Suzuki created the Lapin back in January 2002 and this new one appears all but identical, at least at first glance. On closer inspection, the angular, toylike styling is the same, but everything else is new on Suzuki's tiny cult classic: platform, suspension, sheet metal, interior and equipment.
The Lapin still measures a cuddly 134 inches end to end and still has the familiar soft-touch designer interior with unique seats, fittings and round, retro-look speedometer.
But the Lapin is now roomier inside and much better packaged. The available engines are still three-cylinders, either normally aspirated (53 horsepower) or turbo (63 hp), but the new model gets a continuously variable transmission that helps bump fuel economy to an impressive new high of 57.6 mpg.
Suzuki has also come up with a full range of "Lapin Goods" that should appeal to the young Japanese women at whom the Lapin is aimed. The lineup includes umbrellas, polo shirts, key fobs and beverage holders and even little car wash buckets emblazoned with the French slogan "J'aime laver ma voiture" (I love to wash my car).
These target buyers also love to dress up their keitai (mobile phone), so Suzuki's offering eight slip-on covers available for the car's remote door lock controller.
The Suzuki Lapin is priced at the equivalent of $10,878-$16,146.
Inside Line says: Suzuki knows its market, and the new Lapin has all the makings of another sure-fire hit. — Peter Nunn, Correspondent
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