IED students reimagined the iconic Suzuki Cappuccino

Suzuki's Cappuccino has always been a charming, lightweight roadster known for its compact form and fun driving experience. Recently, students from the Istituto Europeo di Design (IED) took on the exciting challenge of reimagining this classic vehicle, infusing it with modern aesthetics while maintaining its playful spirit. Enter SUZUKI MA, a daring new take on the classic Kei car that’s anything but ordinary. This is a modern-day love letter to the iconic 1990s Suzuki Cappuccino, a sporty kei car that still tugs at the hearts of enthusiasts. With a touch of romantic Italian flair, the Suzuki Cappuccino redesign by IED students brings back the joy of driving. It’s all about the connection between man and machine, blending minimalist design with a driver-focused spider's raw, agile spirit. This little gem proves that great things come in small packages—and that driving fun can still be the main event.

Exterior design of the Suzuki MA

The new Suzuki Cappuccino design is a brilliant fusion of the future and the past, capturing both cutting-edge style and nostalgic charm. Its low, sleek body immediately commands attention, emphasizing the roadster’s performance-driven stance. One of the standout features is its aerodynamic profile, crafted to slice through the air effortlessly while still paying homage to the classic, compact proportions of the original Cappuccino. With sharp, bold angles, the body is streamlined for a look that’s both aggressive and refined—a perfect mix for a modern roadster.

SUZUKI MA is a result of a perfect creative partnership between exterior designer Gloria and 3D modeller Riccardo. Together, they crafted a 3D package that set the stage for this compact marvel. Designing a car that fits within the tight 3500 mm limit for kei cars was no small feat, but they didn’t just focus on squeezing it all in. Instead, they went above and beyond, creating sleek, dynamic proportions that echo the sporty spirit of the Suzuki Cappuccino.

When you look at the side profile of this concept, it flows with a graceful, uninterrupted wave that runs from the front wheel to the rear. This wave naturally divides the car into two main volumes. The front is embraced by two subtle wings, while the long hood provides a practical storage compartment. At the rear, the headboards elegantly extend the car’s shape, and when you pop open the roof (which neatly splits into three parts), you can store it between those headboards, transforming the reimagined Suzuki Cappuccino into a true spider—a nod to carefree, open-air driving.

Marco, the guy responsible for the exterior design, added the final touches to both the front and rear. The front features a clean yet playful “smile” with vibrant colours, welcoming you in. In the back, a bold black box with indirect lighting grabs your attention. As a cool throwback to classic Japanese cars, the rearview camera cleverly replaces traditional mirrors, giving the MA a perfect blend of retro charm and modern innovation.

Interior Design

When you step into the reimagined Cappuccino, the cabin welcomes you with a perfect balance of simplicity and flair. It’s all about the essentials here but done in a way that feels futuristic and fresh. The cockpit features a minimalist design with a dash that’s anything but ordinary—a circular, pod-like structure that houses all the key dials and controls. This floating dashboard, perched above the steering column, is not only functional but also a visual showstopper. It captures the playful, open spirit of the original Cappuccino while adding modern elements like sleek digital displays and premium materials.

Lorenzo, the mastermind behind the interior design, made sure that every detail of the reimagined Cappuccino puts the driver front and center. His approach was all about stripping away distractions and focusing on pure driving enjoyment. He achieved this using two dynamic ellipses that guide the eye right to the apex in front of the driver, creating a sense of movement and flow throughout the cabin. Even when the car is parked, the interior feels like it’s in motion, ready to launch into action at any moment.

One of the coolest features is the entirely mechanical air vents, which bring a rugged, utilitarian vibe to the sleek design. It’s like a little throwback to simpler times, but with all the modern twists you’d expect. Speaking of modernity, the innovative dual-cluster system is a game-changer. It blends old-school analogue gauges with futuristic digital displays, both of which are retractable and controlled with ease—whether through the central dials or the buttons on the door panel. It’s a seamless fusion of tradition and tech that keeps things fresh yet familiar.

And let’s not forget the seats. They’re sporty but built for comfort, fully adjustable to fit any driving style. Whether you’re cruising or tearing up the roads, every drive feels like it was made just for you. This interior doesn’t just look fast—it feels fast, turning every trip into an exciting, personalized experience.

Wheel and Lighting Design

The wheels on this concept are anything but ordinary. With a bold five-spoke design, they strike the perfect balance between modern style and performance-driven practicality. The dark finish of the wheels, accented by sharp red details, adds a dash of excitement, amplifying the car's sporty character. Those red highlights aren’t just for show—they tie into the car’s overall theme of subtle yet bold contrasts, making every detail pop without overwhelming the design.

Then there’s the lighting, which takes the sleekness to another level. Up front, the ultra-thin LED headlights are seamlessly integrated into the body, giving the car a sharp, focused look that’s both futuristic and aggressive. The rear lights follow suit with a similarly minimalistic design, ensuring that every lighting element is as much a part of the car’s streamlined aesthetic as it is functional. These lights don’t just brighten the road—they elevate the entire design, making the car look fast even when it’s standing still.

The IED students' take on the Suzuki Cappuccino is nothing short of a bold, exhilarating glimpse into the future of lightweight sports cars. It masterfully blends the nostalgia of the original model with fresh, cutting-edge design trends, creating something truly special. The minimalist yet innovative interior keeps things clean and driver-focused, while the exterior is a fun mix of aggressive styling and playful charm. Every detail is crafted with the driver in mind, and this reimagined Cappuccino feels like a tribute to the joy of driving itself. It’s a nod to the past, but with a forward-thinking twist that could very well influence the future of roadsters. If this is where the next generation of sports cars is headed, we’re in for an exciting ride!