As a result of a venture project between General Motors (GM) and Suzuki, the Ignis, from 2001 also formed the basis of the Chevrolet Cruze.

The first series of the Ignis (codenamed HT51S and HT81S) was manufactured as a three- and five-door hatchback, powered by a new generation of Suzuki inline-four petrol engines, the M family.

Likewise, the 1.5-liter engine was unavailable outside of the Ignis Sport range in export markets, with the 1.3-litre version offered being detuned to 61 kW (83 PS; 82 hp).

A minor facelift came in 2003, featuring new wheel trims, a revised grille insert and clear headlamp-mounted turn signal lenses, as opposed to the amber versions fitted to the original.

Following its use in the 2002 World Rally Championship season, Suzuki introduced the Ignis Sport in 2003, a performance-oriented version based on the three-door body style.

Badged the "Swift Sport" in Japan, the performance model utilised the same 1.5-litre engine as the regular car, but with power increased to 85 kW (116 PS; 114 hp).

The car featured a number of modifications, including a body kit, lowered and firmer suspension, close ratio gear box and tuned exhaust.

Recaro sport seats are included in the cabin, white instrument dials with blue illumination and carbon effect panels to increase its sporty appeal.

Various optional extras were available including metallic pedals, driving lights in the bumper and front mesh grille.

[8][9] The revamped interior was done under the direction of Jenny Morgan-Douralis, Holden's chief colour and trim designer at the time.

[7] Significantly, the Cruze marked GM's return to Japanese manufacturing for the first time since 1939,[11] with production located at Suzuki's plant in Kosai, Shizuoka.

[8] Powertrains are identical to those fitted to the Suzuki, with 1.3- and 1.5-litre inline-four engines offered and coupled to either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission.

[13][14][16] The vehicle was also in compliance with Japanese government dimension regulations to capitalize on the associated tax benefits to further encourage sales.

After a delay triggered by unfavourable exchange rates from Japan,[4] Holden introduced the Cruze to the Australian market on 1 July 2002.

[23] Suzuki in Japan did not utilise the Cruze modifications for its own Suzuki-badged model due to the presence of the Chevrolet version in that market.

[25] Apart from the slightly larger fog lights, different front bumper and grille, plus badging—the Subaru was identical to the Suzuki.

[36] The car is powered with two versions of the 1.25-litre K12C inline-four engine: a standard petrol and a mild hybrid with 3Ah lithium-ion battery placed under the front passenger seat to store energy and incorporates an idle stop function operated via the Integrated Starter Generator (ISG).

It was offered with a 1.25-litre D13A DDiS 190 turbo-diesel engine that produces 75 PS (55 kW; 74 hp) and 190 N⋅m (140 lb⋅ft) of peak torque which also powered the Swift and the Baleno in India.

[49] The car received new front and rear bumpers, gauge cluster colour and fabric seats design.