Suzuki Cultus

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See Suzuki Swift for export models of the Cultus

See Suzuki Esteem for export models of the Cultus Crescent

Suzuki Cultus

Manufacturer	Suzuki Motor Corporation CAMI Automotive Bogotá, Colombia
Also called	Suzuki SA-310 Suzuki Swift Suzuki Forsa Chevrolet Sprint Pontiac Firefly Chevrolet Swift Holden Barina Geo/Chevrolet Metro
Production	1983–present (Suzukis) 1985-2001 (General Motors versions)
Assembly	Hamamatsu, Japan Ingersoll, Ontario, Canada Bogotá, Colombia
Predecessor	Chevrolet Chevette (Metro and Sprint) Pontiac Acadian (Firefly)
Successor	Suzuki Swift Suzuki Ignis Chevrolet Aveo (Metro) Pontiac Wave (Firefly) (2004) Pontiac LeMans (1992 Fireflys)
Class	Supermini Subcompact
Body style(s)	3-door hatchback 5-door hatchback 4-door sedan 2-door convertible
Related	Suzuki Cultus Crescent

The Suzuki Cultus was a supermini or subcompact manufactured and marketed worldwide across three generations and four body styles: 3-door hatchback, 4-door sedan, 5-door hatchback and 2-door convertible. The car was marketed domestically as the Cultus and internationally as the:

The Cultus platform was originally designed and developed by Suzuki for the JDM(Japanese domestic market) and introduced as the 1983 Cultus. Reflecting an alliance between GM and Suzuki originating in 1981,^[1] GM adopted the Cultus as a captive import with the introduction of the 1985 Chevrolet Sprint.

The second and third generations of the platform, first appearing in 1989 and 1995 respectively, were designed at GM's Technical Center in Warren, Michigan and were designated the GM M platform, while the engines and drivetrains were developed by Suzuki. Notably, Suzuki continued to market variations and evolutons of the second generation in various markets while the North American market received its dedicated "third" genereation.

In 1995, the Japanese market received a distinct and slightly enlarged model, the Cultus Crescent, which Suzuki also marketed worldwide as the Baleno and Esteem. With the end of the base Cultus production ending in 1998, the Cultus Crescent simply became known as Cultus from that year.

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

1 Manufacturing
2 Cultus overview
- 2.1 Export, international and rebadged models
3 Cultus Crescent
4 References
5 External links

[edit] Manufacturing

From 1985 through 1989, all Cultus production was sourced from Suzuki's facilities in Japan. Beginning in 1990, all North American M-cars were produced at CAMI Automotive, a 50-50 joint venture between General Motors and Suzuki in Ingersoll, Ontario, Canada. Japanese production continued to source Canadian sedan models.

The Cultus remained available in other markets, and production continued until 2003. Assembly had also shifted to India (Maruti), Hungary (Magyar Suzuki), Pakistan (Pak Suzuki) and China (Chang'an).

The Cultus remained for sale in Japan until 1998, replaced by the Wagon R Solio (a larger version of the Suzuki Wagon R keicar) until the arrival of the Suzuki Ignis in 2000, which was called Swift in Japan. Japanese and European markets continue to carry a distinct, Japan-designed vehicle with the Swift nameplate.

The Cultus siblings in North America were largely superceded by a family of vehicles based on the Daewoo Kalos, including the Chevrolet Aveo, Pontiac Wave and Suzuki Swift+. By 2006, GM had significantly reduced its ownership interest in Suzuki.^[1].

The Suzuki Cultus and GM M platform family:

Years	Model	Market	Gen	Notes
1983-1998	Suzuki Cultus	Japan	I, II
1985-1988	Suzuki Forsa	Canada	I
1985-2001	Suzuki Swift	North America	II, III
1985-2004	Suzuki Swift	Europe	II
1985-1988	Chevrolet Sprint	USA	I	Canada's Sprint model ran through 1991
19---19--	Chevrolet Sprint	Columbia	I, II	Manufactured at Colmotores, Bogotá, Colombia
1985-2001	Pontiac Firefly	North America	I, II, III
1989-1997	Geo Metro	North America	II, III	Geo as a brand did not appear in Canada until 1992
1998-2001	Chevrolet Metro	USA	III
1988–1994	Holden Barina	Australia	II
1990–1994	Maruti 1000	India
1995–2007	Maruti Esteem	India

[edit] Cultus overview

The first Cultus was introduced in 1983 as a hatchback body in 3- and 5-door configurations, and two 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 frontend, 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.

Luxury and sports versions arrived within the year. The Cultus GTi was now much more powerful, reaching 115 PS JIS (85 kW) with updated version of the previous gti motor. This was an impressive number for a B-segment model at the time. Luxury versions were the Cultus Ellesse (which included automatic air conditioning, central locking, power windows and adjustable steering wheel) and the Esteem, a saloon version, sold in export markets as Swift Sedan. 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 after one year.

Generation III was a North American exclusive model.

Generation I

Also called	Suzuki Forsa Chevrolet Sprint Chevrolet Sprint Metro Pontiac Firefly
Production	1985–1988
Body style(s)	3-door hatchback 5-door hatchback
Wheelbase	3-Door: 88.4 in (2245 mm) 5-Door: 92.3 in (2344 mm)
Length	Hatchback: 144.5 in (3670 mm) 5-Door: 148.4 in (3769 mm)
Width	Hatchback: 60.2 in (1529 mm) Turbo: 60.8 in (1544 mm)
Height	53.1 in (1349 mm)
Curb weight	1565 lb (710 kg) - 1620 lb (735 kg)

Generation II

Also called	Suzuki Cultus (domestic) Suzuki Swift (export) Geo Metro Pontiac Firefly
Production	1989–1994
Assembly	Ingersoll, Ontario Hamamatsu, Japan
Body style(s)	2-door convertible 3-door hatchback 4-door sedan (only sold in Canada) 5-door hatchback
Engine(s)	1.0 L Suzuki I3 1.0 L Suzuki turbocharged I3 1.3 L Suzuki I4
Wheelbase	89.2 in (2266 mm) (2-Door) 93.1 in (2365 mm) (4-Door)
Length	146.1 in (3711 mm) (1989-1991 2-Door & Convertible) 147.4 in (3744 mm) (1992-94 2-Door & Convertible) 150 in (3810 mm) (1989-1991 5-Door) 151.4 in (3846 mm) (1992-94 5-Door)
Width	62 in (1575 mm) (2-Door) 62.7 in (1593 mm) (5-Door & Convertible)
Height	52.4 in (1331 mm) 53.5 in (1359 mm) (4-Door) 52 in (Convertible)

Generation III

Also called	Geo Metro Chevrolet Metro Pontiac Firefly Suzuki Swift
Production	1995–1997 (Geo) 1998–2000 (Chevrolet) 1995-2000 (Firefly)
Assembly	Ingersoll, Ontario
Body style(s)	3-door hatchback 4-door sedan
Engine(s)	1.0 L Suzuki I3 1.3 L Suzuki I4
Wheelbase	93.1 in (2365 mm)
Length	149.4 in (3795 mm) (hatchback) 164 in (4166 mm) (sedan)
Width	62.6 in (1590 mm)
Height	54.7 in (1389 mm) (hatchback) 55.4 in (1407 mm) (sedan)

[edit] Export, international and rebadged models

[edit] Suzuki Forsa and Swift

See main article: Suzuki Swift

From 1985 to 1988, Suzuki marketed the subcompact as the Suzuki Forsa and Pontiac Firefly in Canada. Suzuki later changed the export nameplate of the Cultus in North America to the Suzuki Swift, though not in all the body styles offered as the Metro. The Swift nameplate evolved through a further generation in Japan and Europe — after marketing of the Metro and CAMI production ceased. The current Canadian Suzuki Swift+ (note the 'plus symbol'), as distinct from the Swift, is a rebadged Daewoo Kalos (nee Chevrolet Aveo).

Suzuki Forsa, c. 1988, Gen I

Suzuki Swift, c. 1990, Gen II

[edit] Chevrolet Sprint

The Chevrolet Sprint was sold in the United States, Canada and Colombia, 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. The Sprint Metro had a 50 mpg (US) (4.7 L/100 km/60 mpg imp) rating, while the Sprint was just 48 mpg (US) (4.9 L/100 km/58 mpg imp). Both were computer controlled carb systems.

From 1985 to 1988, the carbureted 1.0 L 3-cylinder engine used a hemispherical head design. The 1986 model was documented at 60 mpg (US) (3.9 L/100 km/72 mpg imp) on the highway. Later, as fuel injection was mandated, the cylinder head for the 1989 was redesigned to add the additional cooling required, which reduced gas mileage. The Sprint was originally offered in parts of the western US for the 1985 model year; subsequently Chevrolet marketed the Sprint to the rest of the North American market as well. All models had the hatchback body style and initially all were three-door models. 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.

Chevrolet Sprint Turbo

Chevrolet Sprint 3-Door, circa 1990

Chevrolet Sprint 2nd edition

[edit] Geo Metro

Not to be confused with Rover Metro.

The Geo Metro was a marketing and manufacturing variation of the Suzuki Cultus marketed from 1989 through 2001 as a joint effort of GM and Suzuki. The Metro, which carried a Geo nameplate from 1989 through 1997, and a Chevrolet nameplate from 1998 to 2001, evolved with the Cultus and its siblings over 13 years, three generations and four body styles: 3-door hatchback, 4-door sedan, 5-door hatchback and 2-door convertible — and was ultimately replaced by a family of vehicles based on the Daewoo Kalos.

As with the Cultus, the Metro was manufactured at Suzuki's Hamamatsu, Japan plant until 1990 when production commenced at CAMI Automotive. Japanese production continued to source Canadian sedan models.

Engines for the Metro were from the Suzuki G engine family:

G10: 1.0 L3
In the United States a single engine was available from 1989 through 1994: a 1.0 L I3 engine. Rated at 55 hp (39 kW), the engine acheived 38 city, 45 highway mpg per the revised 2007 EPA mileage standards.

The detuned 49 hp (37 kW) engine in the XFi combined a shorter duration cam, leaner fuel map, two ring pistons, and a higher final drive gear model to achieve 43 city, 51 highway per the revised 2007 EPA mileage standards.

G13: 1.3 L I4
In 1995, with the third generation Metro came the 1.3 L I4 with 70 hp (52 kW). The engine was the same engine that had been in use in the Suzuki Swift (except for the GT models) in prior years. LSi models produced from 1995 onward featured the 4-cylinder engine tuned to produce 79 hp, with the 3-cylinder still used on base models and becoming an option for non-LSi models in 1997.

Canadian Metros had the 1.3 L engine available as an option beginning in 1993 in the 3-door GSi model, and as standard equipment in the sedan (exclusive to the Canadian market at the time: as noted in the previous paragraph, American market Metros were not available in a sedan bodystyle until 1995).

Geo Metro 5-Door, 1992-94, Gen II

Geo Metro Convertible, c. 1990, Gen II

Geo Metro 3-Door, Gen III

Chevrolet Metro sedan, circa 2000, Gen III

[edit] Metro History

Generation I

1984 - Suzuki and General Motors announced they would sell rebadged models of the Suzuki Cultus in North America as Chevrolets and Pontiacs, with Suzuki selling their own version as the Forsa.
1985 - GM began marketing in North America as the Chevrolet Sprint. The car is also sold as Suzuki Forsa and Pontiac Firefly in Canada. The Chevrolet Sprint was sold only in the Western United States until 1986.
1986 - Chevrolet Sprint began nationwide sales in the US. Sprint consumers had a choice of ER, Base, and Turbo models. Firefly marketed in FE, Turbo, and Base models.
1987 - The Metro name first appeared on a model of the naturally-aspirated Chevrolet Sprint: the "Chevrolet Sprint Metro."
1988 - Production began on the first Geo Metro models at Suzuki's plant in Hamamatsu, Japan.

Generation II

1989 - The Geo Metro debuted in the United States, replacing the Sprint. Canadian models continued with the Chevrolet Sprint and Pontiac Firefly nameplates, while the second generation Suzuki Swift replaced the Forsa nameplate. Suzuki begins marketing the Swift in the United States.
1990 - Geo introduced Metro LSi models, which included an automatic transmission, air conditioning and a stereo with cassette player. Geo introduced the XFi model optimized for mileage, featuring the three-cylinder engine with a shorter duration cam, leaner fuel map, two ring pistons, and a higher final drive gear ratio and deleting interior amenities (e.g., the passenger mirror), thereby achieving 43 city, 51 highway per the revised 2007 EPA mileage standards. Production began at CAMI Automotive, where all remaining Metro models with the exception of convertibles would be produced. The convertible model debuted, available in LSi trim. As with the Metro, the Firefly is offered in sedan and convertible models.
1991 - GM increases convertible production and adds paint options.
1992 - The Metro received a facelift with new hubcaps, exterior modification and new interior controls. The Pontiac Firefly is dropped.
1993 - Convertible production ended. Automatic door locks, which deploy after the car reaches a speed of 10 mph (16 km/h) are introduced this year.
1994 - 5-door hatchback production ended. There was also a slight but barely noticeable change in the headlights, as well. Canadian Pontiac dealers began selling the Firefly (first generation) again, but with a facelift. The Convertible is dropped from the Firefly lineup, but Suzuki still produced Firefly and Metro sedans for Canada this year.

Generation III (North America only)

1995 - An all-new Metro was introduced, featuring the new 4-cylinder engine available in LSi models, to supplement the base models' 3-cylinder engine. Daytime running lights became standard (the Metro was the first GM car to get DRLs as standard equipment), as well as dual frontal airbags. The chassis was 30% stiffer than the first generation Metros, and it was the first car to meet 1997 side-impact standards for North America^{[citation needed]}. A new sedan is also introduced in the United States, replacing the 5-door hatchback. Its twins, Pontiac Firefly and Suzuki Swift were redesigned this year, as well.
1996 - OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics, Second generation) was added to Metro models, at a cost of some fuel efficiency.
1997 - The last year for the Geo brand. The Metro returned in 1998 as with a Chevrolet nameplate.
1998 - The Metro now carried the Chevrolet nameplate, along with new front and rear fascias and a SOHC 16v design I-4 1.3L engine. Electronic ignition replaced the distributor, and MPFI(Multiport Fuel Injection) replaced the TBI(Throttle Body Injection). The new motor offered more HP, torque, and higher fuel economy. This I-4 engine replaced the older 8v 4 cylinder, but the 3 cylinder engine remained unchanged.
2000 - Metro and Firefly sales to the general public ceased, with fleet sales only returning in 2001.
2001 - The Metro's final year. The only model available this year is the 4-door LSi sedan. The Metro continued on sale in Canada. General Motors announces that the Metro would not be included in the 2002 Chevrolet model lineup. CAMI Automotive manufactures the last Metro, a red sedan, in April. Suzuki continued to market the Swift in Japan, Canada and Eurasia.

Beginning in late 2003 as a model year 2004 model, the Daewoo Kalos, marketed variously as the Chevrolet Aveo, Pontiac Wave and Suzuki Swift+, effectively replaced the Metro.

The Metro enjoyed increased interest as a used car in 2008, by virtue of its fuel mileage and rising fuel costs.^[2]^[3] ^[4]

[edit] Pontiac Firefly

The Pontiac Firefly was marketed in Canada and the Middle East from 1985 to 1991, and again from 1994 to 2001.

The Firefly received redesigns in 1989 and 1995, following the product cycle of the Geo/Chevrolet Metro. A single engine was available from 1989 through 1994, the 1.0 L 3-cylinder. A turbocharged variant was also available from 1987 to 1991. In 1990 and 1991, the convertible was also marketed. The Firefly was not marketed for the 1992 and 1993 model years when the 1993-only Asuna brand introduced the larger 1992 LeMans to replace the Passport Optima and the pre-facelift Firefly.

In 1994, the Firefly returned with a facelift following the demise of the Asuna brand. With the 1995 redesign the 1.3 L 4-cylinder engine also became available. The Firefly was phased out of production during the 2000 model year with its Chevrolet and Suzuki siblings..

From 1991 to 1992, the Firefly was sold in a convertible and in a 4-door sedan. All hatchbacks were manufactured at CAMI, while convertibles and sedans were from sourced from Japanese production.

With model year 2004, the Pontiac Wave, a rebadged Daewoo Kalos, replaced the Firefly.

1994 Pontiac Firefly Sedan, Gen II

1994 Pontiac Firefly 3dr hatchback, Gen II

1995-97 Pontiac Firefly 3dr hatchback, Gen III

1998-2000 Pontiac Firefly sedan, Gen III

[edit] Cultus Crescent

[edit] References

^ ^a ^b GM reduces Suzuki alliance by 17.4 percent to raise $2bn. Earthtimes.com, 07 Mar 2006, Renin Paul.
^ Gas prices drive Geos from clunkers to chic. Cnn.com, Mallory Simon, May 20, 2008.
^ Geo Metro Madness Hits High. USNEWS, May. 22, 2008.
^ The Geo Metro Rides Again, Sort Of. Business Week, Jim Henry, June 2, 2008.

(Japanese) Suzuki History of Cultus

[edit] External links

v • d • e « previous – Chevrolet, a division of General Motors, road car timeline, United States market, 1980s–present
Type	1980s										1990s										2000s
Type	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9
Subcompact	Monza					Sprint				Geo Metro						Geo Metro / Metro								Aveo
	Chevette
						Spectrum					Geo Storm
						Nova				Geo Prizm
Compact	Citation													Geo Prizm					Prizm							Cobalt
																											HHR
			Cavalier						Cavalier							Cavalier
Mid-size	Malibu							Corsica / Beretta										Malibu							Malibu				Malibu
																					Impala						Impala
	Monte Carlo															Monte Carlo					Monte Carlo
			Celebrity								Lumina					Lumina
Full-size	Caprice											Caprice
Full-size	Impala														Impala SS
Sports	Camaro		Camaro											Camaro																Camaro
Sports	Corvette				Corvette													Corvette								Corvette

v • d • e Maruti Suzuki

Maruti Suzuki Brands	Maruti Suzuki

City Car	800 · Zen Estilo · Alto · Wagon-R

Subcompact	Swift

Compact	SX4 · DZiRE

SUV	Gypsy · Grand Vitara

Microvan	Omni · Versa

Historic models	Zen · 1000 · Baleno · Esteem

v • d • e Pontiac, a division of General Motors, automobile timeline, United States market, 1980s–present
Type	1980s										1990s										2000s
Type	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9
Subcompact	Sunbird	T1000/1000							LeMans																					G3
Compact			J2000/2000 Sunbird/Sunbird													Sunfire												G5
																								Vibe						Vibe
	Phoenix					Grand Am							Grand Am							Grand Am
Mid-size	LeMans		Bonneville																							G6
	Grand Am		6000
	Grand Prix								Grand Prix									Grand Prix							Grand Prix
Full-size	Bonneville			Parisienne				Bonneville					Bonneville								Bonneville								G8
Full-size	Catalina		Safari
Crossover																						Aztek					Torrent
Minivan											Trans Sport							Trans Sport/Montana								SV6
Sports	Firebird		Firebird											Firebird											GTO
Sports					Fiero
Roadster																											Solstice

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Suzuki Cultus

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Contents

[edit] Manufacturing

[edit] Cultus overview

[edit] Export, international and rebadged models

[edit] Suzuki Forsa and Swift

[edit] Chevrolet Sprint

[edit] Geo Metro

[edit] Metro History

[edit] Pontiac Firefly

[edit] Cultus Crescent

[edit] References

[edit] External links

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