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Suzuki Sidekick

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Suzuki Sidekick
Suzuki Escudo
Automotive industry
CAMI Automotive
Also calledSuzuki Sidekick
Suzuki Vitara
Geo/Chevrolet Tracker
Mazda Proceed Levante
Production1989–2003
AssemblyHamamatsu, Japan
Ingersoll, Ontario, Canada
Linares, Jaén, Andalusia, Spain
Kosai, Shizuoka, Japan
Predecessor
Successor(Sidekick)
Chevrolet Equinox (Tracker)
Pontiac Aztek (Sunrunner)
Car classificationMini SUV
Car body style2-door SUV
2-door Convertible
4-door SUV
Automobile layoutFront-engine design, Rear-wheel drive / Four-wheel drive

The Suzuki Escudo (known as Sidekick in North America and Vitara in Europe, the Philippines and Australia, as well as North America after 1999) was a small Off-road vehicle produced from 1989-2004. The North America version was produced as a joint venture between Suzuki and General Motors known as CAMI Automotive. The vehicle was a follow-up to the popular Suzuki SJ413 and Samurai. Also, this vehicle, while sold in North America, was designed to slot above the Samurai. A larger version is also made, known as the Suzuki Grand Escudo (known as Grand Vitara XL-7 in other markets).

General Motors rebadges

The Sidekick was sold in various badges such as the Geo Tracker (Chevrolet Tracker after 1998) in the United States, and as the GMC Tracker, Chevrolet Tracker, Asüna Sunrunner and Pontiac Sunrunner in Canada. It was also sold as the Santana 300 and Santana 350 in Spain. In the Japan home market, it was variously sold also with Mazda badge. The 1st Generation Escudo was sold in Mexico as the Chevrolet Vitara. The 2nd Generation is currently sold in Mexico and Brazil as the Chevrolet Tracker, as the Chevrolet Grand Vitara in other Central and South American countries, while in Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay and Chile is sold as the Suzuki Grand Vitara.

First generation (1989-1998)

First generation
Also calledSuzuki Vitara
Suzuki Sidekick
Geo/Chevrolet Tracker
GMC Tracker
Asuna/Pontiac Sunrunner
Chevrolet Vitara/Grand Vitara
Mazda Proceed Levante
Production1989-1998
Internal combustion engine1.8L 120 hp (89 kW) Straight-4
1.3L 64 hp (48 kW) Straight-4
1.6L 80 hp (60 kW) Straight-4
1.6L 95 hp (71 kW) Straight-4
Transmission (mechanics)3-speed Automatic transmission
4-speed Automatic transmission
5-speed Manual transmission
Wheelbase2-Door: 86.6 in (2200 mm)
4-Door: 97.6 in (2479 mm)
Length2-Door: 143.7 in (3650 mm) (1996-98)
142.5 in (3620 mm) (1989-1995)
4-Door: 158.7 in (4031 mm)
4-Door Sport: 162.4 in (4125 mm)
Width2-Door: 65.2 in (1656 mm) (1996-98)
64.2 in (1631 mm) (1989-1995)
4-Door: 64.4 in (1636 mm)
4-Door Sport: 66.7 in (1694 mm)
Height2-Door: 64.3 in (1633 mm) (2WD, 1992-93 & 1996-98)
65.6 in (1666 mm) (1989-1991)
65.1 in (1654 mm) (4WD, 1992-93 & 1996-98)
64.4 in (1636 mm) (2WD 1994-95)
65.2 in (1656 mm) (4WD 1994-95)
4-Door: 65.7 in (1669 mm) (2WD)
66.5 in (1689 mm) (4WD)
66.3 in (1684 mm) (Sport)
Related
Suzuki LJ80

The original 1989 North America Sidekick was available as a 2-door Convertible or Hardtop, in 1.3 liter JA and more powerful 4-wheel-drive JX & JLX trims. An 80 hp (60 kW) 1.6 liter, 8-valve, 4-cylinder engine was available on the JX & JLX. 1990 brought the deletion of the upscale JLX version. In 1991, a 4-door Sidekick with a lengthened Wheelbase was introduced and the following year a 95 hp (71 kW), 1.6 liter, 16-valve engine was introduced. 1991 also brought the introduction of rear Antilock brakes. The original Sidekick was updated in 1996 with a new Sport version available with 120 hp (89 kW), 1.8 liter 16-valve 4-cylinder engine. The Sport also had dual Airbag, 2-tone paint and 16″ Alloy wheels.

In 1996, Suzuki introduced the Suzuki X-90 which was mechanically identical to the Sidekick but had a much rounder body, a trunk, and removable T-bar roof. The Suzuki X-90 disappeared from Suzuki’s lineup after the 1998 model year. The Sport variant was replaced by the Grand Vitara in 1999.

In Spain, production went on at Suzuki’s partner Santana Motors with the Vitara nameplate. After a facelift in 2005 the name was changed to Santana 300/350.

In Australia, there were two models available. The Vitara JX and the Vitara JLX. The JLX featured mainly with powered windows. Both versions featured the 1.6 Litre engine. In May 1997, Suzuki introduced the 1995 cc 2.0 Litre 4 Valves/Cylinder Double Overhead Cam engine with both soft top and hardtop 3 door models. This engine was rated at 97 kW (130 hp) @ 6300 rpm. At the same time the 5 door models received the 1998 cc 2.0 litre V6. Engine power rated for the 5 door V6 models was at 100 kW (134 hp) @ 6500 rpm. The 1.6 litre variant for the 3 door models were named the Suzuki Vitara Rebel. All models in Australia were sold as four wheel drives.

The naming scheme, engines and trim options available in Chile, closely follow that of the Australian market. In 1998, there became available models featuring 1.9 litre Turbodiesel engines from Renault, built in Spain by Santana Motors, all of them were 4WD vehicles, but there were no automatic transmissions available. Since 2001, all diesel 1st Gen Vitaras are to be imported from Argentina, built by General Motors in Argentina, featuring 1.9 litre HDI engines from PSA Peugeot Citroen, all of them with 5-speed mechanic transmissions, while automatic transmissions are only available with Japanese built models with gasoline.

Second generation (1999-2003)

Second generation
Also calledSuzuki Grand Vitara
Chevrolet Tracker
Chevrolet Grand Vitara
Mazda Proceed Levante
Production1999-2004
Internal combustion engine1.6L 97 hp (72 kW) Straight-4
2.0L 127 hp (95 kW) Straight-4
Transmission (mechanics)4-speed Automatic transmission
5-speed Manual transmission
Wheelbase2-Door: 86.6 in (2200 mm)
4-Door: 97.6 in (2479 mm)
Length2-Door: 151.6 in (2000-01 JS)
152 in
151.8 in (2000-01 JX)
4-Door: 163 in (4140.2 mm)
Width67.3 in (1709 mm)
Height2-Door: 65.7 in (2000-01 JS)
66.1 in (2000-01 JLS)
66.5 in (2000-01 JX & JLX)
4-Door: 68 in (2000-01 JS & JLS)
68.5 in (2000-01 JX & JLX)
2-Door & 4-Door: 65 in (2002-03 2WD)
65.8 in (2002-03 4WD)
RelatedSuzuki XL-7

The Escudo/Vitara was redesigned in 1999, and the Sidekick name was dropped in North America, using the Vitara name instead. It was a 4-seater which in Europe featured 1.3 L, 1.6 L and 1.8 L Straight-4 Gasoline engine available with Carburator or Electronic fuel injection. 16 valve engines 1.8 Liter and a 2.0 liter V6Diesel engine were also available in Europe. The Vitara was available with 4- and 5-speed Manual transmission, as well as Automatic transmission, and in hardtop 2- or 4-door models or soft-top 2-door models:

In America, the regular Vitara (not grand vitara) was available with a 1.6 and 2.0 four cylinder, with the vast majority of 1.6 liter motors being found in the two door variants and the 2.0 in the four door versions. A 2.5 liter v6 was also available, which became standard in 2004. All were available with manual transmissions or four wheel drive, via a manual transfer case. Vitara was not discontinued in 2003; production continued in the existing body style until 2005 in the existing body style and continues in an updated body style to the present under the Grand Vitara name. The Vitara was the last compact SUV sold in the US to retain a body on frame construction until 2006 when Suzuki phased it out for the newer unibody Grand Vitara.

The four Chevy tracker shared the platform with the vitara from 1999-2004 and though the two are cosmetically nearly identical, there are many differences in the wiring, color combinations, wheels and tires, switchgear, and other technical details. The two door trackers also shared the two door vitara body style for some years.

Competition special

Suzuki used a specially built spaceframe racing car for Hillclimb races with a bodyshell to resemble the Escudo. This race car was specially tuned with 987 Horsepower and Four wheel drive, sporting huge Aerodynamic aids. It was entered by Suzuki in a number of Japanese events in the late-1990s, where it beat most of the competition. [1]

The car regularly takes part in the Pikes Peak International Hillclimb, driven by Nobuhiro Tajima and is identifiable by its large rear wing and red paintjob. The car is referred to as the Pikes Peak Edition in the Gran Turismo videogames, although that name has never been used by Suzuki.

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Suzuki Cultus

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Suzuki Cultus

The Suzuki Cultus is a supermini first presented at the 25th Tokyo Motor Show, formally introduced to the Japanese domestic market in 1983 and ultimately manufactured in seven countries across three generations and marketed worldwide under more than a dozen nameplates — prominently as the Geo Metro and Suzuki Swift.

Offered across its lifespan in four body-style variations with engines from the Suzuki G engine family, the Cultus remains in production both in China and Pakistan.

The name Cultus derives from the Latin cultus, meaning “care” or “adoration.”

Suzuki Cultus
Suzuki Swift 4door red vl.jpg
ManufacturerFlag of Japan Suzuki Motor Corporation
Production1983–present
Successor(Japan)
ClassSupermini
Subcompact
B-segment
Manual

Generations

Generation I

The first generation of the Cultus was designed and developed by Suzuki for the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) and introduced as the 1983 SA310, the name shortly thereafter changed to Cultus. After GM and Suzuki formed an alliance in 1981,[1] GM imported the Cultus as a captive import, introducing it to the North American market as the 1985 Chevrolet/Geo Sprint.

Generation I
Chevrolet/Geo Sprint Turbo
Also calledSuzuki SA-310/SA-413

Suzuki Cultus



Production1983–1988
AssemblyFlag of Japan Hamamatsu, Japan
Flag of Colombia Bogotá, Colombia
Body style(s)3-door hatchback
5-door hatchback
LayoutFF layout
Wheelbase3-Door: 2245 mm (88.4 in)
5-Door: 2345 mm (92.3 in)
Length3-Door: 3585 mm (141.1 in)
Export: 3670 mm (144.5 in)
5-Door: 3685 mm (145.1 in)
Export: 3770 mm (148.4 in)
Width1530 mm (60.2 in)
Export: 1545 mm (60.8 in)
Height1350 mm (53.1 in)
Curb weight620 kg (1367 lb)-750 kg (1653 lb)

Suzuki Cultus Generation I:

Nameplate Market Body 1983-1988 Suzuki Cultus Japan 3/5 a. 1985-1988 Suzuki Forsa Canada 3/5 b. 1985-1988 N. America 3/5 c. 1987-2004 Colombia 5 d. 1985-1988 Canada 3/5

3= 3-dr hatchback
5= 5-dr hatchback
a. Initially marketed as the SA-310
b. Also Hawaii, Guam, N. Marianas and test marketing USA 48 states.
c. Canada’s “Chevrolet” Sprint model ran through 1991
d. Manufactured at GM Colmotores, Bogotá, Colombia

Generation II

The second generation, introduced in 1989, had been designed at GM’s Technical Center in Warren, Michigan, and was designated the GM M platform. Equipped with engines and drivetrains developed by Suzuki, The second generation offered new styling and four wheel independent strut suspension.

The first European Generation II model was a “Suzuki Swift” manufactured in September 1992 in Esztergom, Hungary. Updates in 1996 followed, and model year 2000 modifications included a version fitted with a Suzuki 4 wheel drive system and badged as the Subaru Justy. The last modifications were made on the European Gen II from model year 2002 but only for the Hungarian market. The production of the 3-dr models ended in September 2002. In the same year, in December, the 4dr sedan version was also discontinued. The last variation was a 5dr version in March 2003.

Generation II of the Cultus remains in production today in China and Pakistan.

Generation I
Chevrolet/Geo Sprint Turbo
Also calledSuzuki SA-310/SA-413

Suzuki Cultus



Production1983–1988
AssemblyFlag of Japan Hamamatsu, Japan
Flag of Colombia Bogotá, Colombia
Body style(s)3-door hatchback
5-door hatchback
LayoutFF layout
Wheelbase3-Door: 2245 mm (88.4 in)
5-Door: 2345 mm (92.3 in)
Length3-Door: 3585 mm (141.1 in)
Export: 3670 mm (144.5 in)
5-Door: 3685 mm (145.1 in)
Export: 3770 mm (148.4 in)
Width1530 mm (60.2 in)
Export: 1545 mm (60.8 in)
Height1350 mm (53.1 in)
Curb weight620 kg (1367 lb)-750 kg (1653 lb)

Suzuki Cultus Generation II, GM M platform:

Nameplate Market Body
1989-1994 Suzuki Swift N. America 3/4
1985-2004 Suzuki Swift Europe 5 a.
1991-2004 Chevrolet Swift Colombia 3/4 b.
1989-1994 Canada all
1989-1994 Geo Metro N. America 2/3/5 c.
1988–1994 Holden Barina Australia 3/5 d.
1990–1994 Maruti Suzuki 1000 India 4
1995–2007 Maruti Suzuki Esteem India 4
1995–2003 Subaru Justy Europe 3/5 e.
19– 2008 Suzuki Cultus Pakistan 5 f.
19– 2007 Chang’an Suzuki Lingyang China 4

2= 2-dr convertible
3= 3-dr hatchback
4= 4-dr sedan
5= 5-dr hatchback

un = unknown
a. Manufactured at Magyar Suzuki
b. Imported to Colombia
c. Geo branded models in US after 1989, in Canada after 1992
d. MF, MH: only generations of ‘Cultus-derived’ Barina
e. Justy JMA/MS, manufactured at Magyar Suzuki
f. Manufactured at Paksuzuki

Safety
US Generation II models received the following NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program ratings:

  • Front Impact, Driver:  Safety Concern: High likelihood of thigh injury
  • Front Impact, Passenger: 

Generation III

Generation III
Chevrolet Metro sedan
Also calledGeo Metro (1995-97)
Chevrolet Metro (1998-2001)
Pontiac Firefly
Suzuki Swift
Production1995–2000
AssemblyFlag of CanadaIngersoll, Ontario, Canada
Body style(s)3-door hatchback
4-door sedan
LayoutFF layout
PlatformM platform
Engine(s)1.0L 55 hp (41 kW) I3
1.3L 70 hp (52 kW) I4
1.3L 79 hp (59 kW) I4
Transmission(s)5-speed manual
3-speed automatic
Wheelbase93.1 in (2365 mm)
Length149.4 in (3795 mm) (Hatchback)
164.0 in (4166 mm) (Sedan)
Width62.6 in (1590 mm)
Height54.7 in (1389 mm) (Hatchback)
55.4 in (1407 mm) (Sedan)
Fuel capacity10.6 US gal (40.1 L; 8.8 imp gal)

The third generation of the Cultus was introduced in 1995 as a 3-door hatchback and 4-door sedan — using an adaptation of the longer wheelbase platform from Generation II for both body configurations. Also designed at GM’s Technical Center and built on the GM M platform with drivetrains developed by Suzuki, Generation III models were marketed only in North America, carrying the nameplates Geo Metro (later re-branded the Chevrolet Metro), Pontiac Firefly and Suzuki Swift — and sourced only from CAMI Automotive. Production ended after model year 2001.

Comparison of Generation III/II 3-door hatchback interior dimensions:

Gen III Gen II
Front Headroom (in.) 39.10 37.80
Rear Headroom (in.) 36.00 36.50
Front Legroom (in.) 42.50 42.50
Rear Legroom (in.) 32.80 29.8

The third generation featured two engines, a revised 1.3L 4-cylinder engine (with hydraulic lifters and lash adjusters, and a 30,000-mile service interval[2]) and a 1.0L 3-cylinder engine. Suzuki Swifts were available with only the revised 4-cylinder. The hatchback body configuration featured a three-inch lower liftover height compared to the Generation II model,[2] more in keeping with the liftover height of the Generation I models. Safety equipment included optional anti-lock brakes, safety cage construction with deformable front and rear crush zones and five structural crossbars engineered to spread side impact loads throughout the car’s structure,[2] steel side impact door safety beams,[3] and daytime running lights (the Generation III Metro was the first GM car to offer DRLs), and dual frontal airbags. A new, one-piece instrument panel was mounted to one of the five crossmembers (internally called the “bazooka bar”) with a new, full seal filling the gap between the instrument panel and the dash.[2] The sedan and coupe chassis were 20% and 5% stiffer respectively than the previous generation 5-door and coupe Metros,[2] and at the time of its introduction, the Metro was the smallest car in the world to meet the impending 1997 North American side impact standards.[2] The revised sedan was also introduced in the United States, replacing the 5-door hatchback. The Generation III featured a coefficient of drag of .32.[3]

At the time of the Generation III introduction, 41% of Metro buyers are first-car buyers, 62% of the buyers were female, and the median age of a Metro buyer was 37.[2]

Suzuki Cultus Generation III, GM M platform:

Nameplate Market Body
1995-2001 Suzuki Swift N. America 3
1995-2001 Pontiac Firefly Canada 3/4
1995-1997 Geo Metro N. America 3/4
1998-2001 Chevrolet Metro USA 3/4

3= 3-dr hatchback
4= 4-dr sedan

Safety

US Generation III models received the following NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program ratings:

  • Front Impact, Driver: 
  • Front Impact, Passenger: 

Test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 4 = 10-20%

Awards

The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) named the Generation III Chevrolet Metro and Suzuki Swift as the top two gasoline-fueled vehicles within their Top 12 Greenest Vehicles in 1998 and 1999. ACEEE assigns a Green Score to each vehicle make and model sold in the US, based on the vehicles’ exhaust emissions, fuel economy and other specifications.

Generation IV(non-Cultus)

The fourth generation, marketed solely as the Suzuki Swift, differs substantially from the previous Cultus-based generations. Generation IV debuted at the Paris Auto Salon in September 2004 to compete in the European B segment with the Peugeot 206, Opel Corsa and the Fiat Punto. This generation of the Swift marked a significant departure with the previous Cultus-based models, with Suzuki re-designing the vehicle from an entry level subcompact to a “sporty” subcompact.

Nameplate Market Body
2004-present Suzuki Swift Japan, Europe, Oceana 3/5

Marketing: Japan

The Suzuki Cultus developed through Generation II in Japan, and was superseded by the Cultus Crescent — a larger offspring of the Cultus.

Cultus

The first Cultus was introduced to the JDM initially under the nameplate SA-310 in 1983 as either a 3 or 5-door hatchback with two possible petrol engines from the G family: a three cylinder powerplant with 993 cc, and a four cylinder version with 1324 cc. Power ranged from 60 PS JIS (44 kW) to 75 PS (55 kW). Manual and automatic transmissions were available. A turbocharged version of the smaller engine was later introduced, with power raised to 80 PS (59 kW), and 165/70 HR12 tyres.

The Cultus was slightly restyled in 1986, adopting a new front end, with redesigned grille, headlights and bumper. Engine power was slightly detuned on the 1.0 L and 1.3 L model, and the Cultus Turbo was joined by a more powerful sports version, the Cultus GTi. This featured a new Twin Cam 16v variant of the 1.3 L engine, with 1298 cc, thanks to a shorter stroke (75.5 mm, down from the previous 77 mm), fuel injection and 97 PS (71 kW). Production of the Cultus’ first generation stopped in 1988.

The Generation II was introduced in 1988 with similar dimensions and but redesigned to make better use of the cargo area and cabin space. Like its predecessor, the new Cultus was available as a 3- or 5-door hatchback, and was powered by G-series engines from 1.0 L to 1.3 L. However, this last one had adopted an SOHC 16-valve arrangement, with standard fuel injection. Power was 58 PS (43 kW) and 82 PS (60 kW) arrangement. For the first time, 4WD was optional on the larger engine.

The Cultus GTi was now much more powerful, reaching 115 PS JIS (85 kW) with updated version of the previous GTi engine: the G13B engine that had higher compression pistons (11.5:1 compression ratio), tubular exhaust headers, a tubular intake manifold, larger camshafts and a reprogrammed ECU. Some models of the Cultus GTi were also available with all-wheel drive.

More well outfitted versions were the Cultus Ellesse (which included automatic air conditioning, central locking, power windows and adjustable steering wheel) and the Esteem, a sedan version. The Esteem featured a larger 1.5 L engine, capable of reaching 91 PS (67 kW), and it was available with optional 4WD. The equipment was the same as the Cultus Ellesse.

In 1992, Suzuki introduced a two-seat convertible, based on the hatchback body — and dropped shortly thereafter.

Japanese Domestic Market Internal Designations

  • 1983~1988 AA41S
  • 1986~1988 A43S,AB43S,AA53S,AB53S,AA33S,AB33S,AA43V
  • 1988~1998 AA34S,AA44S,AB34S,AB44S
  • 1992~1993 AK34S, Cultus Convertible

Cultus Crescent

See also: Suzuki Esteem

The Suzuki Cultus and Cultus Crescent were two distinct but related models sold in Japan by Suzuki — with the Cultus Crescent eventually superseding the Cultus.

The Cultus Crescent was introduced in the Japanese market in 1995 sharing the same platform and many components from the Cultus — with a chassis stretched by 10 cm (4 in) and completely different styling.

The Cultus Crescent was available initially in two body variants, a 3-door hatchback and a 4-door saloon. Suzuki continued to use the SOHC 16-valve G-family engines, in 1.3 L and 1.5 L form, with power ranging from 85 PS (63 kW) to 97 PS (71 kW). The larger engine was the only one available in the sedan. In 1996, with the introduction of the Cultus Crescent Wagon, Suzuki’s first station wagon, the 1.5 L remained base model, and 4WD was offered with the 1.6 L variant, basically the same engine as found in the Suzuki Escudo, with power raised to 115 PS (85 kW). A sports variant, dubbed GT, used Mazda’s 1840 cc BP engine, with 135 PS (99 kW).

In 1998, the base Cultus/Swift was no longer marketed in Japan, and Suzuki dropped the “Crescent” name. The larger model was now simply called Cultus, and received new front end styling. The 1.6 L 4WD variant was extended to the rest of the lineup, but not the 1.8 L engine, which was only available in the other bodies other than the wagon in export markets. The Cultus remained in production in Japan until 2002, after a year of overlapping with its replacement, the larger and entirely new Aerio.

Production of the Cultus began in other countries and was available in developing markets such as India as the Maruti Suzuki Baleno til production ceased in 2007 to make way for the Suzuki SX4. Elsewhere internationally, the larger Cultus Crescent was marketed as the Suzuki Baleno and Esteem.See also: Suzuki History of Cultus

Marketing: Global

The Cultus grouping of vehicles has been marketed in Asia, North America, South America, Australia, and Europe. Vehicles from the Cultus family were never formally markted in New Zealand but were imported and sold on the secondary market.

Suzuki Forsa

The Suzuki Forsa was a version of the Generation I Suzuki Cultus — marketed in Ecuador, Chile, Canada and the USA (minimally) from 1985 to 1988 — with Suzuki offering the supermini with either a carbureted 1.0 L inline-3 cylinder or fuel injected 1.0 L inline 3 cylinder turbocharged engine. The Forsa was virtually identical to the vehicles marketed in North America as the Chevrolet Sprint and the Pontiac Firefly.

Suzuki did not initially market the Forsa on the US mainland, but rather only in Hawaii, Guam and the Northern Marianas. An undetermined number of Forsa models were imported to the U.S. mainland to test the commercial viability of a supermini in the US.

As a record of US marketing of the Forsa, listings at the EPA Fuel Mileage Site carry the 1985 model as the Suzuki SA310 (the original JDM name for the Cultus, Forsa and Swift), no listing for 1986 — and both the Forsa and Forsa Turbo for 1987 and 1988. Suzuki then changed the name from Forsa to Swift with 1989 North American sales.

Suzuki Swift (North America)

Cars of three distinct derivations have carried the Swift nameplate:

  • Generations I, II, III: a supermini that began as an export nameplate of the Japanese domestic market Suzuki Cultus. (This article)
  • Generation IV: the current JDM, Europe and Oceana generation, a significant departure from the previous models, marketed solely under the nameplate “Swift”. See: Suzuki Swift Generation IV
  • Canadian Swift+: the current Canada-only generation marketed under the Swift+ nameplate — a sibling of the Daewoo Kalos family. See: Daewoo Kalos

Generation I Swift Following 1985-1988 sales of the Forsa, Suzuki changed the nameplate to Suzuki Swift. The Swift was available as a GTi and GLX hatchback with a 4-door sedan following in 1990 — imported from Japan. The Swift nameplate evolved through the three Cultus generations. After production of the North American Metro, Swift and Firefly ended, Suzuki developed the Generation IV Swift, a distinctly new model, currently for Japan, Europe and Oceana.

The Swift featured a 993 cc inline three cylinder engine producing 50 hp (37 kW). The G10 engine weighed 63 kg (139 lb) and the suspension derived from the Suzuki Alto. Other engine configurations included a carbureted or fuel injected turbocharged 1.0 litre, 3 cylinder (G10) engine and a carbureted or fuel injected 1.3 litre G13. Trim levels included the 1.0 GA and the 1.0 GL. The GA model included plastic wheelcovers, 5-speed gearbox and cloth trim. The GL model included more equipment such as a 5-speed gearbox, alloy wheels, a sunroof, and air conditioning in some markets.

With Generation I, Suzuki marketed the Swift GTi with the G13B engine — a DOHC 16 valve, 1.3 L, in-line 4-cylinder engine with an aluminum block and cylinder head, forged steel crankshaft and connecting rods, and cast aluminum high compression pistons (10:1 compression ratio). Its power output is 101 hp (70 kW). The Generation I Swift GTi was available in European and Asia-Pacific markets.

Generation II Swift The Generation II (AA44S series) was available with a 1.0 liter 3-cylinder with a power output of 53 hp (39 kW), 1.3 liter 4-cylinder, and 1.6 liter 4-cylinder engines. The higher powered Swift GTi had an improved G13B engine which featured hollow camshafts, stronger web casting on the engine block, a better flowing intake manifold (the prior generation intake manifold had its shape compromised to fit into the engine bay), and its ECU now had electronic control over ignition timing. It now put out 100 hp (74 kW) of power. The Swift GTi also featured all wheel disc brakes.

The Generation II Swift was first marketed in North America in two trim levels in 1989; 3-door GTi and 5-door GLX. The GTi name was changed to GT in 1990 because of an out-of-court settlement with Volkswagen of America over their similarly named GTI. The GTi/GT had a 1.3 liter, twin cam 100 hp (70 kW) 16-valve 4-cylinder engine while the GLX had a single cam 8-valve version of the same engine. The 1.0 liter 3-cylinder was never available in North America in the Swift except for Canada where it was sold from 1992 to 1994. In 1990, the GLX was dropped; an inexpensive GA 3-door was added as were a GA, GL and GS 4-door sedan.

The Generation II received a modest restyle and other production changes in 1992, including changes to the bumpers, tail lights and interior. GT/GTi versions were equipped with larger sway-bars, and the camshafts were now solid. Power output remained the same at 100 hp (70 kW). Production for the North American market ended in 1994.

  • Suzuki Forsa, Gen I
  • Suzuki Swift, Gen II

Generation III Swift From 1995 onward, the North American-exclusive Suzuki Swift was built at CAMI Automotive, receiving all the modifications of its Pontiac and Geo/Chevrolet siblings — only in the 3-dr body style, however.For Generation IV, see Suzuki SwiftFor the current Canadian Suzuki Swift+, see Daewoo Kalos

Chevrolet Sprint

The Chevrolet Sprint was sold in the United States and Canada, with GM continuing to market the Chevette until 1987 alongside the Sprint. In the 1988 model year, the naturally-aspirated hatchback was named the Chevrolet Sprint Metro.

The “Sprint” and “Sprint Metro” differed in their engines, though both were computer controlled carb systems. From 1985 to 1988, the carbureted 1.0 L 3-cylinder engine used a hemispherical head design. Later, fuel injection required the cylinder head for 1989 be redesigned to add the additional cooling required, reducing gas mileage.

The Sprint was originally offered in parts of the western US for the 1985 model year; subsequently Chevrolet marketed the Sprint across North America. All models were initially 3-dr hatchbacks. Starting in 1986, a five-door hatchback version was offered, called the Sprint Plus. That year, another model called the Sprint ER was offered that included a few extra features, such as an “upshift” light to indicate the ideal speed to shift to the next highest gear on manual transmission models. Although air conditioning was offered in all years, the three-speed automatic transmission wasn’t offered until 1986. All models featured front-wheel drive and 12-inch tires.

Turbocharged versions of the 1.0 L 3-cylinder engine were available in the Turbo Sprint from 1987 to 1990 (1987-1988 in U.S.). Colors were limited to red, white and blue for the Turbo Sprint. The corresponding Suzuki was not turbocharged; instead, it used a 1.3 L 4-cylinder engine.

Colombia
The name “Chevette Sprint” was considered before calling the Colombia model (Generation I) the “Chevrolet Sprint” — to distinguish it from the Opel knock down kits imported to Brazil.[7] When presented on 7 October 1986, the Sprint caused a sensation.[7] Slight modifications were made in 1987, including increasing the wheel sizes from 12″ to 13″ and the Sprint remained in production virtually unchanged til 2004 — with a production of 70,848.[7] Import models of Generation II models were imported from 1991 til 2004 and called the Chevrolet Swift.[7]

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Suzuki Escudo

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Suzuki Escudo

The Suzuki Escudo (known as Sidekick in North America and Vitara in Europe, the Philippines and Australia, as well as North America after 1999) was a small Off-road vehicle produced from 1989-2004. The North America version was produced as a joint venture between Suzuki and General Motors known as CAMI Automotive. The vehicle was a follow-up to the popular Suzuki SJ413 and Samurai. Also, this vehicle, while sold in North America, was designed to slot above the Samurai. A larger version is also made, known as the Suzuki Grand Escudo (known as Grand Vitara XL-7 in other markets).

General Motors rebadges

The Sidekick was sold in various badges such as the Geo Tracker (Chevrolet Tracker after 1998) in the United States, and as the GMC Tracker, Chevrolet Tracker, Asüna Sunrunner and Pontiac Sunrunner in Canada. It was also sold as the Santana 300 and Santana 350 in Spain. In the Japan home market, it was variously sold also with Mazda badge. The 1st Generation Escudo was sold in Mexico as the Chevrolet Vitara. The 2nd Generation is currently sold in Mexico and Brazil as the Chevrolet Tracker, as the Chevrolet Grand Vitara in other Central and South American countries, while in Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay and Chile is sold as the Suzuki Grand Vitara.

First generation (1989-1998)

The original 1989 North America Sidekick was available as a 2-door Convertible or Hardtop, in 1.3 liter JA and more powerful 4-wheel-drive JX & JLX trims. An 80 hp (60 kW) 1.6 liter, 8-valve, 4-cylinder engine was available on the JX & JLX. 1990 brought the deletion of the upscale JLX version. In 1991, a 4-door Sidekick with a lengthened Wheelbase was introduced and the following year a 95 hp (71 kW), 1.6 liter, 16-valve engine was introduced. 1991 also brought the introduction of rear Antilock brakes. The original Sidekick was updated in 1996 with a new Sport version available with 120 hp (89 kW), 1.8 liter 16-valve 4-cylinder engine. The Sport also had dual Airbag, 2-tone paint and 16″ Alloy wheels.

In 1996, Suzuki introduced the Suzuki X-90 which was mechanically identical to the Sidekick but had a much rounder body, a trunk, and removable T-bar roof. The Suzuki X-90 disappeared from Suzuki’s lineup after the 1998 model year. The Sport variant was replaced by the Grand Vitara in 1999.

In Spain, production went on at Suzuki’s partner Santana Motors with the Vitara nameplate. After a facelift in 2005 the name was changed to Santana 300/350.

In Australia, there were two models available. The Vitara JX and the Vitara JLX. The JLX featured mainly with powered windows. Both versions featured the 1.6 Litre engine. In May 1997, Suzuki introduced the 1995 cc 2.0 Litre 4 Valves/Cylinder Double Overhead Cam engine with both soft top and hardtop 3 door models. This engine was rated at 97 kW (130 hp) @ 6300 rpm. At the same time the 5 door models received the 1998 cc 2.0 litre V6. Engine power rated for the 5 door V6 models was at 100 kW (134 hp) @ 6500 rpm. The 1.6 litre variant for the 3 door models were named the Suzuki Vitara Rebel. All models in Australia were sold as four wheel drives.

The naming scheme, engines and trim options available in Chile, closely follow that of the Australian market. In 1998, there became available models featuring 1.9 litre Turbodiesel engines from Renault, built in Spain by Santana Motors, all of them were 4WD vehicles, but there were no automatic transmissions available. Since 2001, all diesel 1st Gen Vitaras are to be imported from Argentina, built by General Motors in Argentina, featuring 1.9 litre HDI engines from PSA Peugeot Citroen, all of them with 5-speed mechanic transmissions, while automatic transmissions are only available with Japanese built models with gasoline engines.

Second generation (1999-2003)

The Escudo/Vitara was redesigned in 1999, and the Sidekick name was dropped in North America, using the Vitara name instead. It was a 4-seater which in Europe featured 1.3 L, 1.6 L and 1.8 L Straight-4 Gasoline engine available with Carburator or Electronic fuel injection. 16 valve engines 1.8 Liter and a 2.0 liter V6Diesel engine were also available in Europe. The Vitara was available with 4- and 5-speed Manual transmission, as well as Automatic transmission, and in hardtop 2- or 4-door models or soft-top 2-door models:

In America, the regular Vitara (not grand vitara) was available with a 1.6 and 2.0 four cylinder, with the vast majority of 1.6 liter motors being found in the two door variants and the 2.0 in the four door versions. A 2.5 liter v6 was also available, which became standard in 2004. All were available with manual transmissions or four wheel drive, via a manual transfer case. Vitara was not discontinued in 2003; production continued in the existing body style until 2005 in the existing body style and continues in an updated body style to the present under the Grand Vitara name. The Vitara was the last compact SUV sold in the US to retain a body on frame construction until 2006 when Suzuki phased it out for the newer unibody Grand Vitara.

The four Chevy tracker shared the platform with the vitara from 1999-2004 and though the two are cosmetically nearly identical, there are many differences in the wiring, color combinations, wheels and tires, switchgear, and other technical details. The two door trackers also shared the two door vitara body style for some years.

Competition special

Suzuki used a specially built spaceframe racing car for Hillclimb races with a bodyshell to resemble the Escudo. This race car was specially tuned with 987 Horsepower and Four wheel drive, sporting huge Aerodynamic aids. It was entered by Suzuki in a number of Japanese events in the late-1990s, where it beat most of the competition. [1]

The car regularly takes part in the Pikes Peak International Hillclimb, driven by Nobuhiro Tajima and is identifiable by its large rear wing and red paintjob. The car is referred to as the Pikes Peak Edition in the Gran Turismo videogames, although that name has never been used by Suzuki.

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Suzuki SV1000

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Suzuki SV1000

Often categorised as a sports-tourer class motorcycle, Suzuki’s SV1000 and half fairing-equipped brother the SV1000S, were first launched by Suzuki in 2003. The 996 cc 90-degree Suzuki V-twin motorcycles were aimed to compete directly with the Honda SuperHawk (also known as the Honda FireStorm in some markets), which was released prior to the Suzuki, and the low end Ducati 1 liter V-twin sport bikes. The SV1000 is the big brother to the popular 650 cc engined Suzuki SV650 motorcycle. The SV1000 shares many common parts with the SV650, including all bodywork (front fairing, fuel tank and rear plastics/subframe), but the main frame, handlebars, swingarm and forks are different. The front forks and brakes are sourced from the earlier GSXR600. The SV1000 owes some of its heritage to the Suzuki TL1000S (affectionately known as the “widow-maker”) from which it inherited its engine which was tuned for more mid-range and a little less top-end power.

Unlike the SuperHawk and its two huge 48 mm carburettors, the 2003 and up SV1000 is fuel injected and sports the Suzuki Dual-Throttle Valve technology. In 2004, the bike received revised ergonomics in the form of lower pegs and a slightly lower seat height, which are the same as the 2003 N model (unfaired). The 2005 and 2006 models got a slight bump in compression and a few other internal items, but mostly remains the same bike from 2003. The SV1000 and SV1000S are quality bikes for the money, and perform well for the majority of users – including some racers who compete in the US on both the SV650 and SV1000 models. Because of speed limits, many motorcyclists believe riders will likely never need more than the 105–115 hp that the SV1000 puts to the ground.

The relaxed manner in which the V-twin engine produces linear power allows a well-ridden SV650 or SV1000 to pass a faster bike on the track as notable victories in several endurance races can attest to.

The original SV1000 design (K3) has gone through two updates since its original release:

The K4 model – Includes a lowering of the rear-end (as per the 2003 unfaired version), and a new selection of colors.

The K5 model – Black frame, black wheels, shorter airbox trumpet, larger throttle bodies, and a higher compression ratio. In some markets, Suzuki carries the SZ version with full fairing and GSX-R colour scheme.

The K6 model – New selection of colours.

[Added June 2008] Neither 1000-engined bike sold well, even though the similar 650-engined bikes are award winners and very popular. Suzuki US stopped selling the SV1000 naked version in 2006, and by 2008 neither model was listed on the company’s global web site, although one or the other model is still listed on the US and UK sites.

When the SV1000s were first introduced, some of the engines developed a loud knocking whose precise cause was never announced by Suzuki. It was attributed sometimes to the engine firing on every other revolution instead of every revolution. However, in the UK, owners found that the crankshaft of knocking engines showed signs of excessive movement. Dealers there remedied the problem under warranty by replacing the crankcase bearing inserts with thicker ones, but dealers in the US did not.

Later engines had significant modifications and the knocking problem did not appear in them. The VStroms, which use the same engine, are still being sold. No failures of knocking engines have been reported on the major SV1000 web forums to date.

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