All About The Mazda Spiano
Based on the Suzuki Alto Lapin, the Mazda Spiano is a boxy, five-door hatchback that seats up to five passengers. The style of the car, similar to Scion models in North America, is common amongst vehicle manufacturers in Japan. Its competition includes the Nissan Cube, Mitsubishi Pajero Mini, and the Suzuki Wagon R.
Built by Suzuki for Mazda, the first Spiano model was released in 2002. In 2006, a refreshened Spiano was released for the Japanese market, the only country where this compact people mover is currently sold.
Mazda Spiano Highlights
Three models of the Spiano are available for sale: the XS, GS and the SS. The XS and GS offers base and upgraded trim with 13 inch wheels, four speed automatic transmission, and a MD/CD player with AM/FM tuner (2DIN/MDLP) with six speakers. The SS offers sport trim with 14 inch wheels, a turbocharged engine, leather-wrapped steering wheel, sport trim highlights, and more.
The Mazda Spiano represents a category of vehicles called kei cars or "lightweight" cars, entry-level vehicles affordably priced with a starting price from approximately US$9,600 to about US$13,000 for the better equipped SS, taxes included. A low production vehicle, Mazda aims to sell just 300 units per month.