was only available in a 3-door version, but a 5-door version was added in March 1999. Early grades include G, X, and S grades.[2] To avoid with the Jimny, from 2000 onwards, the 3-door model was dropped and it was only available in a 5-door.[3] The facelift version carried out in October 2000, the front fascia was significantly changed. The Kei received the facelift again in April 2006, features a new front bumper and grille design.[4]
As the official sponsor of the 2001 FIS Freestyle Cup, a special edition called FIS Freestyle World Cup Limited was released along with the Jimny and Escudo.[5] In the same year Suzuki was collaborated with Japanese fashion designer Kansai Yamamoto called the up to you KANSAI.[6]
The first generation Ignis sharing many common parts from Suzuki Kei. From May 1999 to 2006, Suzuki also produced the Mazda Laputa (マツダ・ラピュタ, Matsuda Rapyuta) as Mazda's rebadged version of the Kei.[7].
In 2003, the grade lineup was streamlined, consolidating it into two grades: A grade equipped with the K6A VVT engine and B Turbo equipped with the K6A M Turbo engine. The Kei continued to be sold for 11 years, undergoing several minor changes, but production ended in 2009. However, the direct successor Hustler which was launched in December 2013.[8]
Variants
Kei Special
The more rugged Kei Special was released in May 1999. Based on the 3-door S-type that existed in the initial production, this vehicle featuring sporty, exclusive accessories. It was available in 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission option, and either front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive drivetrain.[9] It is feature a dedicated engine hood cover, rugged bumper and side skirts with integrated large fog lamps, a roof end spoiler.[10]
Kei Sports
Released in October 2000. The Kei Sport, features a horizontal line grille, also features a sporty interior with black coloured seats and a large-diameter tachometer. It was available in Sport F and Sport grades. Similar to the Alto Works, it was available in offered the F6A DOHC and K6A DOHC engines and paired with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic options and FF/4WD drivetrains.[11] In April 2001, only the K6A DOHC engine was available and the lower Sport F was discontinued.
Kei Works
On 12 November 2002, Suzuki released the Kei Works as successor of the Kei Sport variant and due to response to the revival the "Works" nameplate which was discontinued in 2000.[12] It featured the same engine as the Alto Works. The Kei Works featuring a new grille and a large bumper with integrated fog lights It is equipped with 15-inch aluminum wheels, four-wheel disc brakes, and Recaro seats.[13] The Kei Works powered by tuned K6A, produces 64 PS (47 kW; 63 hp) and paired with either 4-speed automatic or 5-speed manual options.[13]
During this period, the Kei Works were not as popular as expected, because its performance was more slower and more heavier than the Alto Works.[12]
Gallery
- Suzuki Kei
-
1998–2000 Suzuki Kei 3-door -
2000–2006 Suzuki Kei 5-door -
Suzuki Kei Special -
Suzuki Kei Special -
2000–2002 Suzuki Kei Sport 5-door -
2000–2002 Suzuki Kei Sport 5-door -
2002 Suzuki Kei FIS Freestyle World Cup Limited version -
2002–2009 Suzuki Kei Works -
2002–2009 Suzuki Kei Works -
2006–2009 Suzuki Kei 5-door -
2006–2009 Suzuki Kei 5-door -
Interior
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.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
- Mazda Laputa
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1999–2000 Mazda Laputa -
2000–2006 Mazda Laputa
References
- ↑ Mazur, Eligiusz, ed (2002). "Katalog Samochody Świata 2003". Samochody Świata (Warsaw, Poland: Print Shops Prego - Polska Sp. z o.o.): 200. ISSN 1234-8198.
- ↑ "新型軽乗用車「Ｋｅｉ」（ケイ）に５ドアを追加し新発売" [A new 5-door version of the new Kei mini passenger car has been added and is now on sale.] (Press release) (in 日本語). Suzuki. 1999-03-10. Retrieved 2026-09-12.
- ↑ "軽乗用車「Kei」（ケイ）を一部改良し新発売". スズキ. 2000-10-12. https://www.suzuki.co.jp/release/a/a001012.htm. Retrieved 2026-09-14.
- ↑ "「スズキ Kei」を一部改良" (in ja). webCG. 2006-04-11. https://www.webcg.net/articles/amp/12198. Retrieved 2026-09-12.
- ↑ "特別仕様車「ＦＩＳフリースタイルワールドカップ リミテッド」を発売" [Launch of the special edition FIS Freestyle World Cup Limited model.] (Press release) (in 日本語). Suzuki. 2016-01-12. Retrieved 2026-09-12.
- ↑ "軽乗用車「Ｋｅｉ」を一部改良し発売" [The Kei minicar has been partially redesigned and released] (Press release) (in 日本語). Suzuki. 2001-11-10. Retrieved 2024-06-19.
- ↑ "新型「ラピュタ」を発売" [New "Laputa" released] (Press release) (in 日本語). Mazda. 1999-03-24. Retrieved 2026-09-12.
- ↑ "【スズキ ハスラー 発表】誕生のきっかけになったユーザーの声" (in ja). Response. 2013-12-24. https://response.jp/article/2013/12/25/213772.html. Retrieved 2026-09-13.
- ↑ "スポーツ仕様の特装車「Keiスペシャル」を新発売" [New "Kei Special" sports-spec vehicle now on sale.] (Press release). Suzuki. 1999-05-12. Retrieved 2026-09-14.
- ↑ "Suzuki Kei". Gazoo. https://gazoo.com/catalog/maker/SUZUKI/KEI/199810/. Retrieved 2026-09-14.
- ↑ "スズキ、「Kei」をマイナーチェンジ" (in ja). WebCG. 2000-10-16. https://www.webcg.net/articles/-/21299. Retrieved 2026-09-16.
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 "スズキの軽クロスオーバーSUV「Keiワークス」のエンジンはアルトワークスと一緒！ 124.2万円～" (in ja). Motor Fan. 2024-11-12. https://motor-fan.jp/article/275386/. Retrieved 2026-09-12.
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 "使いきる快感" (in ja). webCG. 2002-11-29. https://www.webcg.net/articles/amp/17184. Retrieved 2026-09-13.
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