Suzuki Cappuccino import guide
Front-engine · turbo · RWD · 50:50 balance
The Suzuki Cappuccino is the driver's pick of the kei sports trio — front-engine, turbocharged, rear-wheel drive, with near 50:50 weight balance and a clever removable hardtop. It's a proper miniature roadster with real sports-car credentials.
- Turbocharged
- Rear-wheel drive
- Removable hardtop
At a glance
Suzuki Cappuccino quick facts
- Type
- Kei sports convertible
- Engine
- 657cc turbo — F6A (EA11R), K6A (EA21R)
- Drivetrain
- Front-engine, rear-wheel drive
- Roof
- Three-piece removable hardtop (targa/T-top/full open)
- Production
- 1991–1998 (EA11R, EA21R)
- Import eligibility
- All examples are 25+ years old — fully eligible
Overview
Why import a Suzuki Cappuccino
The Cappuccino takes the classic roadster recipe — front engine, rear drive, near-perfect balance — and shrinks it to kei size. Its turbocharged triple gives real punch in such a light car, and the three-piece removable hardtop converts from coupe to targa to full convertible.
Enthusiasts love it for its grown-up sports-car feel and tuning potential. It's the most conventional-driving of the kei sports trio, which makes it especially approachable.
- Classic front-engine, rear-drive roadster layout
- Turbocharged 657cc engine for real punch
- Three-piece removable hardtop
- Near 50:50 weight distribution
Variants
EA11R vs EA21R
The earlier EA11R (1991–1995) uses the iron-block F6A turbo, while the later EA21R (1995–1998) switched to the lighter all-aluminium K6A and added detail improvements. Both are fully import-eligible and beloved; the EA21R is slightly lighter and more refined.
- EA11R — 1991–95, F6A turbo, the original
- EA21R — 1995–98, lighter K6A turbo, refined
- Limited and special-edition colors throughout
- All model years fully import-eligible
Buyer notes
What to look for at auction
- Removable-roof seal condition and water leaks
- Turbo health and timing service on F6A/K6A
- Rust on floors, sills, and rear arches
- Suspension wear and prior tuning quality
- Originality and overall auction grade
Importing
Importing a Cappuccino to the U.S.
Every Cappuccino was built from 1991 to 1998, so all examples are past the 25-year mark and fully import-eligible today.
Under the U.S. 25-year rule, a vehicle is exempt from FMVSS once it is at least 25 years old. Eligibility is rolling — each model year becomes importable on the anniversary of its build date.
As a kei vehicle, on-road registration depends on your state — confirm local rules before buying.
Keep exploring
Related import guides
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Mazda Autozam AZ-1
Kei sportsThe mid-engine, gullwing-door kei micro-supercar — rare and highly collectible.
Nissan Silvia
JDM sportsThe quintessential drift car — S13/S14/S15 with the legendary SR20DET turbo.
FAQ
Suzuki Cappuccino import — common questions
- Is the Suzuki Cappuccino turbocharged?
- Yes. Both the EA11R (F6A) and EA21R (K6A) use a turbocharged 657cc engine, giving the lightweight Cappuccino genuinely spirited performance.
- Is the Suzuki Cappuccino front- or rear-wheel drive?
- Front-engine, rear-wheel drive — the classic roadster layout — with near 50:50 weight distribution for balanced, engaging handling.
- What's the difference between the EA11R and EA21R?
- The EA11R (1991–95) uses the iron-block F6A turbo; the EA21R (1995–98) switched to the lighter aluminium K6A and added refinements. Both are excellent — the EA21R is a touch lighter and more modern.
- Does the Cappuccino have a removable roof?
- Yes — a clever three-piece hardtop lets you run it as a closed coupe, a T-top, a targa, or a full convertible.
- Is a Suzuki Cappuccino street-legal in the U.S.?
- All Cappuccinos are 25+ years old and import legally under the federal age exemption. On-road registration depends on your state — see our state import guides.
Import eligibility and state registration rules change over time and vary by vehicle. Confirm current requirements before purchasing. This page is informational only and not legal advice.
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