Currently, the most popular hatchback in India is the Maruti Suzuki Swift. Now, many people know that the Swift was launched in India back in 2005, and ever since then, we have seen three generations of this hatchback, with the fourth generation coming this year. However, not many people know that the Swift had a predecessor called the Cultus. If you are one of those people, then you have come to the right place. Today, we will be showing you the rare pictures of the first generation of the Swift that continued to become a legend across the globe and in India.
Suzuki Cultus: Swift predecessor
Before the immensely popular Swift name was coined, Suzuki had the Cultus or the SA310 in its portfolio in Japan. This hatchback then laid the foundation for Suzuki’s entry into the supermini market. Initially marketed in Japan and sold under various names globally, including the Cultus and SA310, this compact hatchback captured attention with its practicality and efficiency. However, it was the rebranding as the Swift in Europe and the UK in the mid-1980s that helped Suzuki get into the spotlight. This marked the beginning of a new era for Suzuki globally.
Suzuki Cultus powertrains
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The Cultus or the SA310 featured a range of powertrains, with early models coming equipped with a 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine. This engine came with the options of a three-speed automatic and a manual transmission. The car also received leaf springs for the rear suspension, which provided a comfortable ride. Additionally, the dashboard featured a mix of analogue and digital instruments, including a gear selection indicator for models equipped with the optional automatic transmission, enhancing driver convenience and control.
First generation Swift
The Swift name gained prominence in Japan in 2000, as it replaced the Cultus with a fresh lineup of models. This generation introduced new engine options and sleek design elements that catered to the new generation of Suzuki buyers. This particular generation, which was also launched in India, featured both three-door and five-door hatchback variants. Like its predecessor, it also gained immense popularity across the globe for its versatile nature and compact design. It then established the Swift as one of the most popular cars in the supermini segment.
Swift second generation
Following the success of the first generation of the Swift, the company launched the second generation Swift in 2010, globally and in India. The new car was launched with a wheelbase which was extended by 50 millimeters over the previous generation and had numerous design updates. While the new car looks different from the old one, its design was an evolution of the already popular first-generation model. It came powered by a 1.2-litre VVT petrol engine (K12B) developing 91 bhp of power.
Third generation Swift
The company then launched the third generation model of the Swift in 2016. This model, which is currently sold in India, has maintained its position as the market leader. Built on the HEARTECT platform, this iteration boasts a more spacious interior and comes equipped with a decent amount of features.
Fourth generation Swift
This third-generation Swift will now be replaced by the soon-to-be-launched fourth-generation Swift, which has already been launched in Japan. The upcoming generation of the Swift will come equipped with a new hybrid powertrain. It will combine the company’s new 1.2-liter, 3-cylinder petrol engine, known as the Z12 engine. This engine, part of Suzuki’s Z Series, will be replacing the outgoing 1.2-liter, 4-cylinder K-Series engine. It will also get a number of exterior and interior design updates and will look a lot more sharp and modern.
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The post First-Gen Suzuki Swift: Rare Pictures Show What It Really Looked Like first appeared on Cartoq.
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