Thanks to a smaller bore of 58.9 mm (2.32 in) and resulting 359.66 cc (21.9 cu in) swept volume, it met the Japanese Keijidosha ("light car") legislation.

[2] When introduced, the SF also had double wishbone coil-sprung suspension front and rear, with rack-and-pinion steering, features which were far ahead of their time.

The introduction of the Suzulight SF series also dovetailed with the "People's Car Program" which had been recently announced by Japan's Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI).

[5] When it first went on sale, in October 1955, three body styles were listed as being on offer: A fourth bodystyle, the roomier SD Delivery Van, was added in November 1955.

The "SL" Light Van remained; its owner could also easily install a proper rear seat to circumvent the taxation rule.

1,115 Suzukis intended for commercial use were built in 1959, but the lion's share of that year's production consisted of the succeeding TL series.

Only available with a split folding rear seat and a large tailgate opening to the side, its layout was far ahead of its time.

With rear seats folded, the TL could take 1 cubic metre (1.3 cu yd) or 300 kg (661 lb), fifty per cent more than the SL had been able to accommodate and with higher comfort for the occupants.

The design, by Tadaaki Mizuki, was the result of trying to save space while using a minimum number of compound curve pressings.

The 360 cc engine, tubular chassis, and column mounted three-speed transmission were lightly modified carryovers from the SF, but power was up to 21 PS (15 kW).

One publicity blurb of the era mentions such luxuries as "synchronized wipers", "a lever-operated winker switch", a fuel gauge, and "self-starter activated by turning the ignition key".

A new pressed steel grille in place of the TL's simple mesh and chrome rubbing strips on the bumpers enhanced its look, and there was also a second windshield wiper.

Next year's TL III, introduced in October 1961, continued this trend, dropping down to ¥345,000 while offering a new, fully synchronized four-speed transmission.

The sheet metal was changed to accommodate new doorhandles, but the biggest difference was at the rear, where there was a horizontally split two-piece tailgate.

This incorporated some minor engine modifications (now with reed valves) and a switch to an all-red interior, excepting the plentiful exposed metal.

Having been an early adopter of front-wheel-drive, Suzuki now embraced more traditional layouts and was not to build another such car for over ten years, until the May 1979 introduction of the SS30/SS40 Alto and Fronte.

The name was meant to symbolize Suzuki's position at the front of Kei car development, as well as alluding to its FF layout.