Suzuki Cervo
| SS20 Cervo | |
|---|---|
1979 Cervo CX-G
|
|
| Overview | |
| Also called | Suzuki SC100 |
| Production | 1977.10–1982.06 |
| Assembly | Kosai Assembly Plant, Hamana-gun, Shizuoka, Japan |
| Designer | Giorgetto Giugiaro |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 2+2, 2-door coupé hatchback |
| Layout | RR layout |
| Related | Suzuki Fronte 7-S |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 539 cc T5A two-stroke I3 797 cc F8A OHC I4 970 cc F10A OHC I4 |
| Transmission | four-speed manual |
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 3,190 mm (125.6 in) |
| Width | 1,395 mm (54.9 in) |
| Height | 1,210–1,230 mm (48–48 in) |
| Curb weight | 535–625 kg (1,179–1,378 lb) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Suzuki Fronte Coupé |
| SS40 Cervo | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Overview | |
| Production | 06.1982–02.1988 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 4-seat, 2-door coupé hatchback |
| Layout | FF, transverse engine |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine |
F5A inline 3, 543 cc
|
| Transmission | 4/5-speed manual, 2-speed automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,150 mm (84.6 in) |
| Length | 3,195 mm (125.8 in) |
| Width | 1,395 mm (54.9 in) |
| Height | 1,290 mm (50.8 in) |
| Curb weight | 530–550 kg (1,170–1,210 lb) |
| Cervo CG72V/CH72V | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Overview | |
| Production | 02.1988–05.1990 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 4-seat, 3-door hatchback |
| Layout | FF (4WD) layout |
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 3,195 mm (125.8 in) |
| Width | 1,395 mm (54.9 in) |
| Height | 1,330 mm (52.4 in) (1,350 mm (53.1 in)) |
| Curb weight | 590 kg (1,300 lb) (640 kg (1,410 lb)) |
| Cervo Mode CN21S/22S/31S/32S | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Overview | |
| Also called | Suzuki Alto, Maruti Zen |
| Production | 07.1990–10.1998 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 4-seat, 3-door 4-seat, 5-door hatchback |
| Layout | FF / 4WD layout |
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 3,295 mm (129.7 in) |
| Width | 1,395 mm (54.9 in) |
| Height | 1,370–1,410 mm (54–56 in) |
| Curb weight | 620–750 kg (1,370–1,650 lb) |
The Suzuki Cervo is a kei car manufactured by Suzuki Motor Corporation. Introduced in 1976 as the successor to the Suzuki Fronte Coupé, the Cervo name was originally affixed to a kei sports coupe, and then to models derived from the Suzuki Alto. The nameplate was retired between 1998 and 2006, and again in March 2010, although it may be revived for the Indian market in 2013.
Suzuki was the first company to offer a kei car in 1955. One interesting departure from other Kei cars was the Fronte Coupé introduced in September 1971. It was a 2+2 (or a strict 2-seater) Giugiaro-designed mini GT based on the rear-engine Suzuki Fronte, measuring a mere 2,995 mm. It used a 359 cc two-stroke engine developing 31, 34 or 37 hp (35 in later models) depending on equipment level. The Fronte Coupé was discontinued in June, 1976, as it didn't suit the new Kei Jidosha limits, nor the stricter emissions regulations.
After a hiatus of over a year, Suzuki returned to the sports minicar market with the new Cervo in October 1977. The SS20 Cervo was mainly a JDM model (although it was also sold as a LHD in Chile) with a 539 cc three-cylinder, two-stroke engine. The SS20 used the chassis from the 1976 Fronte 7-S, but was equipped with the larger T5A engine (this was the rear-mounted version of the LJ50 used in the Jimny and Fronte Hatch, also known as the T5B in the FF Alto/Fronte). The body was based on the Giugiaro designed Fronte Coupé, but with a bulge in the front and bigger bumpers which led to the loss of some of the original's grace. Instead of square headlights, the Cervo received round items. The new rear glass hatch added convenience.
Worse was that the new 550 cc engine was strangled by emissions requirements. Whereas the most powerful 360 cc version had offered 37 PS (27 kW) at 6,000 rpm, the new T5A only provided 28 PS (21 kW) at 5000 rpm and had an additional 55–80 kg to drag around. To keep acceleration acceptable, gearing was rather low, keeping claimed top speed to 120 km/h (75 mph). This was ten more than the Fronte 7-S sedan version could achieve, thanks to lower wind resistance, but Car Graphic were only able to reach 111.80 km/h (69 mph) when testing the car in 1977, with the 0–400 m sprint taking 23 seconds. The engine ran out of breath past 7000 rpm. Suzuki were aware that the Cervo, unlike its predecessor, was no longer a mini GT car. The advertising also reflected this, generally targeting the female demographic (except for the sporty CX-G version).
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