Japanese small cars

Alongside the Toyota Prius C, the New Mitsubishi Mirage and the third generation Nissan Pivo 3 is the newest small car concept from the house of Suzuki, christened the Regina

The new generation of jubilant Japanese small cars has already given the world a first glimpse of what makes them so special and despite stampings of a common nationality, their design cues and overall functionalities are quite peculiar and set them apart from one another.


A number of these mini magic models haven’t just popped out of a fresh thought, but are concepts that have seen evolution, like for example the Nissan Pivo 3, which since being unveiled for the very first time at the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show will once again take life in a new look and form, this time in its third generation avatar when it is brought before the world at this year’s Tokyo Motor Show starting in December.

Joining the Pivo 3 is an entire fleet of innovative Japanese small cars that will include the Toyota Prius C, the New Mitsubishi Mirage alongside Concept PX-MiEV, a Honda Small Sport EV and an AC-X plug-in concept, the third generation Nissan Pivo 3 and the newest small car concept from the house of Suzuki, the Regina.


Being positioned below its global best seller, the Suzuki Swift, the Regina is an ultra compact small hatch which in all probability will carry a conventional petrol motor, and thanks to its lightweight (730 kg), the four-seater could very well return a fuel economy of at least 32 kmpl, which translates to a mere 3.1litres/100km.

Shorter and slimmer than the new Suzuki Swift model, that recently went on sale here in India, the Regina sports a very distinctive exterior design with crisp lines and a bulging sides. In-board wheels at the front and semi-draped wheel arches for the rear makes for an unconventional look, at least for a car with such tiny proportions. Unlike its exterior experiential design however, interior styling is rather minimalistic, but is highlighted with all hues of green.


The future of this compact small car concept from Suzuki Motor Corp is not yet certain, but starting 30th December, the Tokyo Motor Show is sure to provide auto enthusiasts and interested small car buyers in particular further insights into the production ready possibilities of these cars and what the future holds for them.