The eK series debuted as a new minicar standard in October 2001 led by the eK Wagon and later joined in September 2002 by the eK Sport. The third model in the lineup, eK Classy has been developed to a "chic & modern" theme as it offers enhanced levels of quality in exterior and interior trim, in performance on the road and in its component specification. Occupant comfort also receives quality treatment with eK Classy becoming the first Japanese minicar to offer fully automatic climate control and ultra-violet/infra-red solar control glazing in an uprated comfort and convenience appointment specification.

The eK series continues to post firm sales of over 10,000 units a month, with cumulative sales topping 200,000 units in March this year. eK Classy targets male and female owners in the 30 - 50 age bracket with families, and females in the 20 - 30 age bracket who are seeking choice quality in the minicar category. In doing so, eK Classy joins eK Wagon and eK Sport to create a series that meets the needs and tastes of the full spectrum of minicar customers and by so doing to build up and extend its fast-selling momentum.

Exterior

Derived from eK Wagon's exterior styling, eK Classy gains a touch of elegant and composed choice quality through the use of understated styling elements in the front, side and rear.

eK is defined with exclusive styling for the grille, bumper, engine hood and headlamp units that serves to enhance the chic, quality-look of the front visage. Headlamp performance has been improved with the adoption of a wider-angle beam.

The dark-gray underside coloring serves to visually lower the center of gravity as well as give the silhouette greater poise. The use of the same color for the front and rear bumpers unites the exterior in a more unified appearance.

eK Classy rides on 13-inch alloy road wheels that are cut-machined to produce a brilliant surface effect that adds a further touch of class to the appearance.

The new model comes in a range of six body colors. Light Orange Metallic, Pearl Beige Solid - both new colors - and Medium Silver Metallic are exclusive to eK Classy.

Interior

eK Classy takes eK Wagon as the launch pad for its interior too. Distinguishing features that tighten up the design and enhance the quality look include the use of a light and airy beige keynote color and the use of black for the dash top and upper section of the center panel.

The seat upholstery keys in with the color scheme to create a unified and classy interior. The soft-touch suede-look fabric is complemented by a knit fabric for the seat squab, while brown stitching color-keyed to the base fabric provides a kind-on-the-eye accent.

The standard 2-DIN AM/FM radio tuner with MD/CD player 4-speaker on-board entertainment system creates a relaxing and pleasant listening environment.

Front windows and windshield use solar control glass that shuts out skin-burning ultra-violet light while allowing ample visible light to pass through. eK Classy becomes the first minicar on the Japanese market (MMC survey conducted in May 2003) to use windshield solar control glass that also reduces the transmission of infra-red light, thereby keeping interior temperatures more comfortable.

EK Classy becomes the first MMC minicar to use a fully automatic climate control system. Offering 16-step airflow control in the auto-mode and 8-step control in the manual mode, this system enables precise temperature and humidity control with exceptionally quiet operation.

Powertrain, body, suspension

The eK Classy powertrain uses the same 3G38 in-line 3-cylinder engine that powers eK Wagon and eK Sport-Z models mated to the 4-speed automatic transmission that delivers torque to the wheels on the eK Sport-R. Improvements to these components for eK Classy realize more refined road performance and behavior together with better fuel economy, cleaner emissions, higher motive performance and lower noise and vibrations levels.

eK Wagon gains ULEV¹ certification by achieving emission levels that are 75% lower than required by Japanese 2001 Emission Regulations. In the Japanese 10-15 pattern fuel economy tests, 2WD and 4WD models return 19.2 km/l and 18.0 km/l mileage respectfully to comply with Japanese 2010 fuel efficiency standards. This and ULEV certification qualify eK Classy models for the Vehicle Green Tax exemption.

The use of a 4-speed automatic transmission reduces engine speeds at higher vehicle speeds. This, together with structural improvements that reduce engine vibrations and the use of extra sound deadening and vibration control materials at strategic points throughout the body, contribute to a significantly quieter and more comfortable interior living space.

eK Classy enjoys enhanced handling stability and ride comfort through the addition of reinforcements at strategic points in the body and through suspension tuning optimization.

Components

eK Classy benefits from the adoption of MMC's own ETACS² body control system that supports keyless entry, auto headlight off, anti-trapping power windows, auto-dimming interior lamps and key-in-ignition warning. The system raises timer and alarm function integrity as well as enhancing convenience by enabling the power windows to be operated for a short while after the ignition has been turned off.

While offering the same comprehensive stowage and utility features as eK Wagon, the cup holders, mini-trash can and mist-wiper are keyed to the trim color to enhance the unified look to the interior.

Safety

eK Classy boasts the same level of crashworthiness as eK Wagon, which has been accorded JNCAP³ 4-star rating for driver and 5-star rating for front passenger by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. Elements contributing to this high level of crash safety performance include: MMC's RISE⁴ safety body, SRS⁵ airbag system for driver and front passenger and the use of energy absorbing materials in the interior trim.

Standard ABS with EBD braking gives eK Classy positive and responsive stopping power for all road surfaces and loads.

1 Ultra-low emissions vehicle
2 Electronic Time & Alarm Control
3 Japan New Car Assessment Program
4 Realized Impact Safety Evolution
5 Supplementary restraint system

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