Fujimax JDM Car Rental is proud to announce that the iconic 1987 Suzuki Alto Works (CC72V) will officially join our rental fleet on March 25, 2026.

The Machine That Ended the Kei Car Power Wars

At the end of the 1970s—a time of oil shocks and strict emission laws—the first-generation Suzuki Alto debuted at a shocking 470,000 yen, single-handedly reviving the struggling Kei car market. By the 1980s, regulations shifted, allowing turbochargers in the Kei segment. Suddenly, power became the new currency for small cars.

As manufacturers chased peak performance, Suzuki launched the second-generation Alto in 1984, followed by the SOHC Alto Turbo (48hp) in 1985 and the first-ever Kei car of DOHC-equipped Alto Twincam 12RS (42hp) in 1986.

However, their arch-rival Daihatsu fired back in 1985 with the Mira Turbo TR-XX. Boasting 52hp—the strongest in its class at the time—along with four-wheel independent suspension, a lightweight body, and aggressive aero, it was the gold standard for sporty Kei cars.

In response, Suzuki combined their DOHC head with a turbocharger to create the ultimate high-performance rival. That weapon was the first-generation Alto Works. Built around the 3-cylinder, 543cc F5A engine, it featured a DOHC head, specialized pistons, connecting rods, and a crankshaft, all managed by a cutting-edge injection system and an intercooled turbo. To handle the surge in power, the clutch, transmission, and suspension were all bespoke, while oversized aero parts optimized its aerodynamics.

Initially, the first-gen Alto Works was developed to produce a staggering 78hp—an unbelievable 143.6hp per liter for the 1980s. However, the Ministry of Transport stepped in to put a stop to it, citing a rise in traffic accidents due to the era’s high-performance cars.

As a result, the Alto Works was detuned to 64hp for its commercial release. This was the birth of the "Gentleman’s Agreement" (64hp limit) for Kei cars that persists even today. This legendary JDM car effectively forced the industry to cap its own power.

Ultra-Lightweight Body Meets Ultra-High Revving Engine

The original Alto Works came in front-wheel drive (CA72V) and four-wheel drive (CC72V) versions. Our fleet features the CC72V 4WD model. On paper, the FF model weighed just 610kg, while the 4WD was 650kg. To this day, no other 64hp Kei car is lighter than that 610kg mark, giving the first-gen Works the best power-to-weight ratio in Kei history.

The F5A engine delivers 64ps at 7,500 rpm with 7.3 kg·m of torque at 4,000 rpm. With a screaming 9,500 rpm redline, it defines "Dokkan" (explosive) turbo characteristics, with power surging violently from 5,000 rpm. Combined with a factory cat-less exhaust, the acceleration is so raw it feels like the engine is trying to leap out of the chassis. Mated to a 5-speed manual, it is said to have easily exceeded 160 km/h.

In an era where standard Kei cars had only 30–40hp (the base Alto had just 31hp), the chassis—never meant for such power—struggles to keep up. By modern standards, the ride feels dangerously raw. It is a machine that demands "80s-style" driving, where you must wrestle its unstable behavior with a manual, non-power-steering rack.

Aggressive Styling Built for the Streets

In the 80s, Kei cars were often marketed toward women. Suzuki broke this mold by designing the Alto Works specifically for male enthusiasts. Every detail—the massive bumpers, side skirts, and the giant rear wing—was exclusive to this legendary JDM car.

Our 1987 model features the wild, period-correct black and pink interior. To fit the compact cabin, it uses asymmetrical bucket seats with the shoulder bolsters shaved down on the door side. A small-diameter steering wheel, dedicated seatbelts, and a red gauge cluster marked to 12,000 rpm complete the racing aesthetic.

While it has rear seats, they are almost entirely for show—a byproduct of being registered as a commercial vehicle for tax benefits. The trade-off is a surprisingly spacious trunk, making it practical enough for your gear.

A Rare Time Capsule: Only 1.5 Years of Production

The first-generation Alto Works was only produced for 18 months, between 1987 and 1988, as it arrived at the very end of the second-gen Alto's life cycle. Subsequent generations evolved into performance models with distinct front faces, separating them from the standard Alto.

Because of its short production run, its history in one-make racing, and the fact that most were modified or scrapped over the last 40 years, surviving examples are incredibly rare. Our vehicle, maintained in near-stock condition, is truly a miracle survivor.

The first-gen Alto Works changed everything. It is the grandfather of the 90s Kei sports icons like the Daihatsu Mira Avanzato, Subaru Vivio RX-R, Mazda AZ-1, Honda Beat, Suzuki Cappuccino, and more.

We invite you to experience this legendary JDM car for yourself. Feel the origins of Japan’s high-performance car culture only at Fujimax JDM Car Rental.