Suzuki Swift
HT51SStock varies — page stays liveThe first-generation Swift in Japan (sold elsewhere as the Ignis) combined hatchback compact dimensions with a slightly taller, crossover-inspired seating position.
Engine
M13A DOHC VVT
Displacement
1,328 cc
Drive
2WD (FF)
Gearbox
5MT / 4AT
Fuel
Petrol
Body
Hatchback
Suzuki Swift — representative 1st gen (HT) imageChassis variants of the Swift
ChassisEngineDisplacementDriveGearbox
HT51SM13A DOHC VVT1,328 ccFF5MT / 4AT
ZC11SM13A DOHC VVT1,328 ccFF5MT / 4ATZC21SM15A DOHC VVT1,490 ccFF5MT / 4ATZC71SK12B DOHC1,242 ccFFCVTZC72SK12B Dualjet1,242 ccFFCVT / 5MTDimensions & shipping volume
Length
3,615 mm
Width
1,650 mm
Height
1,525 mm
Weight
930 kg
Shipping volume
9.1 M³
Manufacture year vs. registration year
Japanese paperwork shows the first registration date, but African customs count age from the month of manufacture. Verify with the chassis serial before purchase:
Serial prefixProduction periodSeries
HT51S-100001XXXXXXJan 2000 – Nov 2004JDM Production Range
Import eligibility by country
Age limits are counted from the month of manufacture, not first registration. This HT51S was produced 2000–2004; the statuses below are checked against Jul 2026.
KenyaNot eligible
8-year limit from manufacture — all units now exceed it.UgandaNot eligible
15-year limit from manufacture — all units now exceed it.TanzaniaEligible
No age ban; vehicles over 10 years pay additional excise duty.ZambiaEligible
No age limit; surtax applies to vehicles older than 5 years.MalawiEligible
No age limit; duty calculated on cc and age band.Common questions about the HT51S
Was the HT51S sold outside of Japan?
Yes, but in European and other export markets, it was branded as the first-generation Suzuki Ignis.