Suzuki Solio: Which Version Should You Buy?
The Suzuki Solio choice comes down to three practical decisions: Gasoline or Hybrid, FWD or AWD, and Variable or Robotic transmission. The earliest 1 generation uses a 1.3 AT Gasoline engine with 88 hp, whereas the later generations use a 1.2 CVT or 1.2 AGS engine producing 91 hp. The 3 generation is the only Hybrid generation in the supplied specifications and the only one offering the 1.2 AGS.
The Suzuki Solio choice comes down to three practical decisions: Gasoline or Hybrid, FWD or AWD, and Variable or Robotic transmission. The earliest 1 generation uses a 1.3 AT Gasoline engine with 88 hp, whereas the later generations use a 1.2 CVT or 1.2 AGS engine producing 91 hp. The 3 generation is the only Hybrid generation in the supplied specifications and the only one offering the 1.2 AGS. Buyers seeking AWD can choose the 1.3 AT from the 1 generation, the 1.2 CVT from the 2 generation or its restyling, or the 1.2 CVT from the 3 generation.
Suzuki Solio generations: what changed?
The 1 generation, produced from August 2005 through December 2010, is a Microvan with two versions of 1.3 AT: one FWD and one AWD. Both use a 1,328 cc Gasoline engine, a 4-speed Automatic gearbox, 88 hp and 118 Nm. This generation has 160 mm of ground clearance and a 39-litre tank. Its FWD version weighs 970 kg, while the AWD version weighs 1,010 kg.
The 2 generation ran from December 2010 through October 2013 as a Microvan with two 1.2 CVT versions. Both combine a 1,242 cc Gasoline engine with a Variable transmission, producing 91 hp and 118 Nm; the choice is FWD or AWD. Kerb weight is 1,040 kg with FWD and 1,090 kg with AWD. Ground clearance is 145 mm, while the tank retains the earlier 39-litre capacity.
The 2 generation, restyling belongs within the second generation and ran from November 2013 through July 2015. It again provides two Microvan versions named 1.2 CVT, with either FWD or AWD. Engine output remains 91 hp and 118 Nm from 1,242 cc, and kerb weights remain 1,040 kg and 1,090 kg respectively. The measurable change in the supplied figures is tank capacity: it falls from 39 litres to 33 litres, a reduction of 6 litres. Ground clearance remains 145 mm.
The 3 generation, available from August 2015 in the data, is a Microvan with three versions. Its two 1.2 CVT choices use FWD or AWD, while the 1.2 AGS uses FWD and a 5-speed Robotic gearbox. All three are Hybrid versions with 1,242 cc, 91 hp and 118 Nm. Ground clearance is 140 mm and tank capacity is 32 litres. Listed kerb weight is 950 kg for the AWD 1.2 CVT and 990 kg for both the FWD 1.2 CVT and FWD 1.2 AGS.
Suzuki Solio engine specs and version comparison
| Generation and version | Engine type | Displacement | Output | Torque | Cylinders and layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 generation — 1.3 AT | Gasoline | 1,328 cc | 88 hp at 6,000 rpm | 118 Nm at 3,400 rpm | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| 1 generation — 1.3 AT | Gasoline | 1,328 cc | 88 hp at 6,000 rpm | 118 Nm at 3,400 rpm | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | AWD |
| 2 generation — 1.2 CVT | Gasoline | 1,242 cc | 91 hp at 6,000 rpm | 118 Nm at 4,800 rpm | 4, Inline | No | Variable | FWD |
| 2 generation — 1.2 CVT | Gasoline | 1,242 cc | 91 hp at 6,000 rpm | 118 Nm at 4,800 rpm | 4, Inline | No | Variable | AWD |
| 2 generation, restyling — 1.2 CVT | Gasoline | 1,242 cc | 91 hp at 6,000 rpm | 118 Nm at 4,800 rpm | 4, Inline | No | Variable | FWD |
| 2 generation, restyling — 1.2 CVT | Gasoline | 1,242 cc | 91 hp at 6,000 rpm | 118 Nm at 4,800 rpm | 4, Inline | No | Variable | AWD |
| 3 generation — 1.2 CVT | Hybrid | 1,242 cc | 91 hp at 6,000 rpm | 118 Nm at 4,800 rpm | 4, Inline | No | Variable | AWD |
| 3 generation — 1.2 CVT | Hybrid | 1,242 cc | 91 hp at 6,000 rpm | 118 Nm at 4,800 rpm | 4, Inline | No | Variable | FWD |
| 3 generation — 1.2 AGS | Hybrid | 1,242 cc | 91 hp at 6,000 rpm | 118 Nm at 4,800 rpm | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Robotic | FWD |
The 1,328 cc 1.3 AT develops about 66.3 hp per litre. Each later 1,242 cc engine develops about 73.3 hp per litre, approximately 7.0 hp per litre more. Moving from the 1.3 AT to a later engine therefore reduces displacement by 86 cc while adding 3 hp. Torque does not change from 118 Nm, although its listed peak moves from 3,400 rpm in the 1 generation to 4,800 rpm in every later version.
The later engine uses Direct injection (direct), a compression ratio of 11 and a bore and stroke of 73 × 74.2 mm. The 1 generation engine uses Distributed injection (multi-point), a compression ratio of 9.5 and a bore and stroke of 78 × 69.5 mm. Every listed engine requires 95 fuel. Engine oil capacity and engine number location are not measured.
Suzuki Solio performance, mileage and fuel consumption
Acceleration from 0–100 km/h is not measured for any version. Top speed is not measured for any version. City, highway and combined fuel consumption are also not measured across all four generations, so the data cannot support a Suzuki Solio mileage or Hybrid fuel-consumption comparison.
CO₂ output and emissions class are not measured either. Consequently, the Hybrid designation of the 3 generation must not be treated as numerical proof that it consumes less fuel than the Gasoline versions. The supplied specifications establish its powertrain type, but not its fuel-economy advantage.
Power-to-weight calculations do provide a limited comparison. The 1-generation FWD 1.3 AT carries about 11.0 kg per hp, compared with about 11.5 kg per hp for its AWD counterpart. The original and restyled 2-generation 1.2 CVT figures are about 11.4 kg per hp with FWD and 12.0 kg per hp with AWD.
Within the 3 generation, the listed 950 kg AWD 1.2 CVT has the lowest ratio at about 10.4 kg per hp. The 990 kg FWD 1.2 CVT and 1.2 AGS each work out at about 10.9 kg per hp. These ratios compare mass with rated power; they are not measured acceleration results.
Suzuki Solio dimensions, weight and capacity
Overall exterior dimensions, interior dimensions and trunk space are not measured. Gross weight is not measured for any version, and wheel sizes are not measured.
| Generation and version | Kerb weight | Gross weight | Ground clearance | Tank | Wheel sizes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 generation — 1.3 AT, FWD | 970 kg | not measured | 160 mm | 39 litres | not measured |
| 1 generation — 1.3 AT, AWD | 1,010 kg | not measured | 160 mm | 39 litres | not measured |
| 2 generation — 1.2 CVT, FWD | 1,040 kg | not measured | 145 mm | 39 litres | not measured |
| 2 generation — 1.2 CVT, AWD | 1,090 kg | not measured | 145 mm | 39 litres | not measured |
| 2 generation, restyling — 1.2 CVT, FWD | 1,040 kg | not measured | 145 mm | 33 litres | not measured |
| 2 generation, restyling — 1.2 CVT, AWD | 1,090 kg | not measured | 145 mm | 33 litres | not measured |
| 3 generation — 1.2 CVT, AWD | 950 kg | not measured | 140 mm | 32 litres | not measured |
| 3 generation — 1.2 CVT, FWD | 990 kg | not measured | 140 mm | 32 litres | not measured |
| 3 generation — 1.2 AGS, FWD | 990 kg | not measured | 140 mm | 32 litres | not measured |
AWD adds 40 kg to the 1-generation 1.3 AT and 50 kg to each Gasoline 2-generation 1.2 CVT comparison. The 3-generation listings reverse that pattern: its AWD 1.2 CVT is recorded as 40 kg lighter than either FWD version. That unusual result is reported exactly as supplied.
Ground clearance declines by 15 mm from the 1 generation to the 2 generation, then by another 5 mm in the 3 generation. Tank capacity falls from 39 litres in the 1 generation and original 2 generation to 33 litres after the 2-generation restyling, and then to 32 litres in the 3 generation.
Every version has Independent, spring front suspension, Ventilated disc front brakes and Drum rear brakes. The 1 generation has Dependent, spring rear suspension; subsequent versions have Semi-independent rear spring suspension.
Which Suzuki Solio version should you buy?
Choose the 1 generation 1.3 AT FWD if the priorities are the greatest listed ground clearance and the lowest weight among the two earliest 1.3 AT choices. It provides 160 mm of clearance, a 39-litre tank and a kerb weight of 970 kg. Selecting its AWD counterpart retains the same engine, output, torque, transmission, clearance and tank, while adding AWD and 40 kg.
Choose an original 2 generation 1.2 CVT FWD if you want the later 1,242 cc Gasoline engine and the largest tank available with that engine. Compared with the 1-generation FWD 1.3 AT, it adds 3 hp and 7.0 hp per litre, but it is 70 kg heavier and has 15 mm less ground clearance. The AWD version adds AWD and 50 kg without changing the listed 91 hp or 118 Nm.
The restyled 2 generation 1.2 CVT does not gain power, torque or clearance in the supplied specifications. Its clearest measurable distinction from the original second generation is a tank that is 6 litres smaller. Price is not measured, so the data cannot determine whether that change is offset by a lower purchase cost or other equipment.
Choose a 3 generation 1.2 CVT if Hybrid classification and a Variable transmission are the desired combination. The FWD version has 91 hp, 118 Nm and a 990 kg kerb weight. The AWD version keeps those engine figures while its listed weight drops to 950 kg, producing the catalogue’s best calculated weight-to-power figure of about 10.4 kg per hp.
Choose the 3 generation 1.2 AGS when a 5-speed Robotic gearbox is preferable to a Variable transmission. It matches the FWD 1.2 CVT at 1,242 cc, 91 hp, 118 Nm, 990 kg, 140 mm of clearance and a 32-litre tank. Transmission type is therefore the only numerical or categorical distinction supplied between these two FWD Hybrid versions.
Suzuki Solio price, Suzuki Solio price in Kenya, engine price, reliability, problems and equipment differences are not measured. A Toyota Roomy comparison is also unsupported because no Toyota Roomy data is supplied. On the available numbers alone, the 3-generation AWD 1.2 CVT has the strongest weight-to-power result, the 1-generation 1.3 AT offers the most ground clearance, and the original 2-generation 1.2 CVT combines the later 91 hp engine with the largest 39-litre tank.