Mazda Laputa Overview: Generations, Specs and Which One to Buy
Overview of the Mazda Laputa micro car built from 2000 to 2005, with 55–64 hp versions across one generation and advice on which modification to pick.
The Mazda Laputa is a micro car produced from 2000 to 2005 in a single generation, with outputs from 55 to 64 hp. It suits drivers who need a compact city runabout with a tiny 0.7-liter engine, a choice of automatic or manual gearbox, and either front-wheel drive or 4x4 for extra traction.
Mazda Laputa generations
1 generation (2000–2005)
The first and only generation of the Mazda Laputa was built from 2000 to 2005 in a micro body and counts 6 modifications, spanning 55 to 64 hp. Buyers could choose between Automatic and Manual transmissions and between FWD and 4x4 drivetrains. The engines are small-displacement units of 657–658 cc. Notable versions include the Laputa 0.7 AT (60 hp) with 4x4, the top Laputa 0.7 AT (64 hp) with front-wheel drive, and the economical Laputa 0.7 AT (55 hp), also front-wheel drive.
Which Mazda Laputa to buy
- 0.7 AT (64 hp) (1 generation): the most powerful version of the model at 64 hp, combined with a modest 4.7 l/100 km fuel consumption and front-wheel drive.
- 0.7 AT (60 hp) (1 generation): the mass-market pick with 60 hp from its 658 cc engine and 4x4 drive — the choice if you want all-wheel traction with an automatic.
- 0.7 AT (55 hp) (1 generation): the most economical option at 4.4 l/100 km, with 55 hp from a 657 cc engine and front-wheel drive.
Since every Mazda Laputa comes from a single generation built between 2000 and 2005, there are no cross-generation differences to weigh when buying used — the choice comes down to drivetrain and power. The single-generation lineup with only 6 modifications also keeps the search simple, as all versions share the same 0.7-liter engine family.
Which Mazda Laputa to avoid
The numbers point at one dominated version: the Mazda Laputa 0.7 AT (55 hp) offers 9 hp less than the 0.7 AT (64 hp) with the same automatic gearbox and the same FWD layout, while the consumption gap is only 4.4 versus 4.7 l/100 km. Unless minimal fuel use is the sole priority, the 64 hp car does everything the 55 hp car does with a meaningful power advantage. The 4x4-equipped 0.7 AT (60 hp) is not dominated, since it is the only notable version offering all-wheel drive.