AZ 1 (1992 to 1994)

The Autozam AZ-1, which was manufactured globally between 1992 and 1994, stands as one of the rarest and most daring experiments in the history of the Japanese "Kei" car class, with a total production of only 4,392 units. This mid-engined, rear-wheel-drive pocket rocket was a joint venture where Suzuki provided the turbocharged 657cc engine while Mazda handled the design, resulting in a vehicle famously distinguished by its glass-roofed gullwing doors. In the 2026 Australian market, the AZ-1 has reached an incredible level of desirability among JDM enthusiasts and niche collectors who view it as a "miniature supercar" and a superior alternative to its more common rivals, the Honda Beat and Suzuki Cappuccino. The buyer pool in Australia is increasingly composed of lifestyle investors and micro-car aficionados who are willing to navigate the specialised import process to secure the even rarer M2 1015 or Mazdaspeed editions, of which only a few hundred were ever built. Locally, market value has surged to a significant premium for high-grade imports that have been fastidiously maintained, as 2026 buyers prioritise cars with original composite body panels and verified mechanical health, free from the common turbo-seal issues. For many local owners, the AZ-1 is the ultimate conversation starter on Australian roads, offering a go-kart-like driving experience that is utterly unique to this short-lived but legendary production run.

The Autozam AZ-1, which was manufactured globally between 1992 and 1994, stands as one of the rarest and most daring experiments in the history of the Japanese "Kei" car class, with a total production of only 4,392 units. This mid-engined, rear-wheel-drive pocket rocket was a joint venture where Suzuki provided the turbocharged 657cc engine while Mazda handled the design, resulting in a vehicle famously distinguished by its glass-roofed gullwing doors. In the 2026 Australian market, the AZ-1 has… Read more