Suzuki is preparing to resurrect one of its most iconic roadsters, the Cappuccino. Originally launched in the 1990s as part of the Heisei ABC trio, the Cappuccino is expected to make a comeback as a genuine sports car around 2027. Reports suggest that Suzuki is developing this new model in partnership with Daihatsu and Toyota. The fruit of this collaboration is slated to hit the market as the all-new Cappuccino.
With this revival, Suzuki isn’t just banking on nostalgia. The automaker aims to make a significant re-entry into the lightweight roadster market, with its sights firmly set on the Mazda’s MX-5 Miata. Suzuki’s strategy is to reinterpret the original Cappuccino’s philosophy—small, light, and pure driving pleasure for the modern era—offering a fresh yet familiar experience for car enthusiasts.
The new Cappuccino is expected to shed its kei car classification. With a projected length of 153.5 inches and a wheelbase of 94.9 inches, its size is nearly identical to the Mazda MX-5. This growth spurt opens up new possibilities for powertrains, making Toyota’s 1.3-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine—producing between 120 to 150 horsepower—a likely candidate.
There’s also buzz about a naturally aspirated 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine as an alternative, with rear-wheel drive as standard. Both manual and automatic transmissions are on the table, with a focus on delivering an engaging driving experience. If these specs materialize, the new Cappuccino could carve out a unique niche as an affordable, pure rear-wheel-drive sports car.
While the three brands will share a common platform to cut costs, each will sport its distinct design. Suzuki is expected to incorporate styling cues from its Swift hatchback into the new Cappuccino, differentiating it through unique details. This approach promises three distinct roadsters with clear brand identities rather than mere badge engineering.
The interior is likely to feature a minimalist design centered around a digital cluster, similar to Daihatsu’s Vision Copen concept. While not confirmed, a removable hardtop or soft top seems probable. Given the lightweight ethos of a roadster, a simple, manually operated roof is more likely than a complex power-folding mechanism.
Although we’ve yet to see a concept version of the new Cappuccino, it could break cover as early as 2025. With Daihatsu’s next-gen Copen and Toyota’s S-FR in the pipeline, these three lightweight sports cars are poised to shake up the small roadster market currently dominated by the MX-5.
In today’s auto market, lightweight vehicles with rear-wheel drive, manual transmissions, and attainable pricing are becoming increasingly rare. Suzuki’s return to this segment has enthusiasts buzzing with anticipation. In 2027, we might just see a car that reignites the pure joy of driving in an era of ever-increasing automation and electrification.
