June 19th 2022
Japan’s Kei car category is famous around the world for its practicality around the city. While the government has set rules for their size, engine, and power output, they left the creativity part to the automakers. It won’t be wrong to say, the creative part is well served by all the Japanese carmakers, including Suzuki which makes one of the best Kei cars in the segment. Their latest offering, the Suzuki Alto Lapin LC, is a perfect example of their craftsmanship.
2022 Suzuki Alpin LC Preview
Exterior
The LC is an extension of the Lapin model, which looks more attractive courtesy of its retro design cues. If you have seen the standard Lapin, you can tell its front features a wide metallic piece. On the other hand, the LC gets a distinct appearance with its open grille featuring chrome accents. There is also a slim slit underneath the dash and we see chrome trim around the headlights, as well. At the back, we find the rear pretty much like the regular Lapin, sans a wing-styled emblem with the LC logo.
While the standard Alto Alpin reminds us of the Renault 4 from the 1960s, the LC again takes us back to the 60s with its features resembling the Suzuki Fronte 360. To retain the old-school appearance, the LC is available in light green, pastel pink, beige, brown, and blue colours. The two-tone shades are also accessible.
Interior
Similar to the exterior, the LC has the same interior design as its sibling. However, there are distinct elements to make it different from the regular model such as upholstery. It is a combination of brown plaid fabric and chocolate-shade faux leather. You would find plenty of beige shade inside to make the interior bright. There is a choice of a wood-influence or Dark Gray Pearl panel for the dash.
Other things you would find inside encompass an elective 7-inch infotainment display, heated driver seat, and automatic climate control. Lapin means rabbit in the French language and it seems the Japanese automaker reminds us of that with an animation of bunnies on the info display.
Powertrain
The powertrain of the Lapin LC is the same as in the regular model i.e. a 660cc three-cylinder engine generating 63 horsepower (47 kilowatts). The engine mates to a continuously variable transmission powering the front or all the wheels.
Suzuki has set a starting price of 1,409,100 yen ($10,438 at present exchange rates) for the base model while the flagship version goes for 1,646,700 yen ($12,199).
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