Autozam AZ-1: Mazda’s Mid-Engined Kei Car
Imagine a car so tiny it could fit effortlessly into the smallest spaces, yet is designed with supercar-like good looks backed by thrilling performance every time you start the engine. Enter the Autozam AZ-1, a pint-sized, gull-winged wonder from Mazda that combines the fun of a go-kart with the soul of a supercar.
Mazda’s Autozam AZ-1 redefined the kei car category by combining a mid-engine layout, rear-wheel drive, and a manual gearbox, transforming an otherwise modest car into a fun and exotic driving machine.
Produced in limited numbers in the early ‘90s, the AZ-1 is a rare gem that has earned a cult-like following among enthusiasts who appreciate its quirky charm and pure, unfiltered driving experience.
The Autozam AZ-1 was Mazda’s attempt at blending two opposing car segments into one. The result is a puny kei car with supercar-like styling, one that looks and drives like nothing else in its class (save for the Suzuki variant that was later released).
While Mazda’s Autozam AZ-1 kei car was never a sales success, it’s gained a second life with its relatively newfound popularity among the retro, JDM, car enthusiasts, and even classic car crowd.
Key Points: Mazda’s AZ-1 at a Glance
- Kei Car Classification: The AZ-1 meets the strict dimensions and engine size requirements of Japan’s kei car category, but it stands out by offering a fun, exotic driving experience that defies the typical low-power kei car stereotype.
- Shared Lineage: This mid-engined kei-class sports car was manufactured under Autozam, Mazda’s now-defunct small-car brand in Japan, but its engine and inspiration were pulled from Suzuki, which later released its own version, the Cara.
- Low Power, Great Fun: The 657cc Autozam AZ-1 engine makes a mere 63 horsepower but propels this pint-sized car, weighing just 1,587 pounds.
- Extra-Sporty Edition: An AZ-1 Mazdaspeed edition was also developed to show off extra-sporty components from the carmaker’s performance division.
- Limited Production, Collector-Worthy: Mazda produced only about 4,392 units of the AZ-1 between 1992 and 1994, making it a rare and highly sought-after collector’s car today.
Origins of Mazda’s Autozam AZ-1
Mazda’s AZ-1 was released under Autozam, the carmaker’s now-defunct small-car brand in Japan, in 1992.
The Mazda Autozam AZ-1 wasn’t fully a Mazda, just like many of the automaker’s other Kei-car micro machines (past and present), which were developed along with Suzuki. It features a Suzuki-sourced 657cc three-cylinder turbocharged engine, which met the requirements for Japan’s under-660cc class of ultra-compact keijidōsha light vehicles, or kei cars.
Suzuki would later go on to release its badge-engineered version called the Suzuki Cara.
The Design of Mazda’s Pint-Sized, Gull-Winged Sports Car
The Mazda AZ-1 incorporated styling influences from several prominent automobile designs from the ’80s. Up front, its receded round headlights are reminiscent of the wild Ford RS200 Group B rally car from the late ’80s era. Its gullwing doors and small cutout windows mimicked another eighties icon, the Giorgetto-Giugiaro-designed DeLorean.
In contrast to today’s kei cars, which are optimized for interior space with utilitarian, boxy shapes, the Autozam AZ-1 was built with a focus on aesthetic appeal rather than practicality. Perhaps that’s part of the reason so few were sold, along with the utterly terrible timing of its release during the bursting of Japan’s bubble economy.
Meet the Autozam AZ-1 Mazdaspeed Edition
Mazda’s performance division at the time, Mazdaspeed, developed a range of performance parts for the Autozam AZ-1, which were shown off on the exclusive Mazdaspeed AZ-1 model.
A Mazdaspeed A-spec body kit was fitted, featuring a sculpted hood, larger front hood scoop, and body-colored lower panels. A sizable Ferrari F40-inspired rear wing sat atop the Mazdaspeed AZ-1’s short decklid, above its mid-mounted engine.
The Autozam AZ-1 Mazdaspeed variant enjoyed other enhancements, including:
- Sport springs set and shocks
- Front and rear strut braces
- A mechanical limited-slip differential
- Enhanced air filter
- Performance muffler
- Upgraded alloy wheels
Autozam AZ-1 Engine and Drivetrain
A 63-horsepower 657cc turbocharged three-cylinder engine powers the AZ-1. The 0.6-liter turbo-three engine generates just 63 pound-feet of torque. While neither of these sub-triple-digit figures sounds impressive in isolation, consider the Autozam AZ-1 weight, at just 1,587 pounds.
The Suzuki-sourced powertrain paired the 63-horsepower three-cylinder turbo engine with two classic features of sports cars and supercars: a manual transmission and rear-wheel drive.
Driving Impressions: The Toy Car That Drives Like a Dream
This ultra-lightweight coupe offers surprisingly spirited performance, mainly through its cornering capabilities and raw driving dynamics.
While the iconic Mazda MX-5 Miata’s handling has been characterized as go-kart-like, the Autozam AZ-1 is even closer to that ideal, thanks to its mid-engine setup, even lower center of gravity, smaller dimensions, and lower curb weight than Mazda’s legendary roadster.
While the Autozam AZ-1 top speed is electronically limited to around 88 mph, it likely wouldn’t reach much higher without this speed governor, given its lower power output.
An Autozam AZ-1 0-60 mph sprint takes about 10 seconds, which is fairly brisk for a small, low-powered car of this era.
Mazda Autozam AZ-1 Weight and Dimensions
Here’s a recap of the Autozam AZ-1 dimensions in case you’re curious how its size and weight compare to other small sports cars like the original NA Miata:
- Autozam AZ-1 weight: 1,587 lbs (720 kg)
- Length: 129.7 in (3,295 mm)
- Width: 54.9 in (1,395 mm)
- Height: 45.3 in (1,150 mm)
Fitting Inside the Autozam AZ-1 Interior
Given the diminutive dimensions outlined above, it should be obvious that the AZ-1 wasn’t designed to be your average compact car or even a typical kei car of the era. Sold exclusively in Japan, this tiny, turbocharged marvel from Mazda is fitted with a no-frills cramped cockpit.
With just two tight seats and hardly any storage spaces to speak of, the Autozam AZ-1 interior can accurately be described as a highly impractical kei car for its era, and especially compared to the boxy, space-optimized kei cars of today.
Finding a Mazda Autozam AZ-1 for sale
Securing an Autozam AZ-1 for sale will likely cost more now than even several years ago, thanks to the rising awareness and popularity of this pint-sized mid-engined Mazda from the ’90s.
On the more affordable end, you might find a higher mileage or modified 1992 Autozam AZ-1 for sale starting at around $13,000 and increasing steadily from there.
Pristine, low-mileage examples of a 1993 Autozam AZ-1 or 1994 Autozam AZ-1 typically go for between $25K to $35K, whether importing yourself or buying an imported one from a specialty dealer, auction site, or private seller.
Some might say the AZ-1 prices are getting out of hand, even matching or exceeding pricing for another ’90s Mazda JDM import, the Eunos Cosmo luxury coupe, offering a far more potent two- or three-rotor rotary engine.
AZ-1 pricing is now often higher than a first-gen NA Miata in comparable condition, with the latter being the gold standard for early ’90s lightweight sports cars. It’s also widely considered one of the best Mazda cars of all time.
They say driving a slow car fast can be even more fun than driving a fast supercar slow. The Autozam AZ-1 embraces that comparison with its supercar-like looks, mid-engine, rear-drive powertrain, diminutive size, and low power output.
Is its quirky design alone worth the higher prices it now demands? Maybe not, but its truly unique style and performance combined with its ultra-low production numbers should help it maintain classic collectible status for many years to come.
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Frequently Asked Questions About the Autozam AZ-1
How much is the Autozam AZ-1 price today?
Autozam AZ-1 prices have increased over the past several years, with this once-obscure mid-engined kei car becoming more popular as a JDM export from its home market to countries like the United States. Pricing varies widely, with top-quality, low-mileage examples selling recently for as much as $35K to $40K. Still, higher-mileage models can still be purchased for well under $20K.
How many Autozam AZ-1 models were made?
Only 4,392 Autozam AZ-1 models were made between 1992 and 1994. This short-lived Mazda model wasn’t a sales success in the competitive kei car class, as it was quickly deemed too impractical and more of a niche model. Its driver-focused, cramped cockpit couldn’t compete with the practicality of other far more spacious kei cars, although it was never meant to. This wild, gull-winged, mid-engined Mazda kei car is a rarity today, given its limited production.
What is the Autozam AZ-1 top speed and 0-60 time?
The Autozam AZ-1 0-60 mph time isn’t so brisk, taking about 10 seconds from a standstill. Given this model’s sporty, small cockpit and raw driving experience, it’ll likely feel quicker to 60 mph than it really is. The Autozam AZ-1’s top speed is limited to about 88 mph, which is plenty high for most driving situations, as this agile kei car is more about low-speed fun than high-speed antics.