Worse was that the new 550 cc engine was strangled by emissions requirements. Whereas the most powerful 360 cc version had offered at 6000 rpm, the new "T5A" only provided at 5000 rpm and had an additional 55–80 kg to drag around. To keep acceleration acceptable, gearing was rather low, keeping claimed top speed to . This was ten more than the Fronte 7-S sedan version could achieve, thanks to lower wind resistance, but "Car Graphic" were only able to reach when testing the car in 1977, with the 0–400 m sprint taking 23 seconds. The engine ran out of breath past 7000 rpm. Suzuki were aware that the Cervo, unlike its predecessor, was no longer a mini GT car. The advertising also reflected this, generally targeting the female demographic (except for the sporty CX-G version).