In Japan, kei trucks are nothing special. They are a part of daily life in the crowded cities, delivering all sorts of things like a truck should. In Australia however, they are a novelty because they’re really small compared to the work trucks used by tradies. They don’t deliver a lot of power from their 660CC engines but then again there’s not a lot of weight to haul around. The great thing about kei trucks is that they do all the truck things without the associated fuel cost, however in most cases they are not used as work vehicles due to their small payload capacity. This Suzuki Carry, known as “Lil Kei”, is one of those joy machines. It has a soul all it’s own and a personality that’s way bigger than the size would suggest.
Kei trucks my be utilitarian in design, but that hasn’t stopped people from modifying them. There’s actually quite a large aftermarket modding scene for kei trucks, which I suppose is a major drawcard for those who want to import them and drive them on Australian streets. Lil Kei has a few aftermarket parts for a more street-friendly appearance – the biggest of which being the sideskirts to cover up the gubbins underneath the tray. The front badge has been removed, a lip has been attached to the bottom of the front bumper to match the sideskirts and the wheels changed to a dark gold, 7 spoke design.
Lil Kei also sits lower than the standard Carry with an upgraded suspension kit, giving the car some more performance in the corners. It’s not a big adjustment but it definitely helps with street cred. The truck also has underglow for those night drives. Now, the Suzuki Carry can have either rear-wheel or four-wheel drive from factory because they get used on and off the road. In areas with snow, 4 wheel drive is a must when the going gets tough. This particular truck has rear-wheel drive as it won’t ever be used on a farm or have to live with harsh weather conditions.
The cab-forward design of the Carry makes it look more like a mini truck/prime mover instead of a mini “pick-up” truck, which does lead to a rather interesting engine packaging solution. It sits behind the front axle instead of on top because there isn’t any room underneath the cab. So this truck is, by definition, mid-engined like a Honda Beat. OK, maybe not as the Beat’s engine sits a lot closer to the rear axle, but you get my point. I also have to mention that the interior of this kei truck is extremely spartan with hard-wearing plastics and hardly any luxuries – aside from the bare essentials such as a radio and airconditioning.
The Japanese may think that we Aussies are strange for going mental over kei trucks, but can you really blame us? They’re cute little things that are honest and simple without any fluff to inflate someone’s wayward ego. It’s not the sort of thing you buy for clout, but that’s perfectly acceptable for me because I’m all for being individual and doing what makes you happy. Nelson knows full well that Lil Kei won’t be ripping up the tarmac on a track or breaking any records. Of course, that won’t stop him from driving up some mountain roads every now and again.
DevMacCars 