Filed under: Economy, Japan, Hatchbacks, Suzuki
O Kei! Suzuki Cervo bows in Japan
Suzuki has brought a new kei car to the Japanese domestic market. Dubbed the Cervo, the little five-door gets a bold front end treatment dominated by oversized, teardrop-shaped headlamps that flank a chrome-trimmed trapezoidal grille. The lower fascia's grille opening extends to the corner foglight mounts, giving Cervo a smiling visage. The car's slab-sided profile is nicely interrupted by an upward-angled accent line. Drivers who select the sportier TX trim (above) see the car dressed up with alloys, additional skirting, and a rear decklid spoiler that caps a tidy rear end. The car's styling is such that if you covered the "S" logo and replaced it with, say, a Peugeot badge, you wouldn't bat an eyelash. This is a nice-looking kei.
In total, three trim levels -- G, T, and TX -- will be offered. G and T sport less aggressive bodywork (seen at right) than the TX. G models receive the normally aspirated 54-horse 660cc engine, while T and TX get the more powerful 60HP turbocharged variant. All cars receive a 4-speed automatic, and a choce of 2WD or 4WD is available for all trim levels. As for the interior, the two-tone buckets in front (on the TX at least) are joined by a split rear bench that flips down for extra cargo storage. Bluetooth, keyless entry/start, and iPod integration are all optional. Full pricing info for all grades is in the linked press release.As an added bonus, the G model meets Japan's 4-star emissions standard and exceeds the 2010 fuel economy standards by an additional 10-percent. Economical, quirky, and practical -- the Cervo looks like another hit for Suzuki in Japan, where the consumer appetite for new kei cars is nothing short of voracious. We wouldn't be the least bit surprised to learn that initial orders smash the first month's sales projections to bits. Such has been the case with many new kei launches this year so far. Why should this one be any different?
(Additional photos after the jump)
[Source: Suzuki]
SUZUKI CERVO:
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
menice 11:08AM (11/08/2006)
wow, it's the 'pug' of the car world.
they should just use 1 big door instead of 2 little ones.the interior looks nice, thanks to wide angle lenses it looks roomy.
Driving it must be like riding on the front of a skateboard. cant believe 4wd is an option...go suzuki.
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iQuack 11:13AM (11/08/2006)
Cute little thing, but seems to be competing for the "Car With the Most C-Pillar Cut Lines" award.
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Abraham 11:14AM (11/08/2006)
Wow....so this is how a cheap Jap version of the MB B-klasse looks like.
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Abraham 11:47AM (11/08/2006)
Since when is "Jap" a slur? Now I am curious where you grew up, must be from somewhere near a polluted river.
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Bob 11:56AM (11/08/2006)
1) Abraham, shut up.
2) This looks so much nicer than a lot of the tiny cars that get posted here. Suzuki's been quite impressive lately.
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Za 11:57AM (11/08/2006)
Jap's a slur...lay off it, Abraham. On the car though, it could definitely be a SEAT with a different badge.
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James 11:58AM (11/08/2006)
Oh Abe, I think it's time for a little lesson in political correctness. "Jap" has been a racial slur since the 1800s and was popularized widely during WWII. Don't use it. It's offensive.
In any case, this thing is super-cute! I love the nicely curved European design. Not quite sure about the name though... for some reason it makes me thing of the gynecologist.
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Abraham 11:59AM (11/08/2006)
Alright, I honestly didn't know it was a slur. So please accept my apologies. However, you guys sure have a nice way of telling someone they made a mistake.
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iQuack 12:05PM (11/08/2006)
I'm feeling old now. Anyone who doesn't know that "Jap" is a slur has no sense of history and certainly wasn't around during WWII.
It's different now and this Yankee would recommend taking a tour of Japan if you want an enjoyable experience. The people are cordial and the food is kind to your arteries, too.
With respect to cars--American or from elsewhere--all cars are better these days in part because Japanese manufacturers have raised the bar for quality. If you love your new Chevy, it's at least partly because that Chevy had to compete with a Honda.
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bloodnok 12:07PM (11/08/2006)
looks best in black (so do lots of other machines). the kei class is getting more interesting these days. hope the dynamics have also improved. (had a honda beat, which was a sweet looking machine but it handled like a slug in mud, plus the roof leaked.)
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Abraham 12:10PM (11/08/2006)
Just to explain myself. I drive a RX, so I buy Japanese products and love them. I honestly did not know that "Jap" was a racial slur. I blame my own ignorance and maybe the media. Sorry once again.
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Takeo 12:23PM (11/08/2006)
Sorry Abraham, no pass on this one. It's not political correctness, it's politeness.
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C. McFeeny 12:24PM (11/08/2006)
The term "Jap" is thrown around here on autoblog.com and a lot of other auto forums. I don't think it should necessarily be censored, but I do believe that those who choose to use such terms should be called out on the carpet for it.
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Eric B 1:03PM (11/08/2006)
Not bad. That back seat though... looks kinda hard...
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Sasha 1:37PM (11/08/2006)
I want kei cars in America!
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RZ 1:38PM (11/08/2006)
Interior is not all that but it looks great. If Suzuki is smart they will bring it to USA and eat Yaris, Fit and Aveo alive.
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Takeo 1:38PM (11/08/2006)
I agree completely C McFeeny, the same way you'd call someone out if they used the term Gook, Chink, Wop, Greasers, Cracker etc..
Here we are NOT all equally worthless.
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Root 3:07PM (11/08/2006)
Of all the racial slurs that offend people, I really don't understand 'Jap'. Japanese people are Jap-anese, speak Jap-anese and from Jap-an. It's a pretty lame as far as slurs go.
Now to refer to the story, I'd like to see them try and cram 4 Yanks in that Japmobile and video tape it.
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tenali 3:16PM (11/08/2006)
Word Jap is a slur.(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jap) Abraham apologized for using the word. Now lets put an end to the discussion on the word.
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Howard Kerr 3:17PM (11/08/2006)
To me it looks like a cross between a Honda Fit and Chrysler Pacifica....that got shrunk in the laundry.
Japan has many AWD/4WD models of vehicles that are sold in the U.S. but after the lukewarm reception they got in the '80s and '90s from folks who didn't feel it was worth spending more for AWD...that front wheel drive was all they needed, I imagine Japanese manufacturers decided to "reserve" AWD/4WD for trucks and SUVs that they sold here. Wonder what the sales numbers on AWD Matrix/Vibes is? Probably a tiny percentage of overall sales numbers.
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