I tell you what...
That's a Suzuki motor...
Same one as in my Metro... I've owned 2 of them...
They are great little motors...
Sounds like they are using the same tranny and drivetrain too...
That is great combo... (the tranny shifts like butter)...
Rock solid reliable... easy to work on... (this may be the last car engine made that you can actually see the spark plugs)...
There are Metro's out there with 400k+ miles... with routine maintenance...
I don't even think about gas mileage or prices anymore...
I get 40+mpg no matter what...
If you can't afford an Elio... just find a used Metro for $1500 or so...
In 12 years,.. I've had 1 breakdown... (the airbox nut came loose, and bug got in and plugged the throttle body)...(that cost me a $80 tow, 3 days scratchin' my head, and $20 for my for my mechanic friend to fix in 5 minutes... I gave him $40 'cause I was embarrassed at not figuring it out myself)...
...
I'll stick with my Metro... seats 4... and I can haul 2x4"x8's inside...
It's a bit disappointing they didn't come up with some revolutionary engine...but,..
Why fix it, if it ain't broke?...
This engine's been around since the late 80's...
Time tested,.. just like our Savage...
...(the car I had before this... was a 69' Mustang 302, with modded Cleveland heads, and a 4 barrel with Edelbrock intake, and custom exhaust... I spent my weekends keeping it running)...
I don't even check my oil anymore... My Metro never uses any...