2018 Mazda Carol

The 2018 Mazda Carol is an ultra-practical, exceptionally economical Japanese Kei car that serves as a masterclass in efficient urban packaging. Sharing its entire mechanical architecture, platform, and body with the iconic Suzuki Alto (rebadged under a licensing agreement), the Carol is engineered specifically to conquer congested city traffic and tight gridlocks while keeping running costs down to an absolute minimum. On the outside, it utilizes a distinctly compact, boxy five-door hatchback silhouette that allows it to maintain an incredibly tight 4.2-meter turning radius, making it effortless to park, maneuver, and zip through narrow street gaps. Under the skin, it is powered by a highly reliable, naturally aspirated 658cc three-cylinder engine (R06A) that develops a modest 49 horsepower and 63 Nm of torque, which feels surprisingly peppy from a standstill thanks to the vehicle's featherweight 650 kg curb weight. Power is distributed smoothly via a highly optimized Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) or a 5-speed manual, helping the car achieve a stellar, world-class fuel economy rating of roughly 20.0 to 25.0 km/L (approx. 4.0L to 5.0L/100km).