View source for Mazda Carol

{{short description|Kei car}}
{{Infobox automobile
| name = Mazda Carol<br>Autozam Carol
| image = Mazda Carol 603.JPG
| manufacturer = [[Mazda]] (1962–1970)<br />[[Suzuki]] (1989–present)
| production = 1962–1970<br />1989–present
| class = [[Kei car]]
| body_style = 2/4-door [[Sedan (automobile)|sedan]] (1962–1970)<br />3-door [[hatchback]] (1989–1998)<br />5-door hatchback (1998–present)
| layout = [[Rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout|Rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive]] (1962–1970)<br />[[Front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout|Front-engine, front-wheel-drive]] or [[Front-engine, four-wheel-drive layout|four-wheel-drive]] (1989–present)
}}

The '''Mazda Carol''' is a [[kei car]] manufactured by [[Mazda]] from 1962 until 1970. The Carol name was revived again with Mazda's 1989 re-entry into the kei car class with the [[Autozam]] brand. Since 1989, the Carol has been a [[rebadging|rebadged]] model manufactured by [[Suzuki]] for Mazda, based on the Japanese [[Suzuki Alto]]. The first two generations of the modern era Carols received unique bodywork, but since late 1998 the nameplate has been strictly a badging exercise.

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=={{anchor|first generation}} First generation (1962)==
{{Infobox automobile
| name = First generation (KPDA)
| image = Mazda carol360.jpg
| aka = Mazda P360
| production = February 1962–August 1970
| related = [[Mazda R360]]
| successor = [[Mazda Chantez]]
| assembly = Japan: [[Hiroshima]] ([[Hiroshima (Mazda factory)|Hiroshima Assembly]])
| body_style = 2/4-door [[Sedan (car)|sedan]]
| layout = [[Rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout|Rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive]]
| engine = 358&nbsp;cc ''[[Mazda OHV engine#DA|DA]]'' [[Overhead valve engine|OHV]] [[Straight-four engine|I4]]
| wheelbase = {{convert|1930|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}<ref name="dimensions" >{{cite web|url=http://www.the-blueprints.com/blueprints-depot-restricted/cars/mazda/mazda_carol_360-44043.jpg|title=Mazda Carol 360 - Blueprint|access-date=2013-12-03|work=The-Blueprints.com}}</ref>
| length = {{convert|2990|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}<ref name="dimensions" />
| width = {{convert|1295|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}<ref name="dimensions" />
| height = {{convert|1320|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}<ref name="dimensions" />
| weight =
}}

The [[Mazda R360]] was complemented by the more grown-up 2-door sedan '''Mazda P360 Carol''' in February 1962, the company's first 4-passenger car, and complemented the three-wheeled [[Mazda Mazdago]].<ref name=nippon>{{cite book | title = 360cc: Nippon 軽自動車 Memorial 1950→1975 |trans-title=Nippon Kei Car Memorial 1950-1975 | publisher = Yaesu Publishing | year = 2007 | pages = 58–59 | location = Tokyo | isbn = 978-4-86144-083-0 }}</ref> It was more substantial than the R360: although its total length of {{convert|2980|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} was the same, its {{convert|1930|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} wheelbase was considerably longer. The Carol weighed in at {{convert|525|kg|lb|0|abbr=on}}, versus {{convert|380|kg|lb|0|abbr=on}} for the diminutive R360.<ref name=eichimook>{{Cite book |script-title =ja:絶版車カタログ 国産車編 Part1 1950~1969 (Eichi Mook) |trans-title=Japanese Vintage Car Guide: Car Catalog part 1, 1950–1969 | publisher = [[:ja:英知出版|Eichi Publishing (英知出版)]] | location = Tokyo | page = 62 | year = 1996 | isbn = 4-7542-5055-9 }}</ref> It used the '''[[Mazda OHV engine#DA|DA]]''', a {{Convert|18|PS|kW|0|abbr=on}}, rear-mounted [[water-cooled]] 358&nbsp;cc [[straight-4|4-cylinder]] [[Overhead valve engine|OHV]] engine. This is one of the [[list of automotive superlatives|smallest four-cylinder automobile engines in history]], only [[Honda|Honda's]] 356&nbsp;cc [[DOHC]] alloy inline-four unit (used in the [[Honda T360|T360]] truck) was smaller. The four-speed gearbox was synchronized only on the top three gears.

The Carol was perhaps overengineered: it had a very strong monocoque body, a four-cylinder four-stroke engine with a five-bearing crankshaft and four-wheel independent suspension by [[torsion bar]]s,<ref name="TAM67">{{Cite book | title = Quattroruote Speciale: Tutte le Auto del Mondo 1967 | publisher = Editoriale Domus S.p.A |date=February 1967 | pages = 173–174 | location = Milano }}</ref> but this led to high production costs, comparably high weight, and its very comfortable ride was offset by cramped accommodation. Nonetheless, the Carol was an incredible success in the marketplace, capturing 67% of the Kei market in its first year.<ref>{{Cite book | author = Rees, Chris | title = Microcar Mania | publisher = Bookmarque Publishing | location = Minster Lovell & New Yatt, Oxfordshire, UK | page = 80 | year = 1995 | isbn = 1-870519-18-3 }}</ref> A better equipped DeLuxe version was added in May 1962, along with a changed angle of the rear window to help it stay clean.<ref name=nippon/> In September 1963, shortly after a reshaped combustion head and upgrade to {{Convert|20|PS|kW|0|abbr=on}}, a four-door version appeared.<ref>''Nippon Kei Car Memorial'', p. 61.</ref>

In October 1966 a minor facelift took place. The car was lightened somewhat, new bumpers were mounted, and the spare tire was moved from the front to the engine room, freeing up scarce luggage space. Also, the gearbox was now fully synchronized.<ref name=Mycarol>{{Cite web | publisher = Mazda Carol-360 Page | url = http://mycarol.hp.infoseek.co.jp/carol-2.htm | title = Encyclopedia of Carol | access-date = 2010-10-05 | archive-date = 2010-03-29 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100329001017/http://mycarol.hp.infoseek.co.jp/carol-2.htm | url-status = dead }}</ref> The last modification took place in 1969, when in response to stricter safety standards a driver's side headrest and provisions for seatbelts were fitted. Production continued until August 1970, by which time 265,226 Carol 360s had been built.<ref name=CG70>{{cite book | title = Car Graphic: Car Archives Vol. 5, '70s Japanese Cars | publisher = Nigensha | year = 2007 | page = 89 | location = Tokyo | isbn = 978-4-544-09175-5 }}</ref> Mazda did not offer a Kei class passenger car for two years, until the 1972 introduction of the [[Mazda Chantez|Chantez]].

<gallery widths=200 heights=140>
Mazda Carol 360 rear.jpg|Rear view of a two-door Carol 360
Mazda Carol360 rearview.jpg|Four-door Carol 360 (rear)
</gallery>
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=== Carol 600 (1962–1964) ===
{{Infobox automobile
| name = Mazda Carol 600
| image = Mazda-carol-1st-generation01.jpg
| aka = Mazda P600
| production = November 1962–1964
| engine = 586&nbsp;cc ''[[Mazda OHV engine#RA|RA]]'' [[Overhead valve engine|OHV]] [[Straight-four engine|I4]]
| wheelbase = {{convert|1930|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}<ref name="dimensions2" >{{cite web|url=http://www.automobile-catalog.com/car/1963/1577720/mazda_carol_600.html|title=1963 Mazda Carol 600 specifications & performance data review|access-date=2013-12-03|work=Automobile Catalog}}</ref>
| length = {{convert|3200|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}<ref name="dimensions2" />
| width = {{convert|1325|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}<ref name="dimensions2" />
| height = {{convert|1340|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}<ref name="dimensions2" />
| weight = {{convert|585|kg|lb|1|abbr=on}}<ref name="dimensions2" />
}}
[[File:MHV Mazda Carol P600 1962 01.jpg|thumb|left|Mazda Carol P600 (1962)]]
The '''Carol 600''' appeared in the fall of 1962 with a larger 586&nbsp;cc ''[[Mazda OHV engine#RA|RA]]'' [[Overhead valve engine|OHV]] engine and longer at 3,200&nbsp;mm. The extra length was due to more prominent bumpers, passenger space was as restricted as in the 360. Weight ranged from {{Convert|560|to|585|kg|lb|0|abbr=on}}. It was also available as a four-door sedan, ahead of the lesser Carol 360. The car was called the "600" or "P600" in export markets. At home, there was a Standard two-door, and DeLuxe two- or four-door versions. Production ended in November 1964, after the introduction of the more spacious [[Mazda Familia|Mazda Familia 800 sedan]] version. Around 8,800 Carol 600s were built.<ref name=Mycarol/>
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=={{anchor|second generation}} Second generation (1989)==
{{Infobox automobile
| name = Second generation (AA5<span style="color:grey">X</span>A/AA6<span style="color:grey">X</span>A)
| image = Mazda Carol 001.JPG
| caption = Facelift model (1990-1994)
| production = October 1989–1994
| body_style = 3-door [[hatchback]]
| layout = [[Front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout|Front-engine, front-wheel-drive]]<br />[[Front-engine, four-wheel-drive layout|Front-engine, four-wheel-drive]]
| engine = {{ubl
  | 547&nbsp;cc ''[[List of Suzuki engines#F engine|F5B]]'' [[I3 engine|I3]]
  | 657&nbsp;cc ''[[List of Suzuki engines#F engine|F6A]]'' I3
  }}
| weight = {{Convert|580|-|630|kg|lb|0|abbr=on}}
| related = [[Suzuki Alto]]
}}
{{see also|Suzuki Alto#Third}}

With the revival of the Kei class in the late eighties, Mazda revived the Carol name in October 1989 for the '''[[Autozam]] Carol'''. The recently introduced Autozam was to be Mazda's youthful brand and was used on Mazda's kei cars for some time. The Carol was produced for Mazda by [[Suzuki]], and while it used the [[Suzuki Alto]]'s platform and mechanicals, its interior and boldly curved exterior were largely unique.<ref>Rees, pp. 80–81</ref> Its round headlights and cute appearance were very much a product of its time and followed upon the heels of similar designs such as Nissan's [[Nissan Be-1|Be-1]] and [[Nissan Pao|Pao]]. It was either front (AA5PA) or all-wheel drive (AA5RA) and its [[SOHC]] 547 cc 3-cylinder [[List of Suzuki engines#F engine|Suzuki F5B]] engine produced {{Convert|40|PS|kW|0|abbr=on}} at 7,500&nbsp;rpm. The Carol had a {{Convert|2335|mm|in|0|abbr=on}} wheelbase for a total length of {{Convert|3190|mm|in|0|abbr=on}} and was {{Convert|1295|mm|in|0|abbr=on}} wide. Brakes were discs up front and drums in rear.<ref>{{Cite web | title = Mazda Carol (1989.10-1990.02) Catalog | publisher = CarSensor Lab | url = http://catalog.carsensorlab.net/mazda/carol/f001/m001/ | language = ja | access-date = 2010-10-07 | archive-date = 2011-07-23 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110723035938/http://catalog.carsensorlab.net/mazda/carol/f001/m001/ | url-status = dead }}</ref>

Equipment levels were '''e''', '''f''' (also 4WD), and the top '''g''' version. The g featured a Canvas Top. Four-wheel drives received a five-speed gearbox, while the front-wheel drive versions received a four- or five-speed manual or a three-speed auto. 550&nbsp;cc Carols are rare, as production ended after only four months. New [[Kei car]] regulations for 1990 allowed manufacturers a bigger engine and an extra 10&nbsp;cm of body length, and Mazda quickly brought out an updated Carol.

=== Facelift (1990–1994) ===
[[File:Mazda Carol 208.JPG|thumb|left|Autozam Carol "Me Lady" special edition (AA6PA)]]
New regulations brought about the replacement of the 1989 Carol within 4 months, as the larger AA6 Carol was presented in February 1990. The new car was 6&nbsp;cm longer and used a larger 657&nbsp;cc [[List of Suzuki engines#F engine|Suzuki F6A]] engine with {{Convert|52|PS|kW|0|abbr=on}}. The car is easy to tell from its predecessor by its clear headlight covers. In 1991, Mazda offered a {{Convert|61|PS|kW|0|abbr=on}} [[turbocharged]] engine, and the car was further lengthened to 329&nbsp;cm in 1992.
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=={{anchor|third generation}} Third generation (1995)==
{{Infobox automobile
| name = Third generation (AC6)
| image = Mazda Carol 1995.jpg
| production = 1995–1998
| related = [[Suzuki Alto]]
| engine = {{ubl
  | 657&nbsp;cc ''[[List of Suzuki engines#F engine|F6A]]'' [[Straight-three engine|I3]]
  | 657&nbsp;cc ''[[List of Suzuki engines#F engine|F6A]]'' [[Turbocharger|turbo]] I3
  }}
}}
{{see also|Suzuki Alto#Fourth}}

[[File:Autozam CAROL (AC6P) rear.JPG|thumb|left|Autozam Carol rear]]
[[File:Autozam CAROL (AC6P) front.JPG|thumb|left|Autozam Carol front]]
An updated Autozam Carol came out in October 1995 as a 1996 model. Again, it was front or all-wheel drive and still sharing its platform with the [[Suzuki Alto]]. This generation also received model-specific bodywork, and was also only available as a three-door hatchback with a vestigial notchback design. A turbocharged SOHC version was available, although it was marketed without any sporting pretensions and did not even have a rev counter. Mazda also developed two retro-styled versions as a wave of such models flooded the Kei car market at the time; these were called the Carol Custom and the Carol Classic.

During 1998, the model's name was changed to "Mazda Carol" as the [[Autozam]] badge was being discontinued.

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=={{anchor|fourth generation}} Fourth generation (1998)==
{{Infobox automobile
| name = Fourth generation (HB12/22/23)
| image = Mazda CAROL SG (HB12S) front.JPG
| production = 1998–2003
| related = [[Mazda AZ-Offroad]]<br />[[Mazda AZ-Wagon]]<br />[[Suzuki Alto]]
| engine = {{ubl
  | 657&nbsp;cc ''[[List of Suzuki engines#F engine|F6A]]'' [[SOHC]] [[Straight-three engine|I3]]
  | 658&nbsp;cc ''[[List of Suzuki engines#K engine|K6A]]'' lean burn [[DOHC]] I3
  | 658&nbsp;cc ''[[List of Suzuki engines#K engine|K6A]]'' [[Variable valve timing|VVT]] DOHC I3
  }}
}}
{{main|Suzuki Alto#Fifth}}

An entirely new Carol appeared in October 1998 as a 1999 model, this time with the Mazda brand name. Unlike previous Carols, this model was similar to the [[Suzuki Alto]]. This Carol was available with either front or all-wheel drive and used the old 657 cc ''F6A'' engine or a new 658 cc [[DOHC]] unit. It was closely related to the [[Mazda AZ-Offroad|AZ-Offroad]] and [[Mazda AZ-Wagon|AZ-Wagon]] introduced at the same time.
[[File:Mazda CAROL SG (HB12S) rear.JPG|thumb|left|Mazda Carol rear]]
[[File:4thCAROL.JPG|thumb|left|Facelift model (2001-2003)]]

The Carol was updated with a new look in December 2000, featuring Mazda's new five-point grille design. Safety and emissions were also improved, thanks to new variants of the K-series family of engines with available [[variable valve timing]]. The earlier F6A was no longer available.
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=={{anchor|fifth generation}} Fifth generation (2004)==
{{Infobox automobile
| name = Fifth generation (HB24)
| image = Mazdacarol.jpg
| production = 2004–2009
| related = [[Nissan Pino]]<br />[[Suzuki Alto]]
}}
{{main|Suzuki Alto#Sixth}}
[[File:Mazda Carol G II (DBA-HB24S) rear.jpg|thumb|left|Mazda Carol rear]]
As Suzuki released a replacement for the [[Suzuki Alto]], the rebadged Mazda Carol was also replaced.
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=={{anchor|sixth generation}} Sixth generation (2009)==
{{Infobox automobile
| name = Sixth generation (HB25/35)
| image = Mazda Carol 601.JPG
| production = 2009–2014
| related = [[Suzuki Alto]]
| engine = 658&nbsp;cc ''K6A'' [[Straight-three engine|I3]]<ref name="dimensions3" >{{cite web|url=http://www.tradecarview.com/specifications/mazda/carol/gs_at_0.66/40741|title=Mazda Carol GS AT 0.66 (2010)|access-date=2013-12-03|work=Tradecarview}}</ref>
| wheelbase = {{convert|2400|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}<ref name="dimensions3" />
| length = {{convert|3395|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}<ref name="dimensions3" />
| width = {{convert|1475|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}<ref name="dimensions3" />
| height = {{convert|1535|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}<ref name="dimensions3" />
| weight = {{convert|740|kg|lb|1|abbr=on}}<ref name="dimensions3" />
}}
{{main|Suzuki Alto#Seventh}}
[[File:Mazda Carol 602.JPG|thumb|left|Mazda Carol rear]]

Mazda has launched a new Carol in December 2009,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mazda Carol Specs, Dimensions and Photos {{!}} CAR FROM JAPAN |url=https://carfromjapan.com/specifications/mazda/carol |archive-url= |archive-date= |access-date= |website=carfromjapan.com}}</ref> which was first revealed at the [[Tokyo Motor Show#2009|2009 Tokyo Motor Show]]. The Carol has been updated alongside its brother, the [[Suzuki Alto]]. Like the Alto, the Carol is available with AWD and CVT.

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=={{anchor|seventh generation}} Seventh generation (2014)==
{{Infobox automobile
| name = Seventh generation (HB36)
| image = Mazda CAROL GX (DBA-HB36S) front.jpg
| production = 2014–2021
| layout = [[Front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout|Front-engine, front-wheel-drive]]<br />[[Front-engine, four-wheel-drive layout|Front-engine, four-wheel-drive]]
| related = [[Suzuki Alto]]
| engine = 658&nbsp;cc ''[[Suzuki R engine#R06A|R06A]]'' [[Straight-three engine|I3]] [[Variable valve timing|VVT]]
| wheelbase =
| length =
| width =
| height =
| weight =
}}
{{main|Suzuki Alto#Eighth}}
[[File:Mazda CAROL GX (DBA-HB36S) rear.jpg|thumb|left|Mazda Carol rear]]

As Suzuki released a replacement for the [[Suzuki Alto]], the rebadged Mazda Carol was also replaced.

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=={{anchor|eighth generation}} Eighth generation (2021)==
{{Infobox automobile
| name = Eighth generation (HB97)
| image = 2022-2025 Mazda Carol GL.jpg
| production = 2021–present
| layout = [[Front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout|Front-engine, front-wheel-drive]]<br />[[Front-engine, four-wheel-drive layout|Front-engine, four-wheel-drive]]
| related = [[Suzuki Alto]]
| engine = 657 cc ''[[Suzuki R engine#R06D|R06D]]'' [[Straight-three engine|I3]] (MHEV)<br />658&nbsp;cc ''[[Suzuki R engine#R06A|R06A]]'' I3 [[Variable valve timing|VVT]]
| wheelbase =
| length =
| width =
| height =
| weight =
}}
{{main|Suzuki Alto#Ninth}}
[[File:Mazda CAROL HYBRID GS (5AA-HB97S).jpg|thumb|left|Mazda Carol rear]]

The eighth-generation Carol is based on the ninth-generation Alto.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://newsroom.mazda.com/ja/publicity/release/2021/202112/211223a.html|title=マツダ、新型「キャロル」を発売|date=5 May 2019 }}</ref>

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== References ==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
* {{Official website|http://www.mazda.co.jp/cars/carol/}}

{{Mazda road car timeline 1990–2019}}
{{Mazda road car timeline 2020 to date}}
{{Mazda vehicles}}

[[Category:Mazda vehicles|Carol]]
[[Category:OEM Suzuki vehicles]]
[[Category:Kei cars]]
[[Category:Rear-engined vehicles]]
[[Category:All-wheel-drive vehicles]]
[[Category:Front-wheel-drive vehicles]]
[[Category:Rear-wheel-drive vehicles]]
[[Category:Cars introduced in 1962]]
[[Category:1970s cars]]
[[Category:1980s cars]]
[[Category:1990s cars]]
[[Category:2000s cars]]
[[Category:2010s cars]]
[[Category:2020s cars]]