Autoblog

Click the image above for a hi-res gallery of the Nissan Otti and Moco

Kei cars. To know them is to love them, or to tower over them in Gulliver-like wonder. Both the iridescent colored Moco and Otti feature the 0.66-liter engines common to the Kei class, meaning each also boasts 54 thundering mares beneath their ridiculously tiny hoods. Once up to speed, they run nicely, and they're pretty quiet. But these are not cars to take when you're late for anything.

They have lots of room inside and enough controls to operate them on public roads. They are both fine cars. The Otti adds to that with a chic little IP featuring good looking materials and colors, a power rear sliding door on the passenger side that you can open from the driver's seat, a seriously neat set of cupholders, and the world's smallest tailpipe.

Regarding the Moco, a rebadged Suzuki MR Wagon, Nissan says "the current generation model features a stylish exterior and interior." The Otti is Nissan's version of the Mitsubishi eK Wagon. It's described as a minicar "for daily living," and "has experienced extremely strong sales in the Japanese market." Yes. What they said.

You can check out the Nissan 360 event site for more details on all the vehicles in Nissan's lineup. In the mean time, be sure to check out the gallery of hi-res photos below.



Our travel and lodging for this media event was provided by the manufacturer.

Nissan Otti Rider

Prior to the release of the latest Mitsubishi eK Wagon, an announcement was made that Mitsu would be supplying Nissan with their own version of the new kei car. No surprise, really, as the previous-gen eK was also sold as the Nissan Otti. Well, the day we all knew was coming has arrived, as Nissan unveils their new Otti minicar. Everything -- the power sliding passenger-side door, the engines, specifications, SU-LEV rating (for the non-turbo) etc. -- corresponds exactly to the new Mitsu. Even the wheels and/or wheel covers are identical. This is as straight a rebadge as you'll ever see.

The Otti S/E/M trims are the Nissanized eK Wagon, while the Otti RS/RX trims are the doppelgangers of the eK Sport. Nissan does offer the new Otti with the Japan-market "Rider" package by it's in-house customizer, Autech. It adds elements like aftermarket grilles and wheels that freshen the look and actually set it apart somewhat from its Mitsubishi clone. It's not all fun and games with Autech. They also make an Otti LV "Life Care Vehicle" that offers easier access for the disabled.

Nissan hopes to sell 2,600 Ottis a month, a number they'll probably exceed in a week or so when you consider that Mitsubishi hit its 6,000/month eK target in the first two weeks it was offered. Ditto Subaru with the Stella and Daihatsu with the Sonica. The Japanese loooove their kei cars and order 'em in bunches when they're new to market.

If you didn't like the eK, you won't like this car. If you like the eK, well, you're not going to find much to dislike here. More info's available in the press release after the jump and at the car's official site, where the "Otti Song" that launches automatically will, without question, make you insane.

Related posts & info:

• Autoblog: Brought to you by the letter Kei: Mitsubishi's new eK Wagon and eK Sport
• AutoblogGreen: Mitsubishi Motors launches more environmentally friendly eK Wagon & Sport in Japan
• Nissan: Autech Rider Collection

(Pics, press release after the jump)

[Source: Nissan Japan]