Suzuki Cultus

Suzuki Cultus: Which Version Should You Buy?

The Suzuki Cultus version to choose depends on whether you prioritize low weight, stronger output, AWD, or the later Sedan specification. Across the 4 generations listed, production runs from 1983 to 2002 and includes Hatchback 3-door, Cabrio, and Sedan body styles.

The Suzuki Cultus version to choose depends on whether you prioritize low weight, stronger output, AWD, or the later Sedan specification. Across the 4 generations listed, production runs from 1983 to 2002 and includes Hatchback 3-door, Cabrio, and Sedan body styles. The lightest recorded option is the first-generation 1.0 AT at 620 kg, while the strongest is the third-generation 1.8 AT or 1.8 MT at 135 hp. For a later front-wheel-drive Sedan, the 1.8 MT combines 135 hp with a lower kerb weight than the 1.8 AT. For AWD, the choice is between second-generation 1.5 MT and 1.6 MT versions or third-generation 1.6 AT and 1.6 MT versions.

Suzuki Cultus generations: what changed?

The first generation, produced from 1983 to 1988, is represented by a Hatchback 3-door and a single version: 1.0 AT. Its 998 cc Turbo Gasoline engine produces 80 hp, and its kerb weight is 620 kg. This creates the most favorable weight-to-power figure in the catalogue at 7.75 kg per hp. It is also the only listed first-generation choice, so there is no alternative engine, transmission, or drive configuration within that generation.

The second generation runs from 1988 to 1998 and uses the Cabrio body. The database lists 19 modifications, with 12 specifications shown here. Its available names include 1.3 MT, 1.3 AT, 1.3 CVT, 1.5 MT, 1.5 AT, 1.6 MT, and 1.6 AT. Outputs range from 73 hp to 100 hp, while recorded kerb weights span 800–930 kg. Most versions are FWD, but AWD appears on the 1.5 MT and 1.6 MT.

The third-generation Sedan runs from 1995 to 1998 with 9 versions. It offers 1.5 AT, 1.5 MT, 1.6 AT, 1.6 MT, 1.8 AT, and 1.8 MT specifications. The 1.5 versions produce 97 hp, the AWD 1.6 versions produce 115 hp, and the FWD 1.8 versions produce 135 hp. Kerb weights extend from 1000 kg for one 1.5 AT specification to 1100 kg for one 1.6 AT specification.

The third-generation restyling runs from 1998 to 2002 and remains a Sedan. It contains 10 versions, again covering 1.5 AT, 1.5 MT, 1.6 AT, 1.6 MT, 1.8 AT, and 1.8 MT. Power remains 97 hp for the 1.5, 115 hp for the 1.6, and 135 hp for the 1.8. Depending on the specification, kerb weight ranges from 980 to 1130 kg, while fuel-tank capacity is either 48 or 51 litres.

Suzuki Cultus engine specs and version comparison

Repeated names in the database refer to specifications with different weights or tank capacities. They are distinguished below by generation and recorded kerb weight.

On specific output, the first-generation 1.0 AT leads with about 80.2 hp per litre. Among naturally aspirated choices, the third-generation 1.6 AT and 1.6 MT produce about 72.3 hp per litre, narrowly ahead of the 1.8 AT and 1.8 MT at about 73.4 hp per litre. The third-generation 1.5 versions produce about 65.0 hp per litre. In the second generation, the 100 hp 1.6 versions provide about 62.9 hp per litre, while the 91 hp 1.5 versions provide about 61.0 hp per litre.

Performance, mpg and economy data

Acceleration from 0–100 km/h is not measured for every listed Suzuki Cultus version. Top speed is also not measured for every version. City fuel consumption, highway fuel consumption, and combined fuel consumption are not measured throughout the supplied catalogue data, so no mpg or litres-per-distance comparison can be made.

The available figures still permit a useful mechanical comparison. The second-generation 1.6 versions add 9 hp and 9 Nm over the 1.5 versions. In the third generation, moving from a 1.5 to a 1.6 adds 18 hp and 18 Nm; moving from a 1.6 to a 1.8 adds 20 hp and either 10 Nm in the original third generation or 11 Nm in the restyling. These differences describe output only and should not be treated as acceleration measurements.

Suzuki Cultus dimensions, weight and capacity

Exterior dimensions are not measured in the supplied data. Gross weight and weight capacity are not measured for any listed version, and wheel sizes are not measured.

The first-generation 1.0 AT weighs 620 kg, but its ground clearance and fuel-tank capacity are not measured. Its 7.75 kg-per-hp ratio is substantially lower than that of every later version shown.

Second-generation kerb weight ranges from 800 kg to 930 kg. The 1.3 versions have 165 mm of ground clearance and a 40-litre tank. The 1.5 and 1.6 versions have 155 mm of ground clearance and the same 40-litre capacity. At equal engine output, AWD adds 50 kg: the 1.5 MT rises from 880 kg with FWD to 930 kg with AWD, while the 1.6 MT rises from 850 kg to 900 kg.

The original third-generation Sedan has 155 mm of ground clearance and a 51-litre tank throughout. Its kerb weights range from 1000 kg to 1100 kg. The 1.8 MT weighs 1060 kg, giving 7.85 kg per hp, while the 1.8 AT weighs 1080 kg and gives 8.00 kg per hp.

The restyled third generation also has 155 mm of ground clearance. Tank capacity is 48 or 51 litres depending on the individual specification, and kerb weight ranges from 980 kg to 1130 kg. The 1.8 MT weighs 1100 kg, or about 8.15 kg per hp; the 1.8 AT weighs 1120 kg, or about 8.30 kg per hp. Among restyled 1.5 versions, the lightest 1.5 MT weighs 980 kg and returns about 10.10 kg per hp.

Which Suzuki Cultus version should you choose?

Choose the first-generation 1.0 AT if the lowest kerb weight and best calculated weight-to-power ratio matter most. It combines 80 hp with 620 kg, but many practical measurements—including torque, tank capacity, ground clearance, rear suspension, and rear brakes—are not measured in the supplied data.

Choose a second-generation 1.3 MT if you want the lightest naturally aspirated option shown. The 73 hp version weighs 800 kg, while an 82 hp version weighs 830 kg or 840 kg depending on the specification. The 1.3 CVT offers the same 82 hp and 104 Nm as the comparable stronger 1.3 MT but weighs 880 kg, which is 50 kg more than the 830 kg manual.

Choose the second-generation 1.6 MT with FWD for the strongest Cabrio specification and its best recorded weight-to-power result. Its 100 hp and 850 kg produce 8.50 kg per hp. The 1.6 AT has the same 100 hp and 132 Nm but weighs 860 kg; the AWD 1.6 MT weighs 900 kg. AWD therefore costs 50 kg relative to the FWD manual in this comparison.

Choose the third-generation 1.6 MT when AWD is essential in the Sedan. It has 115 hp and 146 Nm, and it is lighter than the equivalent 1.6 AT in each directly comparable pair: 1030 versus 1060 kg, 1080 versus 1100 kg, 1050 versus 1080 kg, and 1110 versus 1130 kg.

Choose the 1.8 MT when maximum recorded Sedan output is the priority. Both third-generation 1.8 transmissions provide 135 hp, while torque is 156 Nm before restyling and 157 Nm after restyling. The manual is 20 kg lighter than the automatic in both periods. The original 1.8 MT also weighs 40 kg less than the restyled 1.8 MT, despite sharing the same 135 hp.

Prices, current sale listings, engine-oil capacity, and engine number location are not measured in the supplied data. They cannot be used to rank these Suzuki Cultus versions. Based strictly on the recorded specifications, the 1.6 MT is the focused AWD choice, the second-generation 1.6 MT FWD is the strongest Cabrio choice, and the original third-generation 1.8 MT offers the most favorable combination of maximum Sedan output and kerb weight.