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 2995 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. The "Cervo" name used for the replacement comes from the Italian word for deer (cervinae in Latin). The nameplate was retired between 1998 and 2006, and again in March 2010, although it may be revived for the Indian market before the end of the year.
In November 2006, Suzuki reintroduced the Cervo name.[12] The modern, Alto-based Cervo is still a kei car but is much more luxurious than its predecessor. The Cervo originally came equipped with the 658 cc K6A engine (54 hp in the normally aspirated VVT G version, 60 hp in the turbo T and TX version). It is only available as a five-door with a four-speed automatic (with a manual mode in the turbo cars), and is marketed as a more masculine alternative to the MR Wagon. The nicer grade Cervos came with keyless entry and Bluetooth. In June 2007 a G Limited normally aspirated model was added, with the fourteen-inch alloys and rear spoiler of the TX.
In October 2007, the Cervo received the Good Design Award, and the SR version was introduced. This had a new, 64 hp direct injection turbo engine and a seven-step CVT transmission, the first time for such a combination to be available. With front wheel drive, this car achieved a remarkable 23.0 km/l (54 mpg) on the test cycle. The Cervo also received some minor updates across the line, with new liquid seal engine mounts and suspension changes. In May 2008 the range received more minor updates, with new colors being added and a new limited edition model, the G Limited II, which featured alcantara interior and a sporty exterior. Other models received new aero parts and other equipment, gas discharge headlights were now available on the SR.
In May 2009, the Cervo received its most recent upgrade. The T model was discontinued, the TX received the "aero" front dam of the SR while the gas mileage of the G version was improved to meet the 15% gas mileage improvement goals for Japanese fiscal year 2010. The very efficient SR is the only turbocharged Kei car to qualify for the lower tax grades for especially environmentally friendly vehicles, combining this with being the most powerful version. The Cervo was discontinued by Suzuki during March 2010.
