identification (incorporated in the VIN) EA11R. The sales launch of the Cappuccino was November 1991 in Japan, with the advertising theme: "fulfilling one's dream of owning a stylish and very affordable 2 seater sportscar". The first two years (1991–92) saw 15,113 cars produced with 13,318 (or 88% of production) sold in Japan. UK/EU version In 1991 Suzuki GB opened discussions with Suzuki Motor Corporation about launching the car in the United Kingdom and meeting the needs of British National Type Approval. After 18 months of negotiation and technical co-operation between SMC and SGB, the Suzuki Cappuccino type was approved and homologated, with 23 adaptations required for the vehicle to conform to British NTA. The work was performed at the Kosai Plant and at the Suzuki Import Centre. In October 1992, the Cappuccino's first public viewing outside Japan occurred at the British International Motor Show, where it won two IBCAM Design awards: Best Sportscar Under £20,000 and Best Car of the Show. In October 1993, the Cappuccino was officially launched in the UK, priced at £11,995. Due to the car's initial success in Japan, and the tight import quota of Japanese products to the UK, the original allocation of 1,500 cars was cut to 1,182. Such limited quantities dictated a streamlined colour choice: red and silver in the ratio 4:1. Between 1993–95, a total of 1,110 cars were registered in the UK, with the balance sold to other Suzuki distributors across Europe: Germany, France, the Netherlands and Sweden. Revised Cappuccino (EA21R) In 1995 tougher emission controls were set by the European Commission, which led to the unsold cars being registered by 30 September 1995; any unregistered after that date would have had to be re-homologated. Discussions took place between SMC and Suzuki distributors in Europe to assess and "value" the necessary changes for the Cappuccino to meet these new emission levels. The corporate decision was made not to proceed with a revised European version due to the vast expense involved and lack of economy of scale due to the limited production run. The later specification (EA21R), introduced in 1995, had new, lighter engine with chain-driven camshafts, slightly increased torque, lighter wheels and an optional 3-speed automatic transmission with power steering. Both EA11R and EA21R (MT only) versions had optional "high specification" BA variants, which came with an airbag for the driver, ABS on all four wheels, a limited-slip differential and (in