Segment:
Kei car (Japanese domestic market), compact city car (export markets)
Target Audience:
Budget-conscious urban commuters, small families, first-time car buyers.
Key Competitors:
Suzuki Alto, Honda Life, Mitsubishi Minica, Mazda Carol (rebadged Suzuki Alto)
Design Philosophy:
Compact, fuel-efficient, practical, cost-effective transportation.
Unique Selling Points:
Exceptional maneuverability in urban environments, low running costs, surprising interior space for its size.
Engine Mechanical:
Engine disassembly, assembly, inspection, repair for all L501 engine variants.
Fuel System:
Fuel injection, carburetor (if applicable), fuel pump, fuel lines, emissions controls.
Ignition System:
Ignition coils, spark plugs, distributor (if applicable), electronic control unit (ECU) ignition timing.
Cooling System:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, coolant flow, fan operation.
Exhaust System:
Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, mufflers, exhaust pipe repairs.
Transmission Manual:
Manual transmission disassembly, inspection, repair, clutch system.
Transmission Automatic:
Automatic transmission (if applicable) component identification, troubleshooting, fluid management.
Drivetrain Axles:
Front axle, rear axle (if applicable), drive shafts, CV joints, differential (if applicable).
Suspension Front:
MacPherson struts, control arms, bushings, springs, shock absorbers.
Suspension Rear:
Suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, trailing arms.
Steering System:
Steering rack, tie rods, steering column, power steering pump (if applicable).
Brake System:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes (typical), hydraulic system, ABS (if applicable), parking brake.
Electrical System Charging:
Alternator, battery, charging circuit diagnostics.
Electrical System Starting:
Starter motor, starter solenoid, ignition switch.
Lighting System:
Headlights, taillights, interior lighting, bulb types, wiring.
Instrumentation Gauges:
Speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, warning lights, cluster repair.
Body Exterior:
Body panel removal/installation, door mechanisms, glass, bumpers.
Body Interior:
Trim panels, seats, dashboard components, HVAC controls.
HVAC System:
Heating, ventilation, air conditioning (A/C) system diagnostics and repair, refrigerant handling.
Safety Systems:
Seat belt mechanisms, airbag system (if equipped) components and diagnostics (caution advised).
Maintenance:
Regular service checks, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid level checks.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts, symptom-based problem solving for various systems.
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component repair and replacement.
Disassembly Assembly:
Complete instructions for taking apart and putting back together major vehicle components.
Technical Specifications:
Torque values, clearances, tolerances, fluid capacities, electrical resistance values.
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical system schematics for accurate diagnostics and repairs.
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic maintenance to major component overhauls and diagnostics.
Diagnostic Level:
Advanced diagnostic procedures, including sensor readings and ECU function checks.
Rebuild Procedures:
Detailed instructions for engine, transmission, and other major component rebuilds.
Engine Code:
EF-VE (common variant)
Engine Type:
Inline 3-cylinder, 4-stroke, naturally aspirated (common)
Displacement:
659cc (0.7 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
68.0 mm x 70.4 mm (typical)
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1 (typical for EF-VE)
Horsepower Ps:
55 PS @ 7200 RPM (typical for EF-VE)
Horsepower Hp:
54 HP @ 7200 RPM (typical for EF-VE)
Torque Nm:
62 Nm @ 4800 RPM (typical for EF-VE)
Torque Lb Ft:
46 lb-ft @ 4800 RPM (typical for EF-VE)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with multi-point injection.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Octane Rating:
91 RON / 87 AKI (Recommended)
Emissions Control:
Catalytic converter, O2 sensors, EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation).
Length Mm:
3,295 - 3,345 mm (typical, depending on bumper/variant)
Width Mm:
1,395 - 1,420 mm (typical, Kei car regulations)
Height Mm:
1,430 - 1,470 mm (typical)
Wheelbase Mm:
2,300 mm (typical)
Ground Clearance Mm:
150 - 160 mm (typical)
Rear Seat Configuration:
Foldable rear seats for increased cargo space.
Curb Weight Kg:
650 - 750 kg (typical, depending on equipment and transmission)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Kg:
1,100 - 1,200 kg (typical)
Engine Oil Change:
Every 10,000 km or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Oil Filter Replacement:
With every oil change.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 20,000 km or 12 months.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 40,000 km (standard spark plugs) or 80,000 km (iridium type, if applicable).
Coolant Replacement:
Every 40,000 km or 2 years.
Transmission Fluid Change Manual:
Every 50,000 km or 3 years.
Transmission Fluid Change Automatic:
Every 40,000 km or 2 years.
Engine Oil Type:
API SG/SH or ILSAC GF-2, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (check manual for temperature variations).
Engine Oil Capacity Liters:
Approx. 3.0 liters (with filter change).
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based, Japanese-spec coolant (e.g., Toyota Super Long Life Coolant equivalent).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 (or DOT 4 if specified).
Transmission Fluid Type Manual:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil.
Transmission Fluid Type Automatic:
Dexron III or equivalent ATF.
Common Wear Items:
Suspension bushings, clutch wear, alternator brushes, exhaust system corrosion.
Engine Reliability:
Generally reliable, but timing belt maintenance (if belt-driven) is crucial. Check for oil leaks around seals.
Electrical Gremlins:
Older vehicles can develop intermittent electrical issues due to aged wiring and connectors. Ground points are critical.