Meet new Mazda Carol, a rebadged version of Suzuki Alto

KUALA LUMPUR: Suzuki introduced the new eighth-generation Alto hatchback almost a month back in Japan and now here comes another model, which looks exactly the same. That’s the new Mazda Carol, a rebadged version of the new Suzuki Alto. Hailing from the Kei car segment, the Carol received significant updates for 2022. It will go on sale in Japan next year.

Based on Suzuki's Heartect platform, the Carol is 3395 mm long, 1475 mm wide, and 1525 mm tall. The wheelbase measures 2460 mm.

While the exterior of the Carol looks mostly identical to the Alto, the interior of the former is slightly spacious and modern as compared to the latter. 

Despite its small size, the Carol is equipped with six airbags along with several advanced driver assistance systems, including lane departure warning, dual camera brake assist, high beam assist, and brake assist when reversing.

Under the hood, the new Mazda Carol is equipped with a 660-cc three-cylinder petrol mill which kicks out a maximum power output of 48 hp. A mild-hybrid variant is also on offer, which combines an inline 2.5 hp starter generator with a lithium-ion battery pack. The setup combinedly produces an output of 64 horsepower. The fuel consumption is rated at 27.7 kmpl (3.6 litres per 100 km).

The Mazda Carol price in Japan starts at JPY 998,800 (RM 36,243) and it goes all the way up to JPY 1,303,500 (RM 47,300).

Closer to home, the smallest Mazda offering available in Malaysia is the Mazda 2 Hatchback. It is powered by a SkyActiv-G 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder gasoline mill delivering 114 PS of power and 149 Nm of torque. It is priced at RM 103,670.

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