Ibishu Zignet – Japanese Market Import (TAZ Pack Expansion)

Lore

Ibishu, the original producer of the beloved Miramar model from the 1960s, decided to reintroduce it in Japan during the late 1980s. Rather than manufacturing locally, headquarters opted to import the Soviet Taz Mir (sold as Zignet in export markets). The vehicle had been improved with better insulation, improved heating, reinforced body, and softer suspension to endure Siberian winters and Russian roads. This was considered a strategic decision, as Japan's colder regions like Hokkaido presented a market for an affordable, reliable, and durable vehicle. Sales began in September 1988.

The imported models featured the 1986 restyling and offered two petrol engines: a carbureted 1.3L and an injected 1.5L, both reinforced with heavy-duty components. Following Japanese market practices, multiple trim levels were available. Only the sedan body style was offered. A five-speed manual gearbox and new trims were added in November 1988, with a Sport version featuring an upgraded 1.5L engine debuting in February 1989.

The Zignet was sold through Ibishu dealerships, marketed on its reliability, toughness, low acquisition and maintenance costs, and appeal to nostalgic buyers. Despite these selling points, sales reached barely 3,000 units, and imports ended in February 1990. The vehicle could not compete with more modern domestic designs.

Most units were sold in Hokkaido, with some used as taxis—one served in Tomakomai until 2009. Original running units are virtually nonexistent today. An estimated 150-200 surviving examples have been retrofitted with Miramar engines and parts, making them members of the Ibishu Miramar Car Club of Japan.

• Taxi Version – Available in two configurations: running condition and semi-abandoned condition

• Mira-Restored – Restomod configuration featuring Miramar drivetrain, SPFI, and power steering

• Eurus Coupe – Heavily modified version with twin-turbo rotary engine, coupe bodywork, Konela suspension, quick-ratio steering, and reupholstered interior

Update Additions

• Headlight wipers switch added to Super Custom configurations

• Redesigned textures for interior chrome/aluminum inserts, rear window chrome reveal, and rear side vents

• Basic versions feature all-plastic interior and plastic trim instead of chrome

• Sport variant features red door panel inserts

• Rear door panels without armrests for Standard model

• Latin characters on instrumentation

• TAZ logo added to dogdish, Nivera, and Zelco hubcaps, and mudflaps

• Standard steel 13" wheels available in silver

• Trunk badge identification for each trim level

• Compatibility with Miramar SOHC engines (1.6L and 1.9L), transmissions (manual and automatic), and 3.70 final drive for restomod versions

• Tomakomai taxi skin with taxi signal and driver-operated rear left door

Important Notes

• Modified textures do not replace originals, ensuring compatibility with the base TAZ mod

• New parts are identified in the vehicle configuration menu as "JDM"

• For proper functionality, the following mods are required:

  • TAZ Pack

  • TAZ Pack Small Addon

Recommendations

For added realism, Japanese license plates are recommended, such as those from Stars' Japanese License Plates mod.

Known Bugs

No known bugs at present. Issues can be reported to the author.

Maps Featured in Screenshots

• Tokyo's Shuto Expressway

• Kamurocho

• Automation Test Track

• Showroom

• Irohazaka Pass

• Shomaru Pass

• Nagao Pass

Credits

• ryancookie – TAZ Pack mod

• kristensen2121 – TAZ Add-on

• Origami Japan – No Smoking sign for taxi skin

• modeewy25 – Modified textures, trim badges, restomod engines, taxi skin

• BeamNG – Game assets