30 - Friday, February 21, 1992 ~ North Shore News AUTOMOTIVE Micro-cars! Keijidosha: Japan’s answer to increasing fuel costs, diminishing land capacity WHEN NORTH Americans visit Japan for the first time, they are astonished at the fact that everything is so compact and tiny. David OVERDRIVE ny A stroll around any department store in Ginza will reveal cute, miniaturized consumer goods — everything from a_ bug-sized Stapler to a shoe box-sized vacuum cleaner. Foreigners, when walking through alleys no wider than our sidewalks, practically drop their jaws when micro-sized cars zoom by them. ‘It's so tiny, I can't believe it!"’ is a typical response to the micro-cars, catied Keijidosha in Japan. At the Pacific International Auto Show Jast month, Van- couverites reacted similarly to the cute, yet sporty-looking Honda Beat and Suzuki Cappuccino con- vertibles. ‘‘This guy is so cute, but so smali...,”"" said one show visitor. Curiosity followed disbelief, ‘I wonder if this is on sale here. How much does it cost?’* Kei-cars are Japan’s answer to the diminishing land and increas- ing fuel costs. All Kei-cars are powered by engines no larger than 660 cc (that’s 0.66 litre!), and are restricted to a maximum output of 64 hp. Further limitations on size make virtually every Kei-car 3,295 mm long by 1,395 mm _ wide, weighing approximately 700 kg or so — shorter, narrower, and lighter than the tiny Geo Metro and Ford Festiva. The Kei-cars are extremely popular in Japan not only because of the Iow cost and small size, but also because of the low tax rate (Japanese pay tax on cars annual- ly). Suzuki currently leads the Kei-car market with the super economical Alto models. Both the cool-looking | silver Suzuki Cappuccino and the fun- loving bright yellow Honda Beat displayed at the show feature 12- valve, 64-hp, three-cylinder engines. The Suzuki is turbo- charged with a_ front engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, while the Honda is not turbo-charged, but comes with a mid-ship engine layout just like the Acura NSX, Despite their small size, both offer safety features such as side door beams, driver’s side airbags, and four-wheel disc brakes. The Cappuccino can be equipped with optional anti-luck brakes as well. Luxury features, such as an air- conditioner and power windows, usually found as an option, are standard on both models, The Suzuki even comes stand- ard with simulated leather seats that are both rough and attractive. The Suzuki's interior is German- like, with a very mature, business-style design, while Hon- da’s wild-looking —zebra-pattern design looks as trendy as a Swatch watch. The exterior designs of both cars are screaming for attention with side air-scoops and round, wind-cheating shapes that make them irresistibly cute and trendy. And [ thought the Mazda Miata was the cutest car... The Cappuccino has a unique, four-way roof system not avail- able on the Beat. The Cappuccino can be a hard-top coupe (with an See Japan's page 34 PRICES NEVER: OFFERED: BEFO. a REVEALEQ. - SATURDAY FEB. 22zn MOUNTVIEW DEVOTED TO SATISFYING ‘YOUR FAMILY'’S NEEDS THE HONDA Beat has a 12-valve, 64-hp, three-cylinder engine - its mid-ship engine layout is very similar to the Acura NSX. $1500 MANUFACTUNEn's AEBATE SPECIAL RATE FINANCING ro NO cost ‘YOUR CHOICE OF WARRANTIES Phota submitted “CHEROKEE LIMITED There's Only One Jeep ... All you have to do is drive one. a aune ckortte wrth sat Accusund by kere, {3 Lower & Overnead console @ Keyless eniry system 8 Automatic transmission BW Colow keyeo carpeting & mats BR Full instrumentation Gi Power windows Power doo locks @ Leatner front six way power recliner buckets @ Secunty alarm system B Tit steering cofumnn @ As-condition 840.6 muttpont tuelinjectes engine W Cruse contrat @ Rea: wendow waperrwasher @ and 40 otner standard leatures Bean. Rak LO Waa aitteon i dn aceon tama