Suzuki Solio Bandit — Import to Australia

Key Features

Mild-Hybrid Efficiency: 1.2L K12C petrol engine with Suzuki’s mild-hybrid assist system and CVT, tuned for strong fuel economy in city driving.

Distinctive Styling: the Bandit trim adds a sportier front grille and bumper design compared to the standard Solio, without changing the practical tall-wagon body.

Compact and Easy to Park: a small footprint combined with a tall cabin design gives good headroom and visibility for city driving.

Everyday Practicality: a versatile interior and low running costs make it a popular choice as a light, economical runabout.

Why Import the Suzuki Solio Bandit from Japan?

The Suzuki Solio Bandit was never sold new in Australia. Importing a used example from Japan gives buyers access to a genuinely economical, easy-to-drive small hybrid hatchback with distinctive styling, typically at a fraction of the cost of comparable new small cars, and with the low running costs that come with a proven mild-hybrid drivetrain sourced through Japanese auction stock with full service history.

Import Eligibility

The Suzuki Solio Bandit is eligible for import to Australia under the SEVS import scheme, on the basis that it was never offered for sale as a new vehicle in Australia. Import eligibility is build-specific — contact our team to confirm the exact model code and build year of the vehicle you are interested in before purchasing. You can also check our list of SEVS-approved imports for current eligibility.

Import and Compliance Process

Importing a Suzuki Solio Bandit from Japan to Australia involves the following steps:

1. Eligibility check — confirm the specific model and build year qualifies under SEVS.
2. Vehicle Import Approval (VIA) — applied for through the ROVER system before the vehicle ships. See our full guide to Vehicle Import Approval.
3. Purchase and shipping — sourced from Japanese auction or dealer, shipped via RoRo or container shipping.
4. Customs and quarantine — customs duty and GST, and DAFF quarantine inspection on arrival in Australia.
5. ADR compliance and modifications — assessed and certified by our RAW-certified workshop in Campbellfield.
6. Registration — VicRoads registration process once a RAV entry approval is granted.

For the full step-by-step breakdown, see our step-by-step import guide.

Estimated Landed Cost

The total landed cost of a Suzuki Solio Bandit depends on the auction purchase price, shipping method, exchange rate, and any ADR compliance work required. As a general guide, a used Solio Bandit purchased at auction in Japan for approximately ¥400,000–¥700,000 (AUD $4,000–$7,000) will typically land in Australia for AUD $13,000–$18,000 all in, including shipping, customs, GST, quarantine, compliance, and registration. See our landed cost breakdown guide for a full breakdown, or contact our team for a detailed estimate based on your specific requirements.

Enquire About Importing a Suzuki Solio Bandit

Glam Groups has over 22 years of experience importing and certifying Japanese vehicles for Australian roads. We manage the full process from eligibility check through to VicRoads registration. Call us on (03) 9303 7252 or submit an enquiry through the form on this page, or visit our full-service car import page for a full overview. Browse more other import vehicles, including the Honda Stepwgn Hybrid RP5 and Suzuki Spacia Custom MK54S.