Suzuki Ignis, the first generation of Suzuki Swift

The Suzuki Swift first generation was introduced in 2000 as a replacement for the Suzuki Cultus. Outside of Japan, the "Suzuki Ignis" name was used. Both three- and five-door hatchback body styles were offered, although the three-door was not offered as part of the regular lineup in Japan.

The Swift was powered by a new generation of Suzuki inline-four gasoline engines, the M family. Engine displacements of 1.3 and 1.5-litres were offered, both with a five-speed manual transmission or optional four-speed automatic. The vehicle was available with either front or four-wheel drive. Vehicles fitted with the 1.3-litre engine were designated HT51S, with the 1.5-litre version assigned HT81S.

The shorter three-door body variant formed the basis of the Swift Sport in Japan, or Ignis Sport in export markets. Introduced in 2003, it featured redesigned bumpers, and was fitted with a higher-output version of the 1.5-litre engine. The Sport ceased production in 2005, with the regular Swift models remaining until 2006 for the Japanese market only.

In 2001, General Motors introduced the Chevrolet Cruze�a crossover SUV based on the Swift, retaining the original car's basic dimensions and powerplants. The Cruze was restyled, adopting a crossover look between a tall hatchback and a sport utility vehicle, and the three-door body was dropped. The "Chevrolet Cruze" commercial designation was used in Japan, while in Australia the car was sold as the "Holden Cruze" from 2002 to 2006. The 1.3-litre cars were given the model code HR51S, with the 1.5-litre versions coded HR81S.

Suzuki Ignis 2003�2008 (Germany)

Suzuki in Europe introduced the Cruze modifications as an update of the Ignis in 2003, although extended by 145 millimetres (5.7 in) in length, thus improving interior and luggage dimensions. Due to an agreement with Subaru, this model was also sold throughout Europe in all-wheel drive form as the Subaru Justy from 2003. These Europe-only models were manufactured by Magyar Suzuki in Hungary. Due to the local presence of the Chevrolet-badged model, Suzuki in Japan did not utilise the modifications for a Suzuki-badged model of its own.

Suzuki Swift First Generation:

• Also Called : Suzuki Ignis
• Production : 2000 - 2008
• Engine : 1.3 L M13A I4 and 1.5 L M15A I4
• Transmission : 4-speed automatic and 5-speed manual