Not much more than a box on tiiiiiiny wheels, the two Roox models do what all kei cars do best, fly under the regulator's radar. There are two models, the Roox and Roox E. We find ourselves wading into dangerous cultural and comedic waters, but we have to mention the oddness of one version having narrow, angular headlights and the other have big round headlights. A cornucopia of tasteless jokes stand by at the ready, all of them horrible.

But in any case, the cars come with power sliding doors, abnormally large interiors and a turbocharged intercooled 660cc micromotor developing 63 HP. They're also cute as a button.

In our last episode, the Olds land yacht garnered a 62 on the Nice Price richter scale. Today, we'll see how shaken up you get over a little dinghy.

If you remember the little Suzuki Cappuccino from a few weeks back, you might have noticed another retro-mobile behind it in a couple of shots. In fact, many Jalopniks remarked that they found the twee little coupe in the background more to their liking than the red cup of demitasse. Well, that was a Nissan Figaro, and now that same seller has another of the little Nissans up on eBay, and it could be yours for a non-munchkinesque $11,900.

Originally JDM-only, and with a production run of 20,000, the Nissan Figaro became a celebrity status symbol in Britain in the early ‘90s. There, like in Japan, the cars have the steering wheel on the right side, which forces the passenger to do all the work, while letting the driver relax with nothing to do but rummage in the glovebox and fiddle with the radio knobs.

When introduced in 1989 (ignore the 1964 mention behind the curtain) the right-hand-drive Figaro was one of Nissan's boutique cars like the Be1, S-Cargo and Pao, all of which were based on the diminutive family trucksterette - the Micra. At 147 inches in length, the Figaro stretches the limits of the kei-car dimensions, but still manages to be cramped for four passengers. Motivational force is provided by the Micra's 75hp turbo'd 987cc engine which sounds like a swarm of micro-bees when the tap is open. The automatic gearbox means that your left foot will soon get bored while out and about.

This car's lapis gray paint may not be the warmest hue for such a sunny little car, but it would contrast nicely should you find yourself bouncing down the yellow brick road in it. Sliding back the fabric roof might make the quarters feel a little less cramped, should the Tin Man, Cowardly Lion and Scarecrow decide to come along for the ride. The trunk, while small by American standards, is big enough to fit Toto, so he can come too.

So, does $11,900 for this Figaro send you somewhere over the rainbow? Or, for that price, would you drop a house on it?

You decide!

eBay or go here if the ad clicks its ruby slippers together.

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Yesterday the Barracuda won the hearts and minds of a healthy 89% of you octane-addicted motorheads. Today, we've got something to consider that might just fit in the glovebox of that fastback Plymouth.

The keijidōsha is a class of car designed to skirt the tax, insurance, and proof of parking space regulations in Japan. To that end they are small- we're talking really small. If fact, any one of these cars is so tiny, you could barely fit the entire Republican caucus of Vermont in one!

One of those Kei cars is the Arabica bean-shaped Suzuki Cappuccino. Named after the diminutive, but highly potent coffee beverage, the little Suzuki attempts to capture the same moxie as that thimble-full of caffeine.

While the Kei cars were never intended to be sold here in the land of Lincolns and litigation, Japanese vehicle safety testing requirements have ensured a steady stream of them to Canada, as well as a ready market for new cars back home in the land of the rising sun.

This little coffee cup is rocking a turbo'd and intercooled 12-valve 657cc triple, and throws down its 100 ponies through a 5-speed stick to the rear tires. The 4-position top allows for either coupe-quiet rides, or pigeon target practice alfresco driving. The seller has applied a recent re-spray in arrest-me red, and has bolted on a set of "PURE" chrome trident wheels. Those wheels look like they might be more at home on the neighbor's Hyundai S-coupe than here, but may be your cup of tea; if your auto accessory shopping is confined to the Walmarts. All in all, with 50,000 miles on its clock, it's a righteous little roadster. And driving it might provide the same rush as a double shot of its namesake beverage, especially on the truck routes.

So, is $11,990 a Nice Price for this decades-old demitasse? Or is that price too highly caffeinated for your taste?

You decide!

eBay, or go here if the ad 消える

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Wimbles knows how to work a camera, took the time to ID all the vehicles he shot, and even cropped/resized them to the gallery-friendly 1280-pixel width we like best. This is the very best way to send in DOTSBE photos. I'll let Wimbles describe what he's found:

I'm relatively new to Jalopnik but I've always been interested in your Down on the Street series. I'm a college student going to school in San Francisco and I see a lot of cool old cars parked on the streets when I'm in town. Lately I've been photographing more and more of them in DOTS style and I figured I'd give it a shot trying to submit some for DOTSBE.

For starters, here's a 1973 Ford Torino sedan. This is probably the first one I've ever actually noticed on the street and caught my eye because I'm used to seeing the arguably better-looking Gran Torinos. Fancy seeing a plain blue, beat-up standard '73 Torino in a place as progressive as San Francisco! It was seen parked on Telegraph Hill.

I'm not sure about the year of the Dodge A-100 Tradesman, but it looks to be approximately a 1968 model judging by the style of badging and the reflectors on the doors. I could be wrong. Until I saw this one, I wasn't aware that the Tradesman name was used prior to the B-Series vans of the '70s. It appears to be in generally good condition for its age, though it has some worrisome rust on the passenger side doors. It was seen parked on Telegraph Hill near COIT Tower.
This van has been seen on DOTSBE before, but it was part of a series of street parking profile shots by Martin Taylor.

Continuing the Mopar series is a 1965 Plymouth Barracuda. I see this car parked and driving every so often and have had two opportunities to photograph it (evident from the markedly different weather in the various pictures). It is equipped with the 273CI Commando V8. It was photographed in the Financial District. Interestingly enough, I have seen another Barracuda (brown, '67-69) parked on this same street in the past and have gotten a couple of snapshots of it, but nothing DOTS-worthy.

Next up for this run is a 1979 Plymouth Sapporo which lives just north of Alamo Square. I have seen this car driving once. I actually stumbled upon its home by sheer coincidence while returning from a long walk to the Panhandle in a fruitless attempt to grab some DOTS photos of the Porsche 356 and Volkswagen Transporter Syncro 4WD extended cab utility body pickup I had briefly snapped on a previous date.

Lastly, we have a very interesting find. A 2002-05 JDM Daihatsu Move Custom, probably fresh off the boat in America as it has no plates. But they wasted no time in decking this little kei car out inside with everything kawai they could find. It has a sticker on the rear hatch from Uemuru Motor, which is apparently an auto wholesaler in Callao, Peru.

Honda Announces the All-New Life

TOKYO, Japan, November 6, 2008– Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced that sales in Japan of the all-new Life will begin on November 7, 2008. Continuing a tradition of superior comfort and utility, the new Life offers enhanced drivability and is the first minicar in Japan to include an audio system with a backup camera as standard equipment.*1 In addition, a special mobility-assistive version of Life with lift-up frontpassenger seat will go on sale December 5.

he all-new Life was developed with the concept of “daily smile technology” to achieve a level of drivability and utility customers can enjoy in their everyday lives. Based on this concept, Honda evaluated every aspect of the vehicle from the customer’s point of view to develop a minicar that will put a smile on the customer’s face every day.

Customers may select from three Life variations to express their individuality and lifestyle: the Life G-type is simple, modern and practical, the Life Diva is perky and sporty, and the Life Pastel* is refined, elegant and fashionable. With an emphasis on advanced safety technologies, the Life is also the world’s first automobile equipped with a driver-side i-SRS airbag system with continuously staged inflation, which accommodates a broad range of occupant positions and potential collision situations.

< Drivability >
Large windows and slim pillars allow for excellent 360º visibility.
The first minicar in Japan to include an audio system with a backup camera.*1
Advanced Honda Smart Parking Assist System provides automatic steering assistance for moving forward and backward during parking.*2

< Comfort and utility >
Spacious cabin comfortably accommodates four adults.
Manual driver’s seat height adjuster helps to achieve an ideal driving position, enhancing visibility while making entry and exit easier.

< Interior with enhanced functionality and comfort >
Larger, thicker, softer and more comfortable rear seats.
Storage compartments throughout the vehicle for superior convenience.
Center pillar grip for easy entry and exit, even for children and seniors.

Since first introduced in 1971, the Life has evolved with the times, always offering exceptional value while focusing on the people and lifestyles of each era. Today, Life is currently being enjoyed by more than 1.5 million customers in Japan, the largest number among Honda automobiles sold in the country.*3

Note: “Pastel” was named after the pastels used by artists, the Life Pastel is for drivers looking to express their own colorful, interesting lifestyles.

*1 Not available on Life C-type
*2 Available on Life Pastel
*3 Honda calculations

♦ Key Features of the All-New Life
Drivability

· Slim front pillars, large triangular windows with integrated sashes and windshield wipers designed for reduced visual obstruction all contribute to enhanced frontward visibility and an increased sense of security during driving.

· Side window height has been optimized for greatly enhanced side visibility, helping drivers navigate past ongoing vehicles more safely and making turns with increased confidence.

· The protruded front position lamps integrated on top of the headlights act as makers, aiding the driver in better grasping the vehicle width.

· The large tailgate window and rear quarter windows help enhance rearward visibility. Newly designed rear seat backs with adjustable, built-in rear head rests also contribute to greatly enhanced rearward visibility.

· The audio system with a backup camera (the first in Japan as standard equipment on a minicar*1) enhances ease of parking. The easy-to-view 4.3-inch liquid crystal color display also displays audio information, an analog clock, important dates and more.

· Newly enhanced Smart Parking Assist System provides steering assistance during parking.*2

Packaging

· With a front seat hip point 35 mm higher*4 than that of the previous Life, and windows, pillars and headlight markers optimized to this new measurement, the new Life offers exceptional visibility and ease of entry and exit.

· The newly designed suspension has allowed for a more rearward positioning of the rear seats. As a result, the distance between front and rear seats has increased by 85 mm*4, increasing rear occupant legroom and comfort.

· The lower floor in the rear combined with the square exterior design also contributes to rear occupant comfort. Although the rear seat cushion thickness has been increased by 25 mm*4, the rear head clearance increased by 60 mm*4.

· Easy-to-use fold-down rear seats allow large items to be transported.

*4 Honda comparison to previous Life

Interior

· The spacious divided bench front seat is shaped to support a stable driving posture, contributing to both drivability and comfort.

· The unitary bench back seat features seat cushion length increased by 55 mm,*4 seat back height increased by 50 mm*4 and cushion thickness increased by 25 mm*4 (cushion thickness equivalent to that of the mid-sized sedan segment*5).

· The storage compartments have been designed for exceptional ease of use: items commonly used fit in the higher compartments while items typically kept from outside view fit in compartments located below window level.

· The attractive and convenient center pillar grip, molded with the center pillar as a single part, is placed at a height easily reached by children*6. Complementing the low floor height, it contributes to ease of entry and exit.

*5 Honda 2.0 – 2.4l segment
*6 1,030 mm

Exterior design

· Implementing a design concept of simple, smart and modern, the exterior design of the new Life is simple and welcoming. The large window surface area and rear quarter windows contribute both to the Life’s pleasing appearance and to visibility.

· Sharp lines and large, functional headlights with integrated position lamps add to the Life’s refined and pleasing front view. Each Life package also features a unique front bumper.

· The Life’s side view draws attention to the solid nose and body, emphasizing the sense of welcoming and security.

· The key to the Life’s distinctive rear view, the large rear window also contributes to excellent visibility.

· The Life comes in three highly individualistic packages:
The Life G-type is simple and welcoming while emphasizing daily functionality.
The Life Pastel emphasizes elegance, with its chrome-rich grille making a distinctly attractive impression.
The Life Diva is urbane and stylish in design, featuring a front bumper with large aperture and inset fog lamps, sharply defined black metal headlights, refined aerodynamic partsand an overall sporty appearance.

· 12 distinctive color selections are available, including four completely new colors.

Power train

· Two engine selections are available: the light and compact 660 cc inline 3-cylinder i-DSI engine and the i-DSI turbo engine.

· The engine offers excellent normal operating range characteristics, while the four-speed automatic transmission features optimized gear ratios and torque converter characteristics for smooth acceleration. This combination of engine and transmission results in light, convenient drivability ideal for the city as well as excellent fuel economy of 21 km/l.*7

*7 Front-wheel drive Life C-type, Life G-type, and Life Pastel. Fuel economy measurement in 10•15 mode certified by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

Body

· The rigidity of the floor and the corners of the hatchback opening have been increased, while the Life’s structure, frame and materials have been optimized for reduced weight.

· In addition to the frame designed for reduced noise and vibrations, high-performance sound-proofing materials and sound-insulating walls contribute to exceptional vehicle quietness.

Chassis

· To ensure stable cruising and a smooth ride, in the front the newly designed suspension features MacPherson struts; in the rear it features an H-shaped torsion beam suspension for front-wheel drive vehicles, or a 3-link de Dion tube for 4-wheel drive vehicles.

· The power steering settings and suspension geometry have been optimized for light, nimble handling.

Safety performance

· The new Life is the world’s first automobile to offer a driver-side i-SRS airbag system with continuously staged inflation, which accommodates a broad range of occupant positions and potential collision situations. All packages include this new safety technology as standard equipment.

· Forming a set with the front seat i-side airbag system, the side curtain airbag system helps reduce the risk of head injury in a side impact. Availability depends on package.*2

· The vehicle’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering body provides a higher level of self-protection and also improves compatibility toward other vehicles in case of a collision.

· The Life’s frame has been designed to efficiently absorb and disperse the energy of a collision and reduce impact on the cabin.

· The low-impact head-protecting interior is designed to reduce collision-related occupant injuries.

· The body with pedestrian-injury mitigation technology helps to mitigate injury to pedestrians from injury in case of collision.

Environmental performance

· Front-wheel drive models are certifiedby the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism as having emissions levels 75% lower than what is required by 2005 standard in both 10•15 and JC08C measurement modes.

· ECO lamps on both sides of the dashboard help drivers refine driving habits for enhanced fuel economy.

· The 3-cylinder engine includes a crank pulse sensor to monitor the ignition system and fuel injection timing.

Special mobility-assistive vehicle with lift-up front passenger seat

· The lift-up frontpassenger seat has a motorized 200 mm forward-backward sliding mechanism, as well as a newly added motorized reclining mechanism. The lift-up seat’s switches are located on the right side of the seat for easy access by the driver and quick, simple adjustments.

[Source: Honda via CarScoop]

Inspired by the DOTS Mercury Commuter that blew away the competition in the Best DOTS Wagon Poll, I figured we needed a Hell Project Commuter as soon as possible. And, really, it's the perfect mix of must-have coolness (four-door hardtop wagon with every conceivable example of Chromium Rococo Excess) and impossible-to-find parts (MEL engine, weird not-shared-with-any-Fords trim and interior components, wraparound glass). But they're just about impossible to find, and expensive as hell... unless, of course, you head to Texas and score this diamond-in-the-incredibly-rough '58 (go here if the ad disappears) for a very reasonable $1,250. The 410 engine is "stuck," but you can actually find the MELs if you dig hard enough (anyway, we'd want to put a quad-turbocharged Cammer 427 in this thing). The seller is kind enough to inform us: "Missing: radiator, radio, front seat, front wheels," which makes one think that maybe everything else is still there! Could be, could be!

Dropping anchor in a 5,000-pound monster station wagon is fun and all, but it can get tiresome. Don't despair, though- you can still have a machine that glows with 50s optimism yet can maneuver through tight traffic and park in the stingiest imaginable urban parking spots. For example, this 1958 Vespa 400! The seller doesn't pull any punches, with the seemingly self-contradicting "restorable basket case" description right in the main subtitle. What you get here is a "restorable chassis" and seven crates of parts. Seven crates of parts! If ever there was a Project Car Hell mantra, that's got to be it! What's in those crates? How big are they? To add to the fun, the car has never been registered in the United States, but this is the sort of situation where the very flexible and understanding folks at the DMV will stop at nothing to help you sort out the paperwork... right? Yes, of course! Now, you could take the chassis and the Seven Magical Crates and do a period-correct restoration, which would certainly be fun... but we're thinking more in terms of something like this Vespa project. Either way, if you could finish this thing you'd be certain to love your Vespa. Thanks (and the ever-elusive second half-credit towards a Project Car Hell Tipster T-shirt) to BananaDoc for the tip; BananaDoc, as you may recall, sent in the Rolls we saw in the England's Dreaming PCH back in December.

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The R2 came out in 2003 and was, I believe, the first car to sport the 'flying vadge' (yes, I've been reading the words of Slut Machine) grille. As you can see, it was mercifully sacked during the mid-model refresh. The variety of drivetrains is mindbending for a car easily dwarfed by a Yaris - CVT transmission; front or all wheel drive; 660cc SOHC or DOHC engine, the latter of which comes with either Subaru's version of variable valve timing or supercharger plus intercooler. The most hoon-able setup (relatively speaking) makes about 63hp.
This particular example is an R2 Refi Bitter Selection, which really just means it's for chicks, and for that, is a bit unfortunately named. This one's, in Subaru's parlance, exclusive "Mocha Bronze X Red upholstery", though it's also available in Berry Rouge X Pink, or, for the ice queens, Black X Tan. There's a slide-out drawer under the front seat for stowing an extra pair of heels.

Don't forget to check out JNC's coverage of the Japanese Classic Car Association's New Year Meeting, which is essentially the biggest concentration of vintage Japanese iron you could possibly hallucinate in your most fevered dreams.

Press release:

Mazda Releases Upgraded Scrum Wagon and Scrum Van Micro-Minis
- Both models feature enhanced interior quality with improved comfort levels -

HIROSHIMA, Japan—Mazda Motor Corporation has upgraded the "Scrum Wagon" and "Scrum Van" micro-mini vehicle lineup for the Japanese market. Both vehicles are available at Mazda Autozam, Mazda, and Mazda Anfini dealers throughout Japan from today.

The upgraded Scrum Wagon comes with new interior fabric colors designed to match the characteristics of each model grade and front seats with thicker, contoured seat edges that enhance the vehicle's level of quality and comfort for passengers. The top grade model, PZ Turbo, is now equipped with a redesigned chrome front grille and high intensity discharge headlights which give it a distinctive appearance.

The revamped Scrum Van, which is renowned for its superb level of practicality, also comes with thicker, contoured seat edges in the front seats which provide added quality and comfort. In addition, the application of fabric seat covers has been extended from the top grade to include the middle grades.

Manufacturer's suggested retail prices range from 1,224,250 to 1,711,500 yen for the Scrum Wagon and 879,900 to 1,165,500 yen for the Scrum Van (including consumption tax). The target sales volume for both body types is 800 units a month.

Mazda Scrum Wagon PZ Turbo (Equipped with Special Package. FWD model with a four-speed automatic transmission)
Mazda Scrum Wagon PZ Turbo (Equipped with Special Package. FWD model with a four-speed automatic transmission)

Features of the upgraded Scrum Wagon
Interior
- New seat upholstery for all model grades
The PX and PX Turbo grades have relaxing brown seat fabric and door trim. The PZ Turbo grade has sporty-looking beige seat fabric.
- More comfortable front seats on all model grades.
- A center speaker has been added to the middle of the instrument panel (PZ Turbo)
Exterior
- Newly designed front grille (PZ Turbo)
- High intensity discharge headlights have been added to the PZ Turbo grade
- Newly designed 14-inch chrome wheels (PZ Turbo Special Package)
- Chrome garnish on the hood feature has been added to the PX and PX Turbo grades
Body colors

A popular purple-hued body color, Mysterious Violet Pearl, has been newly added. A total of four body colors are available.

Features of the revamped Scrum Van
Interior
- New seat upholstery (Buster and PC grades)
The Buster grade has calming brown fabric (the same fabric in the Scrum Wagon PX and PX Turbo). The PC grade has grey seat fabric.
- Redesigned front seats
- Side covers have been added in the rear (PC, PA and PU grades. Side covers are already equipped on the Buster grade.)
Body colors

An exclusive dark blue body color has been added for the Buster grade, Bluish Black Pearl 3. There are a total of three body color choices.

That's [Honda (Japanese)]

Related:
Who You Tryin' to Get Crazy Wit, Esse? [Internal]

MAZDA HATCHES FRESHENED SPIANO LINEUP

HIROSHIMA, Japan—Mazda Motor Corporation has announced that updated Spiano micro-mini models, known for their friendly exteriors and comfortable interior cabins, are on sale from today at Mazda Autozam, Mazda and Mazda Anfini dealerships throughout Japan.

The models offer newly designed seat and door trim fabric, an improvement which gives the interiors a fresh new atmosphere. The XS grade has a new chrome front grille, and the Spiano GS includes newly added split rear seats.

The sales target volume for the Spiano range is 300 units a month.

Main features of the freshened Spiano
Exterior
- New high quality chrome front grille (XS grade)

Interior
- Newly designed upholstery and door trim (GS and XS grades: blue or bright orange patterned fabric; SS grade: black and silver monotone design)
- White leaf-pattern instrument panel garnish (XS grade)
- Split rear seat that enables various seat arrangements (GS grade)

I tell you what, these Japanese-market car ads are addictive! This one for the Subaru Stella combines kawaii, video-game sound effects, and general jitteriness for powerful effect. Hmmm... Dekotora Stella! – Murilee Martin

Related:
Stellaaaaaaa!: Subaru Launches New Minicar for Japan [internal]

Given that we once fell in love with a girl almost solely because her favorite episode of Beavis and Butt-Head was "Buttniks," it's no particular surprise that we would love the Suzuki Cappuccino based on its name alone. The droptop, RWD keicar makes us want to quit our job, move to the Land of the Rising Sun and become an itinerant salesman of salt and pepper shakers while spending what little free time that lucrative career would afford us performing conceptual pieces heavily influenced by the realms of kabuki, baroque and Jazzercise. Would you like to see our portfolio? It's in our bunghole! – Davey G. Johnson

Suzuki Cappuccino [Wikipedia]

Related:
MIDSHIP AMUSEMENT! Beat-NSX, Keiamino! [Wikipedia]