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2016 Ciazzi i-Flux GS - Form Over Function

Updated: Feb 17, 2023

Ciazzi's tiny kei-car pairs a understated but adorable quality design with only good functionality.

This is the Ciazzi i-Flux GS, for the 2016 model year, who's much more interesting that it's dark grey paint job is letting on.


Starting with the build quality, it's excellently put together, this compact car no notable seams, with relatively high detail inside and out. High craftsmanship all around. One could say the bodywork is slightly reminiscent of the Solara Yokomuki's, but that's a compliment, not a con. The design reflects this. With my default scale 1.0 avatar, half of the arm sticks out, as is standard for most automobiles. This design is cute, and really compact, but plays it mostly safe, being no nonsense and keeping things cool. The rims are great quality, and utterly adorable. They pretty much put together this car's look. While one could say it could be a little more experimental, the i-Flux's other trims exist for those who want things like a vibrant lime green out of the box.


The engine in the i-Flux GS is mostly realistic compared to what the vehicle actually is. The audios used are great and easy on the ears. Steering feels realistic, but acceleration feels a tiny bit too fast for complete realism, but is is actually a positive for the overall experience. But how is that tune in practice? Well, the Ciazzi is certainly fun to drive around the winding streets of Rungstad, being quick and very controllable, with a tight turning circle. The acceleration lends itself well to the car's size, and there's no notable issues in this department. Once again, it keeps things on Earth, but doesn't make driving it uninspiring.


Functionality-wise, is where things drop from great to only good. Working gauges, animated steering wheel, and the screen inside turns on and off with the car are all you get in this regard. It lacks openable doors and an animated shifter and pedals. The latter two are not as big as missing openable doors, but are nice to have. Missing working doors is built into the construction of the bodywork not supporting it, and while it is sad to not see here, it doesn't impact the overall experience greatly.

Overall, the 2016 Ciazzi i-Flux is a fun and memorable little kei car with looks you can get behind. While the acceleration seemed a little fast for a car of this caliber and compact stature, it could be perfectly fine, and the tune let the driving experience thrive, so even if it weren't realistic completely, it makes it better. The car does not go above and beyond with functionality, which if added could take this really good car and make it a great one.


This car is recommended to those who aren't interested in the more fancy or more stripped down variants and trims of the 2016 i-Flux, but are looking for a compact, cute, and relatively quick car that slots right in the middle between them all.

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