JDMpire

Nissan is set to debut a new kei-class SUV called the Kix on October 30. If it looks familiar, that’s because it’s simply a rebadged version of the Mitsubishi Pajero Mini. (more…)

Mazda’s version of the Suzuki Wagon R kei car was announced today. The specs are the same as the Wagon R, and also every other kei car because of the category’s strict standards - 660cc motor, two-box shape, 4AT or CVT available, FWD or 4WD drivetrains. You get the picture. (more…)

There’s a tidal wave of Subaru special edition cars coming out this month in celebration of the company’s 50th anniversary. This one’s the Impreza 15S Comfort Selection. (more…)

The seven most powerful men and one woman who lead the eight most powerful nations on the planet and make decisions that affect the lives of all of its inhabitants are meeting at a secret evil ice cave somewhere in Hokkaido right now. As part of the G8 Summit, Japan’s automakers are showing off their fleet of green vehicles. I can’t believe this, but I’m at a loss for what the first one on the left is, but the rest are the Subaru Stella electric vehicle, Honda FCX Clarity hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, and the Mazda RX-8 and Premacy hydrogen rotaries. Toyota donated 78 cars, ranging from a hydrogen-powered Kluger/Highlander to Crown and Lexus LS600h hybrids. Mitsubishi contributed i-MIEVs while Nissan showed off X-Trial clean diesels and Suzuki supplied SX4 FCVs.

[Image: Subaru]

Suzuki is offering GPS systems on its 2009 SX4 sedan and AWD crossover packaged as the Road Trip edition. However, it has failed to supply a photo of it, so here’s a photo of a standard SX4 Paper Map In the Glove Box Edition. $16,000 for a GPS-equipped car would be a good deal if I wanted GPS, which I don’t.

[Suzuki]

It appears as if Suzuki just can’t get enough of foisting limited edition cars on the unsuspecting Japanese public. Witness the double whammy of the Swift XG Aero and Swift Style-L, both released on June 5. Unlike the Wagon R, this was released for no apparent reason whatsoever. I just don’t have the energy to keep up with this anymore, so let’s just say the XG Aero has a body kit, alloys and alacantra while the Style-L has a teapot in the center console.

[Suzuki, Suzuki]

On June 4, Suzuki released limited editions of its Wagon R and Wagon R Stingray kei cars. Ever since the third generation was released in 2003, the Wagon R has been the top selling kei car for 5 consecutive years, having sold 3 million since its introduction in 1993. What makes the Wagon R such a microcar phenomenon? (more…)

The Suzuki Jimny is a kei-sized off-roader perfect for speeding over the acres of land at my ranch. Unfortunately, I have neither a ranch nor a Jimny, and Suzuki continues to rub my face in it by releasing new editions like the Jimny Land Venture. (more…)

On May 26, Suzuki upgraded its long serving Cervo kei car. The new Cervo offers improved fuel efficiency, turn sigs mounted on the door mirrors, passenger vanity mirror, and despite it’s kei proportions, reclining rear seats. New colors offered include Nocturne Blue Pearl, Classy Red Pearl, Clear Beige Metallic, and Antique Rose Metallic. But what would an upgrade be without another special edition to go along with it? (more…)

More absurd car names! On May 15, Suzuki released a limited edition version of the MR Wagon Wit. Hence, MR Wagon Wit Limited, for those a few sashimi short of a bento box. Perhaps you can compensate for your restricted intellect with HID headlamps, 14in alloys, leather wrapped steering wheel and upgraded materials on the interior surfaces, which now come in beige.

[Suzuki]