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Suzuki Alto Lapin

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Suzuki Alto Lapin
Overview
ManufacturerSuzuki
Also calledMazda Spiano (first generation only)
Production
  • 2002–present
  • 2002–2008 (Mazda Spiano)
AssemblyJapan: Kosai, Shizuoka
Body and chassis
ClassKei car
Body style5-door hatchback
LayoutFront-engine, front-wheel-drive
Front-engine, four-wheel-drive
Related

The Suzuki Alto Lapin (Japanese: スズキ アルト ラパン, Hepburn: Suzuki Aruto Rapan) (or simply called Suzuki Lapin) is a kei car with a five-door hatchback body, manufactured since 2002 by Suzuki for the Japanese market only, and it is based on Suzuki's popular Alto kei car.

The name "Lapin" stems from the French word for "rabbit", and the car sports rabbit-head badges.

Overview

First prototype was unveiled at 2001 Tokyo Motor Show as the same name.[1] The Lapin has a very distinctive, boxy shape, that proved popular with female buyers. In the development of the third generation, the majority of users are young women aged between 20 and 30 years.[2]

The Alto Lapin was awarded the 2008 Japanese Good Design Award.[3]

In first generation Alto Lapin, it was also marketed by Mazda as Mazda Spiano under an OEM agreement through their Autozam dealerships until 2008. The Mazda version has differences concerning some styling details, including a different front end.

First-generation (HE21S; 2002–2008)

First Generation
Overview
ManufacturerSuzuki
Also calledMazda Spiano
ProductionJanuary 2002 – October 2008
AssemblyJapan: Kosai, Shizuoka
Body and chassis
Body style5-door hatchback
LayoutFront-engine, front-wheel-drive
Front-engine, four-wheel-drive
RelatedSuzuki MR Wagon
Powertrain
Engine
Power output
  • 40 kW (54 PS; 54 hp) (naturally aspirated)
  • 44 kW (60 PS; 59 hp) (turbocharged)
Transmission
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,360 mm (92.9 in)
Length3,395 mm (133.7 in)
Width1,475 mm (58.1 in)
Height1,495 mm (58.9 in)–1,505 mm (59.3 in)
Curb weight780 kg (1,720 lb)-850 kg (1,874 lb)

The first-generation Alto Lapin was introduced on 22 January 2002 with four trims, G, X, Z, and X2. The top grade X2 feature a two-tone colour. The car is powered by the Suzuki's K6A kei car engine, 0.66 L naturally aspirated (40 kW / 54 hp) with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. All grades were paired by a four-speed automatic transmission.[4]

  • In October 2002, Suzuki launched the "Turbo". It has a turbocharged 44 kW (60 hp) motor and a 5-speed manual option.
  • In February 2003, a canvas top version was available. Only available in 4-speed automatic option.
  • In September 2003, the series II model was introduced and two new versions "SS" and "L" were added. The SS features a sportier design, round headlights, and MOMO steering wheel.[5]
  • In October 2004, the series III model was introduced and "L" discontinued.
  • In December 2005, the series IV model was introduced and the canvas top version was discontinued.
  • In April 2006, the series V model introduced and round-shape headlamps "L" added. The X2 grade was discontinued.
  • In May 2007, the series VI model introduced and received new shape front grille.[6]

Second-generation (HE22S; 2008–2015)

Second Generation
Overview
ManufacturerSuzuki
ProductionNovember 2008 – May 2015
AssemblyJapan: Kosai, Shizuoka
Body and chassis
Body style5-door hatchback
LayoutFront-engine, front-wheel-drive
Front-engine, four-wheel-drive
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,400 mm (94.5 in)
Length3,395 mm (133.7 in)
Width1,475 mm (58.1 in)
Height1,495 mm (58.9 in)–1,510 mm (59.4 in)
Curb weight790 kg (1,742 lb)-870 kg (1,918 lb)

The second-generation Alto Lapin was introduced in November 2008 with four trims: "G", "X", "T" and "T L package". CVT was added and manual transmission was dropped. Unlike its predecessor, there is no longer a Mazda Spiano counterpart.

  • In May 2010, all models got CVT and a four-speed auto was discontinued.
  • In August 2010, the series II model was introduced.
  • In May 2012, the series III model was introduced.
  • In 2013, the Lapin Chocolat G features a round headlights and tailights was added.

Third-generation (HE33S/HE93S; 2015–present)

Third Generation
Overview
ManufacturerSuzuki
ProductionJune 2015 – present
AssemblyJapan: Kosai, Shizuoka
Body and chassis
Body style5-door hatchback
Layout
PlatformHEARTECT
Related
Powertrain
Engine
Electric motor1.9 kW (2.6 PS) WA04C DC synchronous
Transmission
Hybrid drivetrainmild hybrid (2025-present)
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,460 mm (96.9 in)
Length3,395 mm (133.7 in)
Width1,475 mm (58.1 in)
Height1,525 mm (60.0 in)
Curb weight650 kg (1,433 lb) - 730 kg (1,609 lb)

The third-generation Alto Lapin was released on 3 June 2015.[7]

A derivative model called Lapin LC was released on 17 June 2022; it features a redesigned front fascia inspired by the 1960s LC10 Fronte 360.[8][9]

The facelift model was launched in June 2022,[10] while the Lapin LC was received a facelift in 2025.[11]

This retro-styled kei car is powered by a 660 cc petrol engine producing 52 PS (38 kW) and 60 N⋅m (44 lb⋅ft) of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). It is available in both front-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive configurations. The Lapin LC measures 3,395 mm in length, 1,475 mm in width, and 1,525 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,460 mm. In its most efficient configuration, it achieves an average fuel consumption of up to 26.2 km/L.[12]

In July 2025, a R06D mild hybrid version was available.[13]

Sales

Year Japan[14]
2002 72,057
2003 85,040
2004 68,911
2005 55,806
2006 46,746
2007 31,391
2008 28,893
2009 40,947
2010 40,545
2011 32,178
2012 40,841
2013 43,181
2014 40,421
2015 35,905
2016 35,299
2017 30,161
2018 27,927
2019 26,546
2020 25,011
2021 25,865
2022 29,482
2023 28,268
2024 25,376
2025 27,939

References

  1. ↑ "【スズキ『ラパン』発表】東京モーターショー…見せたくないけど、知って欲しい" [Suzuki "Lapin" Unveiled at Tokyo Motor Show: I’d rather not show it, yet I want you to know about it]. Response. 24 January 2002. Retrieved 21 April 2020.
  2. ↑ "写真で見る スズキ「アルト ラパン」" [Suzuki New Lapin Photos]. Car Watch Impress. 3 June 2015. Retrieved 8 January 2023.
  3. ↑ "Small car [ALTO LAPIN]". Good Design Award. Retrieved 8 January 2023.
  4. ↑ "スズキ、新型軽「ラパン」発売" [Suzuki Launches New "Lapin" Kei Car]. Car Watch Impress. 23 January 2002. Retrieved 8 January 2023.
  5. ↑ "スズキ「アルト・ラパン」、新グレードと一部改良". WebCG. 5 September 2003. Retrieved 9 June 2023.
  6. ↑ "スズキ、軽乗用車「アルト ラパン」を一部改良するとともに". Suzuki (in 日本語). 16 May 2008. Retrieved 9 June 2023.
  7. ↑ "スズキ株式会社 四輪製品ニュース 2015年6月3日 スズキ、軽乗用車 新型「アルト ラパン」を発売～こだわりのデザイン、女性にうれしい機能と装備を採用～".
  8. ↑ Shaw, Kristin (19 June 2022). "Suzuki's Newest Retro-Styled Kei Car is Ridiculously Charming". The Drive.
  9. ↑ Bruce, Chris (17 June 2022). "Suzuki Alto Lapin LC Debuts as Impossibly Cute Kei Car with Retro Looks". Motor1.
  10. ↑ "スズキ、軽乗用車「アルト ラパン」を一部仕様変更し新たに「アルト ラパン LC」を発売" [Suzuki has made some specification changes to its mini passenger car "Alto Lapin" and will release the new "Alto Lapin LC"]. Suzuki Motor Corporation (Press release). スズキ株式会社. 17 June 2022. Retrieved 19 June 2026.
  11. ↑ "スズキ、「アルト ラパン」「アルト ラパン LC」一部仕様変更 WLTCモード燃費27.3km/L実現" [Suzuki makes minor specification changes to the Alto Lapin and Alto Lapin LC, achieving a WLTC mode fuel efficiency of 27.3 km/L]. Car Watch. 24 July 2025. Retrieved 24 July 2025.
  12. ↑ "Could something like the 2022 Suzuki Alto Lapin convince Pinoys to downsize?". www.topgear.com.ph. Retrieved 3 November 2024.
  13. ↑ "スズキ、「アルト ラパン」「アルト ラパン LC」" [Suzuki Updates "Alto Lapin" and "Alto Lapin LC"]. Car Watch Impress. Retrieved 9 June 2023.
  14. ↑ "スズキ ラパン 新車販売台数推移/売れ行き(生産台数)と生産状況は？生産工場も - 株式会社アイディーインフォメーション" [Suzuki Lapin new car sales trends/sales (production numbers) and production status? production factory too]. id-information.co.jp (in 日本語). Retrieved 12 April 2024.
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