Mazda Chantez
The Mazda Chantez (chassis code KMAA) is a two-door kei car that was introduced by Mazda in July 1972. The Chantez had a longer wheelbase at Template:Convert than most of its competitors and featured the powerful two-stroke "AA" engine also seen in the Porter. With Template:Convert, top speed was Template:Convert and the Template:Convert sprint was dispatched in a sprightly 20.6 seconds.<ref name=microcar>Template:Cite book</ref> In more recent testing (early 2000s) of a 1972 GF II, 0–100 km/h came up in 35.8 seconds.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> The engine was installed longitudinally in the front of the vehicle powering the rear wheels, and the spare tire was installed next to the engine on the right side.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>Specifications on Mazda Chantez</ref>
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Originally, the Chantez had been planned to use a single-rotor Wankel engine, a slimmed down derivative of the R100's 10A engine, and test cars were seen in 1970. Mazda's financial situation and lobbying from other Kei manufacturers, who considered this engine type an unfair advantage, to disallow rotary engines in this class meant that Mazda chose not to bring this version to market.<ref name=BB70>Template:Cite magazine</ref> As a result of not being able to build the car they had originally planned, Mazda lost interest in the Kei class and sales halted without a replacement in 1976,<ref name=microcar/> on the eve of new Kei car regulations. Mazda did not market another Kei passenger car until 1989 with a reintroduction of the Carol, which was a rebadged Suzuki Alto, and to this day still choose not to make their own engines for the Kei class.
Equipment levels ranged from the lowest spec L (less chrome, body colored bumpers and B-pillars), via the LX, GL, GF, and GL II to the top-of-the-line GF II, which featured a sports interior, radial tires, and available two-tone paint.<ref name="CG70">Template:Cite book</ref>
In late 1974, anticipating a changing law at the turn of the year, the trunk lid and front bumper were modified to fit larger-size license plates. Template:Clear-left
Template:AnchorChantez EV Concept
The Mazda Chantez EV was a concept car designed by Mazda as part of the A.I.S.T. government funded scheme;Template:Cn it was unveiled at the 1972 Tokyo Motor Show.
The Chantez EV featured a unique grille-less appearance which helped with aerodynamic efficiency, also to aid with efficiency is Mazda's first car with regenerative braking. The Chantez EV was fitted with a single Template:Cvt electric motor, rear-mounted driving the rear axle, powered by a Template:Val battery pack rated to deliver a total output of up to Template:Cvt. It has a claimed top speed of Template:Cvt.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> The battery replaced the rear seat and provided a stated range of about Template:Cvt.