Suzuki Jimny

Suzuki Jimny

Manufacturer	Suzuki
Production	1968 to present
Predecessor	HopeStar ON360
Class	Mini SUV kei car
Body style(s)	2-door Sport utility vehicle 2-door convertible
Related	Suzuki Escudo Maruti Gypsy

The Suzuki Jimny is a successful line of SUVs from Suzuki. The line started in 1968 and is still running.

History

The history of Suzuki four wheel drive cars goes back to 1968. Suzuki bought former Japanese automaker Hope Motor Company which had produced fifteen small off-road vehicles called the HopeStar ON360. Then in 1970, they produced the first "real" Suzuki 4x4. It was called the LJ10, and it had an air cooled, 359 cc, two-stroke, in-line two-cylinder engine. 1972 saw the introduction of the LJ20. The cooling was changed from air cooling to water cooling due to newly enacted emission regulations, and gained 3 hp. In 1975, Suzuki complemented the LJ20 with the LJ50, which had a larger 539 cc, two-stroke, in-line three-cylinder engine and bigger differentials. This was originally targeted at the Australian market, but more exports soon followed.

The Jimny8/LJ80 was an updated version of the LJ50 with an 800 cc, four-stroke, in-line four-cylinder engine, followed by the Jimny 1000/SJ410 and Jimny 1300/SJ413. An updated version of the SJ413 became known as the Samurai and was the first Suzuki officially marketed in the US. The series from SJ410 to SJ413 was known as the Sierra in Australia, and remained the Jimny in some markets.

The new Jimny was released in 1998, and now bears the same name in all markets. The 1998 release used the G13BB EFI engine, replaced by the M13AA EFI engine in 2001 and the M13AA VVT engine in 2005, in conjunction with a minor interior redesign.

HopeStar ON360

The vehicle was originally developed by the Hope Motor Company of Japan in 1967 and sold as the HopeStar ON360 from April 1968. It used a Mitsubishi 359 cc (21.9 cu in) air-cooled 2-stroke ME24 engine which produced just 21 PS (15.4 kW). Rear axle was from the Mitsubishi Colt 1000 and wheels from the Mitsubishi Jeep. It was a very basic two-seater vehicle with no doors, but a sturdy four wheel drive system allowed it to go anywhere. Top speed was 70 km/h (43 mph), 30 km/h in 4WD mode. Tiny Hope was unable to sell many of these vehicles (as few as fifteen, although 100 ME24 engines were purchased) and sold the design to Suzuki in 1968, after Mitsubishi having declined to take over production.

First generation

LJ10-SJ20 Jimny

Suzuki LJ10 Jimny
Manufacturer	Suzuki
Production	1970–1981
Predecessor	HopeStar ON360
Class	Compact SUV
Engine(s)	359 cc (0.4 l) FB/L50 I2 539 cc (0.5 l) LJ50 I3 797 cc (0.8 l) F8A I4
Transmission(s)	4-speed manual

The compact offroader Suzuki Jimny was Suzuki's first global success, lending it name recognition and a foothold in markets everywhere. The Jimny slotted into a hitherto unfilled gap in the market

LJ10

Suzuki's first move on acquiring the rights to the ON360 was rebodying it and replacing the Mitsubishi engine with an air-cooled 359 cc (21.9 cu in) Suzuki "FB" two-cylinder two-stroke which produced 25 hp (19 kW). Since the new unit remained smaller than 360 cc, and Suzuki placed the spare tire inside the truck (making it a three-seater) to keep it under 3 meters in overall length, it was classified as a kei car, conferring certain tax privileges and other benefits. When it was introduced in 1970 it was the first four-wheel drive kei car to enter series production. The LJ10 Jimnys had sixteen inch wheels, weighed just 590 kg (1,301 lb), and had a top speed of a mere 75 km/h (47 mph). The engine was quickly uprated to a 27 hp version, but claimed top speed remained unchanged.

LJ20

The LJ was updated in May 1972 as the LJ20. The grille bars were changed from horizontal to vertical for the LJ20. The engine was swapped out for a water-cooled unit (the L50), and its 28 hp (21 kW) enabled the LJ to reach 80 km/h (50 mph). A special version with the spare tire mounted behind the passenger seat allowed for two small rear seats, facing each other. The introduction of left hand drive was a major switch and signalled Suzuki's worldwide ambitions for the truck. The Hard Top (Van) was also introduced when the LJ20 arrived, equipped with smaller, 15 inch wheels. Suzuki themselves did not export them to America, a US company called IEC (International Equipment Co.) imported them. Export Jimnys had the spare tire mounted on the outside, as there was no Kei regulations demanding the car be kept shorter than three metres.

Suzuki Jimny LJ20 (1973), note spare tire placement

Towards the end of LJ20 production, a cleaner 26 hp (19 kW) engine was introduced, a result of ever more stringent emissions regulations. Top speed was reported as 93 km/h (58 mph), payload was 250 kg/550 lb (200 kg/440 lb for the Van version).

SJ10

Suzuki Jimny 55 (SJ10)

The LJ50 engine (Japanese: Suzuki LJ50) was first introduced in September 1975 for export only, with 33 hp (25 kW). For the home market, it first appeared in June 1976 as the Jimny 55 and reflected the changing kei car rules and stricter emissions standards. The 539 cc (32.9 cu in) 3-cylinder engine remained a 2-stroke; while power was down to 26 hp (19 kW) more low-end torque was on offer. The 635 kg (1,400 lb) vehicle could now hit 60 mph (97 km/h), and the spare tire was relocated outside the rear door, allowing for a fourth seat. The SJ10 Jimny used the "LJ50" name in most export markets.

In Australia the LJ50S and LJ50V (van) were available as a softtop with soft doors and rear mounted spare wheel or hardtop with full metal doors and external spare wheel through distributor M.W.-Suzuki (Melbourne) with 33 hp and 5.85 kg-m (42 lb-ft) of torque. As of May 1976, the rare LJ51P long wheelbase pickup became available for some export markets. The home market Jimny 550 received a facelift in 1977, introducing rear wheel arch metal flares and a bigger bonnet with cooling slots above the radiator, while the export model LJ50s were instead replaced by the LJ80 (same external modifications but with the new four stroke four cylinder 800 cc engine fitted)

SJ20

The final iteration of the original Jimny design was the 1977 Jimny 8, called LJ80 in certain export markets. While the SJ10 remained in production for the domestic Kei category, the new 1700 lb (770 kg) SJ20 boasted a 797 cc (48 in³) 4-stroke SOHC four-cylinder F8A engine capable of around 41 hp (31 kW). The additional power and torque of this engine allowed the differential and gearing to be raised for better cruising and offroad performance, and the track was widened by 4 in (100 mm).

The interior was also improved, with new seats and steering wheel. Metal doors were available for the first time in 1979, and a pickup truck model (LJ81) was available by April of that year as well. The pickup, called "Stockman" in Australia, sat on a 2200 mm wheelbase (up by 270 mm) and was now 3,620 mm (143 in) long, compared to the 3185 mm LJ80. The Jimny 8/LJ80 was retired in late 1981 with the introduction of the second generation Jimny.

Second generation

Suzuki SJ30/SJ40/JA/JB-series

Suzuki Jimny (USA-spec Samurai)
Manufacturer	Suzuki
Also called	Suzuki Caribbean Suzuki Katana Suzuki Potohar Suzuki SJ410 Suzuki Samurai Suzuki Santana Suzuki Sierra Holden Drover Maruti Gypsy
Production	1981–1998
Assembly	Hamamatsu, Japan Linares, Jaén, Spain Bangkok, Thailand Gurgaon, India
Successor	Suzuki Jimny JA12/22, JB32 Suzuki Sidekick (Canada) Suzuki X-90 (United States)
Class	Mini SUV
Body style(s)	2-door SUV 2-door convertible
Layout	Front engine, rear-wheel drive / four-wheel drive
Engine(s)	539 cc (0.5 l) LJ50 2-stroke I3 547 cc (0.5 l) F5A I3 657 cc (0.7 l) F6A I3 658 cc (0.7 l) K6A I3 970 cc (1.0 l) F10A I4 1,298 cc (1.3 l) G13BA/G13BB I4 1,324 cc (1.3 l) G13A I4 1,905 cc (1.9 l) XUD 9 Peugeot turbodiesel I4
Transmission(s)	5-speed manual
Wheelbase	2,030 mm (80 in) LWB: 2,375 mm (94 in)
Length	3,195–4,010 mm (126–158 in)
Width	1,395–1,535 mm (55–60 in)
Height	1,670–1,840 mm (66–72 in)

The Suzuki SJ30 began production in May 1981 in Hamamatsu, Japan. In Japan, it was sold as the Suzuki Jimny and was a kei car, produced with both 550 cc and 660 cc 3-cylinder engines. The SJ-Series received a bigger engine and was lengthened and widened for export purposes, where it was sold with a multitude of names: Suzuki SJ410/413, Suzuki Samurai, Suzuki Sierra, Suzuki Potohar (Pakistan), Suzuki Caribbean (Thailand), Suzuki Katana (Indonesia), Chevrolet Samurai, Holden Drover (Australia) and Maruti Gypsy (India).

SJ30

The SJ30 Jimny 550 was mainly for Japanese domestic market consumption where it suited the Kei car category. Still powered by the LJ50 engine also used in its predecessor, the Jimny 550 was by a sizable margin the last two-stroke engine built in Japan. Production ended with the withdrawal of type approval in November 1987 in favor of its F5A engined brother, the JA71. The two-stroke had been favored by Japanese off-roaders (and by Suzuki) due to its superior torque.

SJ40

Suzuki SJ410 - Note the Jeep badge added by the owner on the "B" pillar

The SJ40 Jimny 1000 was introduced in 1982 as an updated version of the LJ80. It used the F10A, a larger 1-litre version of the LJ's 0.8 liter 4-cylinder engine. This engine produced 45 hp (34 kW) and it had a top speed of 68 mph (109 km/h).

A 4-speed manual transmission was standard, as were non-power assisted drum brakes front and rear. The SJ410 came as a half-door convertible, pickup truck, 2-door hardtop, raised-roof hardtop, and no-glass hardtop. The SJ410 was also produced in Spain by Santana Motors in their Linares, Jaén factory as of March 1985 and sold as a domestic vehicle in Europe due to its over 60% native parts content. Some later models of the SJ410 would switch to disk brakes in the front depending on the factory they were made at. In March 1990, Santana-built versions received the same chassis developments which turned the SJ413 into the Samurai; this version was sold as Samurai 1.0 where it was offered ("Samurai Mil" in Spain).

Maruti Gypsy

Main article: Maruti Gypsy

Indian built SJ-410, only available in a LWB version. The Gypsy remains in production for the South Asian market, as does the Pakistani "Suzuki Potohar". The version still produced in India by Maruti Suzuki is the Maruti Gypsy King, using the 16V 1.3 liter 80 hp (60 kW) engine.

SJ413/Samurai

JA51 Jimny 1300

In 1984, the SJ was revamped with the launch of the SJ413 (internal model code JA51). The SJ413 included a larger 1.3 liter 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission and power brakes all around. The body and interior were also redesigned, with a new dashboard, seats, and grille. The SJ410 remained in production for various other markets with the old specifications.

North American market

Suzuki Samurai (North America-spec)

The SJ-Series was introduced to the United States (Puerto Rico (SJ-410) and Canada earlier) in 1985 for the 1986 model year. It was priced at just $6200 and 47,000 were sold in its first year. The Samurai had a 1.3 liter, 63 hp (47 kW), 4-cylinder engine and was available as a convertible or a hardtop. The Suzuki Samurai became intensely popular within the serious 4WD community for its good off road performance and reliability compared to other 4WDs of the time. This is due to the fact that while very compact and light, it is a real 4WD vehicle equipped with a transfer case switchable 4WD and low range. Its lightness makes it a very nimble off roader less prone to sinking in softer ground than heavier ones. It is also considered a great beginner off-roader due to its simple design and ease of engine and suspension modifications.

The 1988.5 model Samurai was re-tuned for better on-road use in the United States. This revision included softer suspension settings and a larger anti-sway bar to reduce body roll. A lower 5th gear (.865:1 vs the earlier .795:1) increased engine rpm and power on the highway, and improved dashboard and seats made the Samurai more comfortable.

A new 1.3 4-cylinder engine with throttle-body fuel injection was introduced with 66 hp (49 kW) in September 1991. The Samurai was withdrawn in Canada in 1989 as the Suzuki Sidekick replaced it; however, sales in the United States market continued until 1995. Low sales prompted the withdrawal of the Samurai from the United States

Consumers Union lawsuit

An unfavorable 1988 review of the Samurai in Consumer Reports for being unsafe and prone to rollovers led to a controversial lawsuit and an early withdrawal of the Samurai from the US market.

Other Markets

Late Euro-spec Samurai

The SJ413/Samurai had a longer history in the rest of the world. Australian built JA51s were sold as either Suzuki Sierra or Holden Drover, while those built in Thailand are called Suzuki Caribbean. The Caribbean has also been available as the "Caribbean Sporty", a unique LWB double cab pickup.

Due to various trade obstacles for Japanese cars, Spanish Santana Motors (in addition to the SJ410) began local production of the SJ413 in 1986. The Santana built SJs had softer springs for an improved on-road ride, color coordinated interiors with cloth seats and carpeted floors, all to broaden appeal to those who did not intend to off-road the vehicle. In 1989 it received some optical as well as chassis updates and received the "Samurai" nameplate. Santana built Samurais did not benefit from the updated coil sprung chassis introduced in 1998, instead receiving a facelift (new grille, more rounded bumpers) specific to European and neighboring markets. Santana also added a version which used PSA's XUD 9 1.9-litre turbodiesel, producing 63 hp. Top speed was 130 km/h. Spanish Samurai production ended in 2003.

The Samurai was sold in Colombia and Venezuela as Chevrolet Samurai, assembled in Bogotá, Colombia by General Motors Colmotores. In other South American markets, (Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Peru, Paraguay and Uruguay), it was sold as the Suzuki Samurai. Long wheelbase models were not offered in the Mercosur.

High altitude world record

The modified vehicle used in the expedition.

On April 21, 2007, the Chilean duo of Gonzalo Bravo and Eduardo Canales drove their modified Suzuki Samurai (SJ413) up Ojos del Salado, past the previous record set by a Jeep at 6,646 meters (21,804 ft), setting a new record for the highest altitude attained by a four-wheeled vehicle at 6,688 meters (21,942 ft).

The Samurai in question benefitted from wheel, tire, and suspension changes, and a supercharged G16A 4-cylinder underhood. It was the third attempt for the two man team, after encountering weather difficulties on the first attempt and an engine fire in the second. The previous record holder's team led by Matthias Jeschke driving a Jeep Wrangler, left a sign reading "Jeep Parking Only: All others don't make it up here anyway". The Chilean team found the sign, blown down by strong winds, and brought it back to civilization as a souvenir.

This record was duly certified by the Guinness World Record in July 2007.

Kei history

Suzuki Jimny JA71 series

In January 1986 the JA71, a four-stroke, turbocharged and fuel-injected (F5A) 543 cc three-cylinder engine was introduced to complement the two-stroke SJ30. It used the upgraded interior from the Jimny 1300, which was simultaneously introduced to the SJ30. Power was 42 PS (31 kW), although this was increased to 52 PS (38 kW) in a November 1987 facelift by adding an intercooler. A non-intercooled, 38 PS (28 kW) engine was offered in the lowest spec Van version. At the same time, a glassed high-roof version ("Panoramic Roof") was added.

660 cc Era

The JA71 was replaced in March 1990 by the new JA11 as new Kei category regulations took effect. Now with 657 cc on offer, the otherwise similar F6A engine only came with an intercooler and 55 PS (40 kW). A utilitarian van (HA), as well as more luxurious Hardtop, Convertible, and Panoramic Roof (HC, CC, EC) versions were on offer. The suspension was also upgraded, while a longer front bumper meant that the foglights could be mounted in front of the grille rather than in it. In June 1991, power was increased to 58 PS (43 kW) and a year later power steering and automatic transmission became available for the first time. Top speed of this version was 120 km/h (75 mph). In February 1995 power increased to 64 PS (47 kW), but production of the JA11 ended only nine months later with the introduction of the coil sprung JA12/22.

Coilsprung version

Suzuki JA12/JA22/JB32

Manufacturer	Suzuki
Production	1995–1998
Assembly	Linares, Jaén, Spain Hamamatsu, Japan Bogotá, Colombia
Predecessor	Suzuki SJ series
Class	Mini SUV
Body style(s)	2-door SUV 2-door convertible
Layout	Front engine, rear-wheel drive / four-wheel drive
Engine(s)	657 cc (0.7 l) F6A I3 658 cc (0.7 l) K6A I3 1,298 cc (1.3 l) G13BA/G13BB I4
Transmission(s)	5-speed manual 3-speed automatic
Wheelbase	2,030 mm (80 in)
Length	3,295–3,430 mm (129.7–135.0 in)
Width	1,395–1,550 mm (54.9–61.0 in)
Height	1,670–1,825 mm (66–72 in)

The Samurai continued for sale outside the United States (where the newer version is referred to as the 'Coily'), with a substantial update in November 1995. This included a coil spring suspension, though the live axles were retained. The rest of the truck was redesigned as well, with new seats, dashboard, steering wheel, and doors joining a more "macho" exterior.

Suzuki Jimny series JA12W

The JA12 used the 657 cc F6A from the JA11 three-cylinder while the JA22 received the newly developed and more powerful K6A - although to abide by the Kei Jidosha regulations claimed output was 64 hp for both engines. The JB32 received the larger 85 hp, 1.3 litre G13BB 16 valve engine was slightly longer and wider due to bigger bumpers and fenders. This, although usually equipped with the eight-valve, 70 hp G13BA engine, was the model seen in most export markets.

Not all models were updated however, with the original narrow SJ410 still in production in some countries. While the third generation Jimny replaced the Jimny/Samurai in most markets after 1998, it still remains in production in India.

Third generation

Suzuki Jimny JB23/JB33/JB43/JB53

Suzuki Jimny 660 JB23
Manufacturer	Suzuki
Also called	Suzuki Jimny Wide Suzuki Jimny Sierra Chevrolet Jimny Mazda AZ-Offroad
Production	Jan 1998–present
Assembly	Hamamatsu, Japan Bogotá, Colombia Linares, Jaén, Spain
Class	Mini SUV
Body style(s)	2-door SUV 2-door convertible
Layout	Front engine, rear-wheel drive / four-wheel drive
Engine(s)	JB23: 658 cc (0.7 l) K6A I3 JB33: 1,298 cc (1.3 l) G13BB I4 JB43: 1,328 cc (1.3 l) M13A I4 JB53: 1,461 cc (1.5 l) Renault K9K turbodiesel I4
Transmission(s)	5-speed manual 4-speed automatic
Wheelbase	2,030 mm (80 in)
Length	3,295–3,645 mm (129.7–143.5 in)
Width	1,395–1,600 mm (54.9–63.0 in)
Height	1,655–1,715 mm (65.2–67.5 in)

At the 1997 Tokyo Motor Show, Suzuki presented the all-new Jimny with a much more modern design. A ladder type chassis and a dual ratio transfer case was retained, unlike many competing compact 4WDs which lack a low range, and are strictly in the crossover category. Two bodystyles are available in export markets: a standard hard top and the Canvas Top, introduced at the Barcelona Motor Show in May 1999 and built only by Santana in Spain. The Jimny replaced the popular Sierra/Samurai model in most markets (European introduction was in Paris, 1998), though its predecessor remains in limited production in some places. For the domestic market, a 660 cc K6A engined version suited for the Kei Jidosha class answers for most Jimny sales.

The larger 1.3-litre Jimny was originally equipped with the G13BB engine also used in the JB32. The 80 hp G13BB engine was replaced in Japan with the January 2000 introduction of the newly designed VVT 16-valve M-engine, but soldiered on in Spanish-built softtops until 2005. For the diesel loving continental European market, in 2004 the turbodiesel Jimny JB53 was introduced, built by Santana and using a Renault-built DDiS 1,461 cc K9K engine. Power was originally 65 hp but was increased to 86 hp in 2005, the same as in gasoline versions. It remains unavailable in Britain and Ireland.

Jimny features a part time 4WD system. On its dashboard, there are three buttons - 2WD, 4WD and 4WD-L. The 2WD is default when it runs as RWD. When 4WD is pressed, the front wheels are also engaged as drive with high gears. The 4WD-L engages front wheels as well as low ratio gears. Being a part time 4WD, there is no center differential or viscous coupling. The Jimny should not be driven on normal road surface in 4WD mode.

The Jimny's vacuum-locking hubs allow the vehicle to be shifted from 2WD to 4WD while travelling at up to 100 km/h (62 mph). Shifting to low range requires the vehicle to be stopped, but there is no need to exit the vehicle. Newer Jimnys feature electronic push-button selectable four-wheel drive.

1999 Suzuki Jimny JLX JB33

The Jimny features large windows, giving excellent visibility, apart from a rather serious blind spot caused by the oversized "B" pillar. The large amount of glass also creates a greenhouse effect, and the Jimny comes with air conditioning as a standard feature in some regions.

In Europe, both Hard Top and Canvas Top versions come in JX and JLX specifications. These are fairly standard designations across the Suzuki off road range, with the JLX being the fully-optioned "luxury" version. In the case of the Jimny, the JLX adds roof rails, power steering, power windows, electronically adjustable exterior mirrors, and several interior comfort improvements. Both models are available with a 5 speed manual or 4 speed automatic gearbox. There is also a 2WD option, only available as a 5 speed manual.

As in Japan, Jimnys in Australia have borne the name Jimny Sierra since 2007, largely due to the Sierra name having become synonymous with small, capable off-road vehicles. Since 1999, GM Colmotores have been assembling the 1.3-litre, 79 hp (59 kW) JB33 with the name "Chevrolet Jimny" in Bogotá, Colombia. The Jimny is also available as a grey-import in Singapore

Development history

This collapsed table covers the development history of the Jimny in the Japanese domestic market, with notable export variations and developments also noted.

Jimny development 1970-today
First generation Jimny LJ10, 1970-72. 359 cc air-cooled 2-stroke I2 FB engine. 1.1.1 25 hp, 3 seats. 1970.04-71.01 1.1.2 27 hp. 1971.01-72.05 LJ20, 1972-76. 359 cc water-cooled 2-stroke I2 L50 engine. 1.2.1 28 hp, horizontal bars in grille. LJ20V hardtop version added. 1972.05-73.11 1.2.2 Orange turn signals, front marker light and turn signal separated. 4-seater with spare tire mounted on hood (LJ20F) added. 1973.11-75.12 1.2.3 Emissions regulations lower output to 26 hp. 1975.12-76.04 SJ10, aka Jimny55 or LJ50. 1975-81. 539 cc 2-stroke I3 LJ50 engine. 1.3.1 26 hp, 33 in some export markets. Export only until 76.06. Improved hood, all models now 4-seaters. 1975.09-77.06 1.3.2 New, taller engine hood with vents on leading edge. Stronger rear differential, widened rear fenders due to 100 mm wider track, front and rear. Gas tank increased from 26 to 40 L. 1977.06-78.11 1.3.3 New grille with lower mounted headlights. Metal doors available as of 1979. 1978.11-81.05 SJ20, aka Jimny8 or LJ80. 1977-83. 797 cc SOHC I4 F8A engine. 1.4.1 "Big" engined model, mainly for export markets. On sale in Japan from 77.09 on. The SJ20's chassis improvements were also applied to the SJ10. 1977.06-78.11 1.4.2 New grille with lower mounted headlights. Metal doors available as of 1979, as well as a longer pickup version (LJ81). 1978.11-82.08 Second generation Jimny SJ30, aka Jimny 550. 1981-87. 539 cc 2-stroke I3 LJ50 engine. 2.1.1 All new, more modern design. Two-stroke engine is retained, with power increased to 28 hp. 4MT. 1981.05-83.07 2.1.2 Transistor ignition introduced. Soft door version discontinued, deluxe Van receives front disc brakes. 1983.07-84.06 2.1.3 New, all plastic dashboard. 1984.06-86.01 2.1.4 SJ30 receives interior from JA51/71. 1986.01-87.04 2.1.5 ELR seatbelts introduced, lineup reduced to a full-metal door softtop and a deluxe Van. 1987.04-87.11 SJ40, aka Jimny 1000 or SJ410. 1981-98. 970 cc 4-stroke I4 F10A engine. 2.2.1 Introduced for export markets for 1982, on sale in Japan from 82.08. 45 hp for export, 52 hp in domestic market. Wider and with bigger wheels than the Jimny 550, with an LWB pickup model available. 1981.09-84.06 2.2.2 Improved interior as per JA51. Production continues in other countries until 1998. 1984.06-85 JA51, aka Jimny 1300, SJ413 and Samurai. 1984-93. 1,324 cc 4-stroke I4 G13A engine. 2.3.1 Bigger engine, new plastic grille and improved interior. 63-70 hp, depending on market. 5MT. 1984.08-88 Introduced in the US in 1985 for MY86 as the Samurai. A glassed high-roof version was added on 85.12, and 100 "Winter Action Specials" were released in October 1986. 2.3.2 Fuel injected version gradually introduced. Improved dashboard. Samurai name fully replaced SJ413, although the car is sold under countless other names. 1988-90.02 2.3.3 New bumpers, grille. Revised suspension to improve on-road manners. 1990.02-93.05 JA71, 1986-90. 543 cc turbocharged, fuel injected F5A engine. 2.4.1 42 hp, Turbo EPi four-stroke with 5MT. Upgraded interior. 1986.01-87.03 2.4.2 New grille with integrated foglights. "Panoramic" high-roof version added, as is intercooler. Power is up to 52 hp. Base-spec van available with non-intercooled 38 hp turbo engine. 1987.11-90.02 JA11, 1990-95. 657 cc fuel injected, turbocharged, and intercooled F6A engine. 2.5.1 Bigger engine and larger front bumper reflect new Kei Jidosha standards. Foglights mounted on bumper, ahead of grille. All models receive new 55 hp engine. Suspension modified to improve ride and stability. 1990.02-91.06			2.5.2 New, body-colored grille. Power increased to 58 hp, radiator fan coupling changed. 1991.06-92.07 2.5.3 Optional PS and AT introduced. 1992.07-94.04 2.5.4 Safety equipment improved. Turbo warning light removed, replaced with seatbelt warning light. Cheap grade HA Van discontinued. 1994.04-95.02 2.5.5 Engine upgraded to 64 hp spec from Alto Works. 1995.02-95.11 JB31, aka Jimny 1300 Sierra, Samurai. 1993-95. 1,298 cc fuel injected G13BA engine. 2.6.1 70 hp (JDM, differs in export markets), bigger fenders to fit 205/70 R15 tires. More upmarket spec than JA51, more comfortable interior. 3AT introduced 93.11. 1993.05-95.11 JA12/22, 1995-98. 657/658 cc fuel injected, turbocharged, and intercooled F6A/K6A engine. 2.7.1 New coil sprung chassis, more aerodynamic front and new bumpers. 64 hp engine retained, except top-rung models which got the DOHC four-valve K6A engine - officially also with 64 hp. K6A versions got standard electric power steering, lesser models with PS made do with hydraulic. 1995.11-97.05 2.7.2 Air locking hubs added. 1997.05-98.09 JB32, aka Jimny 1300 Sierra, Samurai. 1995-98. 1,298 cc fuel injected G13BB or G13BA (export) engine. 2.8.1 85 hp (JDM, 70 hp in most export markets). Chassis modifications as per JA12/22, but longer and wider than 660cc versions. Track also wider, by 110 mm. 1995.11-98.01 Third generation Jimny JB33, aka Jimny Wide. 1998-2005. 1,298 cc 16-valve SOHC G13BB engine. 3.1.1 The larger engined third generation was introduced first. Beefier suspension and wider track also meant wider fenders than on JB23. 5MT or 4AT. 1998.01-98.06 3.1.2 Modified tie rod ends to improve stability and handling. Production continues at Santana (Spain) for European market, also as a convertible (Canvas Top) since 1999. 1998.06-2005 JB23, 1998-current. 658 cc fuel injected, turbocharged, and intercooled K6A engine. 3.2.1 More rounded body, still body on frame. Carryover engine. Basic XA, XL and top XC models all available with 5MT or 4AT. 1998.10-99.10 3.2.2 Improved safety and emissions equipment. Catalyst relocated, ABS and airbag now standard. 1999.10-00.04 3.2.3 ABS modified. 2000.09 2WD Jimny L introduced. 2000.04-02.01 3.2.4 Grill now separate from hood. Engine modifications. 2002.01-04.10 3.2.5 Dashboard modified, as is transfer case lever. Transfer case ratio increases. 2004.10-05.10 3.2.6 Outside mirrors changed, manual headlight adjustment introduced. 2005.10-08.06 3.2.7 Changes to cylinder head improve low-end torque. 2008.06- JB43, aka Jimny Wide or Jimny Sierra. 2000-current. 1,328 cc VVT 16-valve DOHC M13A engine. 3.3.1 New high tech engine, 88 hp, replaces JB33 in Japan. 2000.01-00.04 3.3.2 Engine modified. 2000.04-02.01 3.3.3 Name changed back to Jimny Sierra. 2002.01-04.10 3.3.4 Dashboard modified, as is transfer case lever, as per JB23. 2004.10-05.11 3.3.5 Outside mirrors changed, manual headlight adjustment introduced. 2005.11-08.06 3.3.6 Minor dash and air conditioner changes, air-locking hubs added. 2008.06-current JB53, 2003-current. 1,461 cc Direct injection turbodiesel K9K engine by Renault. 3.4.1 Built by Santana Motors to satisfy the European market's need for diesels. 65 hp K9K 700. 2003.12-05.10 3.4.2 86 hp K9K 266. 2005.10-current

See also

• Suzuki Samurai v Consumers Union -- Suzuki of North America sued CU over its unfavorable review of the rollover-prone Samurai.

References

• "Suzuki's 4x4 History". Suzuki global site.
• "Suzuki's 4x4 History". Suzuki Japan.
• "Suzuki's 4x4 History". Off-Road.com. Archived from the original on February 17, 2006. Retrieved on March 2, 2006.
• Suzuki Jimny (Japanese Wikipedia)

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to:

Suzuki Jimny

• Jimny Club international section
• UK Jimny page
• Suzuki Samurai hard tops
• Suzuki Rare Models
• World Record for Highest Altitude
• www.suzuki4X4.cl; chilean Suzuki 4WD page
• Samurai Transfer Case Gear Ratio Comparison Chart
• Suzuki Samurai information site