[QUOTE=cRiPpLe_rOoStEr;639865]Was it fitted with a manual transmission, right?
Yes. In addition, small light cars are most efficient at lower speeds than larger heavier machines generally, so at 65 mph the FE wouldn't be as impressive, therefore I suspect the FE potential of the little Suzukis was lot on a lot of people who insist on driving fast.
I guess with some makeshift bodywork it could have still been reasonable for a winter beater
Perhaps, but that was the insurance company's choice and not mine.
It's quite impressive how such a small naturally-aspirated engine can outrun some Euro stuff from the same period and 50 to 55% greater displacement.
A heck of an engine for its time (starting in 1986) in a flyweight body with good aerodynamics and minimal frontal area.