Suzuki and Mazda launch a mean looking kei car

Suzuki and Mazda have debuted what is quite possibly the meanest looking super-compact city car in its class: the Suzuki Spacia Custom XS Limited and its rebadged twin built for Mazda, the Flair Wagon XS.

Japan’s kei car party is quite crowded already, with Suzuki itself cramming nine models onto the dance floor. Problem is, they all end up looking quite similar as they strive to maximize cabin room based on the limited physical dimensions allowed in this tax class by the government.

Enter the Spacia, which doesn’t look that special on paper. It’s got a variable valve timed 660cc engine limited to 63 hp, a CVT, and your choice of front- or all-wheel-drive. However, buyers can choose the brand new Custom XS Limited trim level, which decks out the exterior in a blood red crimson and black two-tone befitting of a Bugatti Veyron.

Plus, just because it’s an uber-compact city car doesn’t mean it’s light on features. HID headlamps, headed seats, leather upholstery, power sliding rear doors and radar cruise control are all part of the package. And, as the name implies, it’s big on space, the longest cabin in its class, actually.

To save fuel, the engine temporarily shuts off when decelerating under 12.8 kmph. It’s also an astounding 90 kg lighter than the model it replaces, the Palette. The Spacio Custom XS Limited returns 109 kmpg and starts at $16,197.