Autoblog

Unloved as they are, let's give Chrysler's K Car its due. Thirty years ago, the K represented a sea change in the Pentastar lineup. Not only did the K and its derivatives return Chrysler to the black, the architecture proved versatile enough to underpin basically the entire lineup, from minivans to LeBarons to turbocharged Daytonas. Southern California now has an official K Car club – fitting, as that's likely the only place you could find an early '80s Chrysler without lots of rust. Club membership is open to the entire swath of cars that share this similar architecture, known as the "EEK" models, so you won't get kicked out for showing up in a Caravelle instead of an Aries. Now's the time to hunt one of these cars down if you're looking for a cheap, enjoyable way to get into the hobby. They're available for a song, don't yet command any respect (perhaps they never will), yet the K Car is edging its way toward official classic status regardless of what some traditionalists might argue. The K Cars are nearly classic, they're historic and significant and worth saving. The hobby must live on after all the boomers are buried in their Tri-Fives, and a Reliant would be a great way to show an interested kid the basics.

[Hemmings Classic Car - sub req]

New kei cars are fun to cover. The impossibly small yet practical Japanese minicars manage to cram a lot of style and usability into a tight package. Mitsubishi's eK Wagon series has been a strong seller since its introduction in 2001, and the redesigned version (on sale today across Japan) looks to build on that success.

The new eK boasts a power sliding door on the driver's passenger side, a first for "bonnet-type" minicars. ("Bonnet-type" simply means the car's nose protrudes in the traditional sense.) The system uses hidden door rails, keeping the small exterior nice and tidy. Obviously, with small, tall wagons, there's not a lot you can do, stylewise, but Mitsubishi does a good job, giving the eK Wagon a clean look with friendly face. The eK Sport gets sterner features up front, and muscles up with front and rear spoilers, sill extensions, and 14" alloys.

Inside, the staid eK Wagon gets a grey and beige interior, while the eK Sport gets done up in all black. Optional Recaros can dress up the Sport even further. Both cars can be fitted with upgraded stereos, nav and other convenience features.

(Continues after the jump. Pics, press release follow as well)

[Source: Mitsubishi]