Cervo SS20 .28first generation.29 Suzuki Cervo

suzuki first company offer kei car in 1955. 1 interesting departure other kei cars fronte coupé introduced in september 1971. 2+2 (or strict 2-seater) giugiaro-designed mini gt based on rear-engine suzuki fronte, measuring mere 2,995 mm. used 359 cc two-stroke engine developing 31, 34 or 37 hp (35 in later models) depending on equipment level. fronte coupé discontinued in june, 1976, didn t suit new kei jidosha limits, nor stricter emissions regulations.

after hiatus of on year, suzuki returned sports minicar market new cervo in october 1977. ss20 cervo jdm model (although sold lhd in chile) 539 cc three-cylinder, two-stroke engine. ss20 used chassis 1976 fronte 7-s, equipped larger t5a engine (this rear-mounted version of lj50 used in jimny , fronte hatch, known t5b in ff alto/fronte). body based on giugiaro designed fronte coupé, bulge in front , bigger bumpers led loss of of original s grace. instead of square headlights, cervo received round items. new rear glass hatch added convenience.

worse new 550 cc engine strangled emissions requirements. whereas powerful 360 cc version had offered 37 ps (27 kw) @ 6,000 rpm, new t5a provided 28 ps (21 kw) @ 5000 rpm , had additional 55–80 kg drag around. keep acceleration acceptable, gearing rather low, keeping claimed top speed 120 km/h (75 mph). ten more fronte 7-s sedan version achieve, lower wind resistance, car graphic able reach 111.80 km/h (69 mph) when testing car in 1977, 0–400 m sprint taking 23 seconds. engine ran out of breath past 7000 rpm. suzuki aware cervo, unlike predecessor, no longer mini gt car. advertising reflected this, targeting female demographic (except sporty cx-g version).

equipment levels ranged entry-level cx (¥608,000 in 1977), via ladies version cx-l top-of-the-line cx-g (¥698,000). lowest priced cx model received microscopic hubcaps, painted black, bumpers (chromed on better equipped versions). cx-l added in september 1978 , had brighter trim, target feminine customers. cx-g had front disc brakes; others had make drums around. handling can expected, rear-engine leading twitchy front end. in sc100s, heavier four-cylinder engine countered balancing weight in front bumper.

the ss20 cervo received minor facelift in 1978, consisting of interior upgrades. in june 1982, rear-engined cervo discontinued in favor of more conventionally laid out replacement, ss40. in chile cervo sold 970 cc f10a engine; may 1979 drastic lowering on tariffs on cars of less 850 cc meant 797 cc f8a inline-four became available in market. chassis code of model sc80. sold alongside better equipped model 1 litre f10a used in sc100.

sc100

suzuki sc100 whizzkid gx in iceland blue metallic (09r)

for export, suzuki transformed cervo sc100, first introduced in april 1978. sc100 known in uk nickname whizzkid . three-cylinder engine replaced rear-mounted 970 cc four-cylinder f10a engine (later used in sj410) developing 47 ps (35 kw). top speed 142.8 km/h (89 mph) in contemporary test. body differed cervo s in windshield not steeply raked, necessitating different doorframe , side window well. square headlights used in european markets, either round or square ones used elsewhere. in european markets grille incorporated chunky indicator lenses, positioned in space underneath bumper – these openings blanked plastic grilles.

in uk available lavishly equipped sc100 gx, while in other countries offered cx or more luxurious cx-g. gx, cigar lighter, reclining front seats, , independent all-round suspension, sold £2,400 upon introduction (the larger alto of same period sold £3375). marketing campaign further helped enthusiastic owner, late ljk setright, long-time car magazine columnist. other markets included netherlands, hong kong, south africa, new zealand , several latin american countries.

it sold in europe 1979 1982, when production ended. there 1 model change, when dashboard , column switches modified in january 1980. demand outstripping supply, british importer heron suzuki sold 4696 sc100s in britain, car has since gained minor classic status. nimag sold 3290 sc100s in netherlands, while 1299 remaining cars delivered new zealand, south africa, , latin america. production includes chilean ss80 version. of mid 2014, there 96 whizzkids registered driver , vehicle licensing agency (dvla) in uk.