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.”
 | |
| Manufacturer |  Suzuki Motor Corporation |
|---|---|
| Production | 1983–present |
| Successor | (Japan) |
| Class | Supermini 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.
 | |
| Also called | Suzuki SA-310/SA-413 |
|---|---|
| Production | 1983–1988 |
| Assembly | Hamamatsu, Japan Bogotá, Colombia |
| Body style(s) | 3-door hatchback 5-door hatchback |
| Layout | FF layout |
| Wheelbase | 3-Door: 2245 mm (88.4 in) 5-Door: 2345 mm (92.3 in) |
| Length | 3-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) |
| Width | 1530 mm (60.2 in) Export: 1545 mm (60.8 in) |
| Height | 1350 mm (53.1 in) |
| Curb weight | 620 kg (1367 lb)-750 kg (1653 lb) |
Suzuki Cultus Generation I:
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.
| | |
| Also called | Suzuki SA-310/SA-413 |
|---|---|
| Production | 1983–1988 |
| Assembly | Hamamatsu, Japan Bogotá, Colombia |
| Body style(s) | 3-door hatchback 5-door hatchback |
| Layout | FF layout |
| Wheelbase | 3-Door: 2245 mm (88.4 in) 5-Door: 2345 mm (92.3 in) |
| Length | 3-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) |
| Width | 1530 mm (60.2 in) Export: 1545 mm (60.8 in) |
| Height | 1350 mm (53.1 in) |
| Curb weight | 620 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:
Generation III
 | |
| Also called | Geo Metro (1995-97) Chevrolet Metro (1998-2001) Pontiac Firefly Suzuki Swift |
|---|---|
| Production | 1995–2000 |
| Assembly |  Ingersoll, Ontario, Canada |
| Body style(s) | 3-door hatchback 4-door sedan |
| Layout | FF layout |
| Platform | M 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 |
| Wheelbase | 93.1 in (2365 mm) |
| Length | 149.4 in (3795 mm) (Hatchback) 164.0 in (4166 mm) (Sedan) |
| Width | 62.6 in (1590 mm) |
| Height | 54.7 in (1389 mm) (Hatchback) 55.4 in (1407 mm) (Sedan) |
| Fuel capacity | 10.6 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:
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.
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]