Suzuki Alto (HA37/97S)/Mazda Carol (HB37/97S) - 2026MY Facelift

The ninth-generation Suzuki Alto has received minor updates for the 2026 model year. As Japan's most fuel-efficient car, it deserves a refreshed introduction to the public with this facelift.

2026 Suzuki Alto

2026 Mazda Carol

The updated eighth-generation Suzuki Alto for the 2026 model year has received a facelift and is priced starting at 1,142,900 Yen, not including additional costs. Suppose your nearest dealership is a Mazda and you're interested in this vehicle. In that case, there's no need to worry—the Mazda Carol, which is its equivalent, has also undergone a similar facelift. The Mazda Carol is available for 1,222,100 Yen, plus additional costs.

2026 Mazda Carol interior

2026 Suzuki Alto interior

The most noticeable revision for the 2026 minor update of both the Suzuki Alto and the Mazda Carol is the front design. The front grille has been elongated, but there are no other changes. The interior remains unchanged, still reflecting the principle of "simple is best."

The turning radius remains at 4.4 meters, but the fuel economy has been updated. The base model is equipped with the R06A 660cc 3-cylinder DOHC 12-valve EPI engine, which produces 46 PS of power and 55 Nm of torque. Paired with a CVT, this model achieves a fuel economy of 25.8 km/L. Additionally, the Mild Hybrid setup combines a 49 PS 660cc R06D DOHC 12-valve VVT engine with a WA04C micro electric motor and a lithium-ion battery, resulting in an impressive fuel economy of 28.2 km/L based on WLTC Mode standards.

Both the Alto and the Carol are equipped with Suzuki Safety Support, which includes a variety of advanced driver assistance systems. Features such as Collision Damage Mitigation Brake, Pedal Mistake Sudden Start Suppression Device, and others are included, making them certified as "Support Car S Wide."

Updated for the 2026 Model Year, both the Suzuki Alto and its Mazda Carol equivalent proved that they're still the most fuel-efficient petrol-powered cars to go for. The Japanese People's Car just got better.

Photo: Suzuki Motor Corporation/Mazda Motor Corporation

Mazda Carol (HB37/97S)

Following the launch of the ninth-generation Suzuki Alto, the Mazda equivalent known as the Carol is not left behind as it follows suit to the Alto's regeneration and is ready to take on the new normal with its record-breaking fuel economy and simple design that truly reflects Japan's civilized society.

2022 Mazda Carol

With an MSRP of 998,800 Japanese Yen plus additional costs, the all-new Carol is the reinvention of a modern kei car that will take on the challenges of the new normal. Although it remains compact as it should be, the new Carol features an adorable new design that suits its size and personality. When you take it on a Sunday afternoon drive at Hakone, the new Carol has a charming personality that soothes away your stress all the way home.

The interior, meanwhile, raises a bountiful of questions, especially from those who have driven the previous model because the dashboard looks nearly identical to its predecessor. Despite the questionable dashboard, it still incorporates the "simple is best" mantra and it's slightly roomier than the previous model, meaning it still accommodates up to four people without worry. The same goes for the boot space as well.

Now running on the HEARTECT platform, the all-new Carol drives better than the previous model, and thanks to some reworking underneath, the minimum turning radius is now 4.4m Not only does it feel nicer to drive, it's soothing as well. It's easy to drive, hard to regret, even on a quiet Sunday drive in the woods.

The base Carol is powered by the R06A 660cc 3-cylinder DOHC 12V EPI engine with ENE-CHARGE that produces 46PS of power, 55Nm of torque and mated to a CVT, it delivers a fuel economy of 25.2kmpl based on WLTC Mode standards. However, to get the most out of the new model, you can opt in for the HYBRID variant which comes with a tiny WA04C motor and a Li-ion battery. This mild-hybrid powertrain grants you 27.7kmpl of fuel economy based on WLTC Mode standards.

True to its simple character, the new Alto comes with a Collision Damage Mitigation Brake and Pedal Mistake Sudden Start Suppression Device, making it a certified "Support Car S Wide".

So, if you need a ninth-generation Suzuki Alto but your nearest dealer is a Mazda dealer, the new Carol is within reach.

Photo: Mazda Motor Corporation

Mazda Carol (HB26S)

2015 Mazda Carol

Following with the launch of the eighth-generation Suzuki Alto, the Mazda equivalent known as the Carol is not left behind as it follows suit to the Alto's regeneration that led them to record-breaking fuel economy figures.

2015 Mazda Carol interior

2015 Mazda Carol interior

Set to launch this late January, the all-new Carol, mostly a borrowed version of the Suzuki Alto, follows a much traditional design fit for a budget-friendly car made for first-timers or those who got their driver's license for the first time. Although simple-looking for a mainstream car, its fuel economy stands out from the rest because the new Carol, like the new Alto, comes with the S-ENE-CHARGE system that assists the engine's acceleration with a motor by adopting the Integrated Starter Generator and a Li-ion battery that specifically made for this system. Coupled that with the R06A engine and the CVT gearbox and the result is a record-breaking fuel-economy of 37.0kmpl based on Japan's JC08 Mode standards.

2015 Mazda Carol

The cheapest version comes standard with the 5-speed manual gearbox which leads the entry-level version a simple fuel economy of around 27.2kmpl.

For those who want an all-rounder should choose the 4WD version which is capable when the roads are getting a bit slippery when wet but although mated exclusively with a CVT gearbox, fuel economy is dropped to 33.2km/L. That's a small price to pay but this version really takes the cake regardless of the weather, be it rainy or snowy.

Prices start from 847,800 to 1,123,200 Japanese Yen.

Available colors: Fizz Blue Pearl Metallic, Urban Brown Pearl Metallic, Pure Red, Silky Silver Metallic, Chiffon Ivory Metallic, Superior White, and Pearl White.

Photo: Mazda Motor Corporation

SOME SAY: Next-generation Suzuki Alto will make 2013 Tokyo Motor Show debut?

Seventh-generation Suzuki Alto

As of now, the Daihatsu Mira e:S is now the most fuel-efficient petrol-powered car in the world with the fuel consumption of 33.4km/L based on Japan's JC08 Mode cycle but word from Suzuki is that they're not throwing in the towel just yet in the name of fuel consumption because some say, they're planning a next-generation of the Suzuki Alto kei-car for 2013 Tokyo Motor Show debut. Well, that's a rumor anyway but some say, their next Alto will be aiming for the 34-35km/L mark and possibly, it will be more fuel efficient than the Mira e:S' 33.4km/L fuel economy.

Is there a possibility? The jury's still out there...

Story: http://car-research.jp/suzuki/alto-3.html

e:S killer! Suzuki launches ALTO ECO!

2012 Suzuki Alto ECO

This is Suzuki's answer to the Daihatsu Mira e:S, the 2012 Suzuki Alto Eco. Unlike the Daihatsu Mira e:S that accumulates a record-breaking fuel economy of 30.0km/L JC08 and 32.0km/L 10-15, the new Suzuki Alto Eco accumulates, and this will put the Mira e:S "on notice", 30.2km/L JC08 and 32.0km/L 10-15! That's a .2km/L gap between the 2012 Daihatsu Mira e:S and the 2012 Suzuki Alto Eco!

You see, that's because the new Suzuki Alto is equipped with the new R06A engine lifted from the third-generation Suzuki MR Wagon but with the improved CVT and Idling Stop system that provided an impressive fuel economy that ousted the Mira e:S' rule of being the most fuel efficient gasoline-fed vehicle.

Available this December 13, 2011, prices start at 895,000 Japanese Yen for the Alto ECO-L variant and 995,000 for the Alto ECO-S variant. Those guys who made the Daihatsu Mira e:S has one word about the new 2012 Suzuki Alto ECO:

"You're Welcome"

Scoop: http://carview.co.jp/green/news/0/4457/

Official Site: http://www.suzuki.co.jp/car/alto_eco/index.html

Mazda Carol HB25

2010 Mazda Carol

If you don't know what in the world is the Mazda Carol, then I'll explain more about this before explaining this latest model change.

Back in the 60's the Mazda Carol was a mini 4-door sedan built by Mazda. With the introduction of the Autozam brand in the 90's the Carol name has been revived as a cute kei car, but it's just a 3-door kei car. In 1995, the Autozam Carol received a full change way before Mazda stopped making Carol cars in 1998. In 1998, Mazda brought in the new Carol, but it was an OEM of the Suzuki Alto. When the Suzuki Alto reached its 6th generation, the Carol was followed on a 5th generation basis.

When the seventh-generation Japan-spec Alto (not to be confused with the Maruti Alto sold worldwide, including the Philippines as the Suzuki Celerio), the Mazda Carol follows its model change as well.

Under the chassis code of HB25, the sixth-generation Mazda Carol tries to be more cuter as the Suzuki Alto. Since the Mazda Carol is the OEM of the Suzuki Alto, you can experience the same characteristics. The DOHC 658cc VVT engine, the available transmissions (CVT, 4AT, and 5MT), the same optional 4WD drive-train, and the same interior.

2010 Mazda Carol

My thoughts about the Carol:

With the Suzuki Alto (Japan-spec, not the Celerio) updated, the Mazda Carol is updated as well, but I think there's nothing much to say about the latest model. With the smiley face (or Nagare) in front of the new Carol, the other views are the same as the seventh-generation Japan-spec Alto. In other words, this car is still boring for me so leave this one to Japanese women who had a liking for kei cars.