Microcar Forum » 1990s

Suzuki Cappuccino

Wattsy — Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000

The Suzuki Cappuccino was a small 3 cyl 660cc convertible that was sold in Japan between 1991 and 1997. Featuring an all aluminium body it weighed only 720 Kg, with its double overhead cam engine matched to a intercooled turbo the tiny car was able to put out 47kw.

Suzuki Cappuccino

The Roof of the Cappuccino was removable in 3 sections and fitted in the boot. Then you can pull a lever and the glass rear window and targa rollbar swing down behind the seats turning the car from a hard top, to a targa, then a full convertible.

The small two seater was a rear wheel layout which is quite uncommon for a Japanese micro car, their sporty performance and design has led them to being something of a cult classic with many being exported from Japan second hand to all around the world.

Nissan S Cargo

Wattsy — Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000

The Nissan S Cargo was a limited edition commercial vehicle that was sold only in Japan. Based on Nissan Micra mechanicals and produced in Yokohama’s pike factory, only 12000 were built between 1989 and 1992.

Nissan S Cargo

The design of the S Cargo is fashioned after the popular French Citroen 2CV. The 2cv was often referred to as the “tin snail” hence the pun with the name S Cargo referencing the french word for snail “escargot”.

There were 4 pike cars altogether starting with the Mini inspired Be-1, the jeep/mini crossover the Pao, the Citroen 2cv inspired Scargo and finally the Figaro. Designed by Shoji Takahashi he was quoted that the inspiration of the pike cars came from the swatch watch, where you can make a limited highly fashionable car based around the same mechanicals.

Powered by a 1.5 Litre engine the S Cargo came with a 3 speed auto, air conditioning, power steering, power windows, central locking and removable rear seats. The S Cargo has been a popular 2nd Hand export from japan to all over the world as their large flat sides and quirky styling makes it the perfect promotional vehicle.

Nissan Figaro

Wattsy — Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000

The Nissan Figaro was a limited edition sports style coupe that was only available in Japan in 1991. designed to look like a British 1950s sports car, the retro 2 door is covered in chrome and has gained a cult following. The Figaro was based on Nissan Micra mechanicals and produced in Yokohama’s pike factory.

Nissan Figaro

Only 20000 Figaro’s were built, it was so sort after when it was released you had to go into a lottery to have a chance of buying one. Second hand Figero’s have made their way to Europe New Zealand and Australia and are starting to enjoy as much popularity as the more well known Scargo that was built at the same factory using the same concept of a specialist low volume production car based on the Nissan Micra.

Powered by a 1 litre turbo the Figaro came with air conditioning, power steering, power windows, fold down roof and a retro bakelite style CD cassette player. The Figaro was only available in an automatic, it was sold in four pastel colors all with a white roof, the majority of new Figaro owners were young Japanese woman who always crave the latest fashion accessory.