Suzuki Jimny: Difference between revisions

{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2019}}{{Use British English|date=August 2024}}

The first two Jimny generations used [[Leaf spring|leaf-sprung suspension]] at all four wheels, with the third and fourth generations using [[Coil spring|coil-sprung suspension]] at all four wheels. SomeThe late second-generation modelsmodel called SJ800 Coily had coil-sprung suspension, as well.

The reason for inclusion of the differential locker was legislative in nature. LJ80s, SJ410s, and early SJ413s have a parking brake that brakes the gears in the transfer case instead of braking the individual rear wheels directly and simultaneously (as with most passenger vehicles). That design has several advantages, as well as an important disadvantage - because of the open rear differential, the hand brake has no effect when one of the rear wheels is raised in the air while the transfer case is in two-wheel drive (rear-wheel drive) mode '''and''' when one of the rear wheels is raised in the air. Therefore, relying on the parking brake itself would be dangerous in some unusual situations (when parking on a severely undulated ground). German law required that this risk must not exist. Instead of redesigning the parking brake system for that market, Suzuki appeased the legal requirement by the inclusion of a rear differential locker. The idea was that German drivers, when parking, should lock both the hand brake lever and this additional differential lock lever.

| name = First generation (LJ10-SJ20)

| name = Second generation (SJ30/SJ40/JA/JB)

The '''Suzuki SJ30''' began production in May 1981. In Japan, it was soldmarketd as the Suzuki Jimny, and was ameeting [[kei car]] regulations, producedand withoffering both 550&nbsp;cc and 660&nbsp;cc [[Straight-three engine|3-cylinder]] engines. The SJ-Series received a biggerlarger engine and was lengthened and widened for export purposesmarkets, where it was soldbranded withvariously, aincluding multitudeas of names:the Suzuki SJ410/413, Suzuki Samurai, Suzuki Sierra, Suzuki Potohar ([[Pakistan]]), Suzuki Santana ([[Spain]]), Suzuki {{Proper name|Caribian}} (Thailand), Suzuki Katana (Indonesia), Chevrolet Samurai, Holden Drover (Australia) and [[Maruti Gypsy]] (India <ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.v3cars.com/news/maruti-suzuki-jimny-exports-to-begin-in-2021-before-india-launch |title= Maruti Suzuki Jimny Exports To Begin In 2021, Before India Launch |publisher=v3cars.com |access-date=2020-02-12}}</ref>).

The SJ410 was also assembled in Indonesia by [[Suzuki Indomobil Motor]] since late 1982 until 2006, where it was marketed with different names. The original version was marketed as '''Suzuki Super Jimny''', continuing from the previous LJ Suzuki Jimny. The canvas soft-top model was marketed in fairly small numbers from 1983 until late 1985 as '''Jimny Sierra'''.<ref name=Kathist>{{cite web | url = http://www.mobilmotorlama.com/2017/01/macam-macam-suzuki-jimny-dan-katana-di.html | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170613193849/http://www.mobilmotorlama.com/2017/01/macam-macam-suzuki-jimny-dan-katana-di.html | title = Macam-macam Suzuki Jimny dan Katana di Indonesia | archive-date = 2017-06-13 | trans-title = The various kinds of Suzuki Katanas and Jimnys in Indonesia | date = 2017-01-13 | first = Charis | last = Alfan | publisher = Mobil Motor Lama }}</ref> In the late 1980s, responding to the introduction of higher taxes for vehicles with four-wheel-drive, Suzuki introduced a 4x2 version as the '''Suzuki Katana''' in September 1989.<ref name=Kathist/> The earlier model built until 1984 were low-roof, metal-bodied wagons. A higher-roofed model arrived in 1984 and continued to be built until about 1988, while the Katana has an even higher roof than the previous versions. Later, there were also 1.3-literlitre models sold in small numbers as the '''Jimny Samurai'''.<ref name=Kathist/>

As of September 1989, it received updated square headlights. The rear-wheel drive Katana was also used as a basis for an Indonesian-built, 1930s' style kit-car called the Marvia Classic.<ref>''Tutte le Auto del Mondo 1992'', p. 460</ref> The earlier Katana is only available with "Blitz" variant until a light facelift in late 1992 (round headlights) and mid-1993 (new grille design with round headlights and "S" logo). In the same year, the Blitz variant was replaced with the long-running GX seriesSuzuki Katana GX. The Suzuki Katana GX was produced from 1993 to 2006, with updates only on body sticker design in 1995, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2002, and 2005. There was also a DX variant of Katana below the GX marketed from 1993 to 2000, after which the GX was the sole variant remaining. Both the GX and DX variants were equipped with power steering as standard. As of March 1995, both the Katana GX and DX received a new redesigned steering wheel with the Suzuki "S" logo. In 2005, Suzuki introduced the SJ413 {{Proper name|Caribian}} Spacecab pickup, which was imported from Thailand and sold until 2007.<ref name=Kathist/> Production of the second generation Jimny (and Katana) in Indonesia ended in July 2006.

The Indian built SJ-410 has only ever been available in a long-wheelbase version. The Gypsy remained in production for the Indian Subcontinent market until 2019. The version still produced in India by [[Maruti Suzuki]] was the Maruti Gypsy King, using the sixteen valve, {{cvt|80|PS|kW|0}} 1.3-literlitre G13 engine. The Gypsy King is still popular with the Indian armed forces and police units.

In 1984, the SJ was revamped with the launch of the SJ413 (internal model code '''JA51'''). The SJ413 included a larger 1.3-literlitre four-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission and power brakes (disc brakes on the front and drum brakes on the rear) all around. The body and interior were also redesigned, with the introduction of a roll bar, along with a new dashboard, seats, and grille. The SJ410 remained in production for various other markets with the old specifications. After the 1988 introduction of the [[Suzuki Vitara|Escudo]], sales of the Jimny 1300 ended in Japan. The model returned to the Japanese market in May 1993, after a thorough update.

The SJ-Series Samurai was introduced to the United States in 1985 for the 1986 model year. It had gone on sale earlier in [[Canada]] and [[Puerto Rico]] (as the Suzuki SJ410). It was priced at $6200 when introduced in the United States and 47,000 were sold in its first year. It had a 1.3-literlitre, {{convert|63|hp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}}, four-cylinder engine and was available as a [[Convertible (car)|convertible]] or a [[hardtop]], and came equipped with rear seats until 1994. 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, outselling the Jeep Wrangler by two to one in 1987.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ORo9-VxlHoY|title=Here's Why The Tiny Suzuki Samurai Outsold The Jeep Wrangler 2 to 1 in 1987!|date=11 November 2018 |via=www.youtube.com}}</ref> 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 vehicles. It was also sold as the Chevrolet Samurai in Puerto Rico.

A new 1.3&nbsp;literlitre four-cylinder engine with throttle-body [[fuel injection]] was introduced with {{convert|66|hp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}} in September 1991.<ref name=TAM92/> The Samurai was supplemented in [[Canada]] and the United States markets in 1989 by the [[Suzuki Sidekick]], which eventually replaced the Samurai in 1995. The rear seat was removed from 1994 and 1995 Samurai models with rear shoulder safety belts becoming mandatory, and the partial roll cage not having the required mounting provisions, unlike the larger [[Jeep Wrangler]]. Low sales and pending stricter safety legislation prompted the withdrawal of the Samurai from [[Canada]] and the United States markets after 1995.

An unfavorable 1988 review in ''[[Consumer Reports]]'' magazine said the Samurai was unsafe and prone to [[Vehicle rollover|rollover]]s.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1988/06/03/business/consumer-group-asks-recall-of-suzuki-samurai-as-unsafe.html| first=Doron P. |last=Levine| title=Consumer Group Asks Recall Of Suzuki Samurai as Unsafe| newspaper=[[New York Times]] | date=3 June 3, 1988}}</ref> In 1996, after investigating the CU's claims, Suzuki of North America sued the magazine's publisher, [[Consumers Union]] (CU), for libel. The suit resulted in an inconclusive settlement. CU agreed that it "never intended to imply that the Samurai easily rolls over in routine driving conditions."<ref>{{Citation |url= http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/suzuki-and-consumers-union-agree-on-dismissal-of-lawsuit-704/index.htm?resultPageIndex=1&resultIndex=1&searchTerm=Suzuki%20Samurai |title= Suzuki lawsuit dismissed |website= consumerreports.org |access-date=13 August 13, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070312091559/http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/suzuki-and-consumers-union-agree-on-dismissal-of-lawsuit-704/index.htm?resultPageIndex=1&resultIndex=1&searchTerm=Suzuki%20Samurai |archive-date= 12 March 12, 2007 }}</ref> CU and Suzuki made a joint statement, saying, "CU and Suzuki disagree with respect to the validity" of CU's tests and that "Suzuki disputes the validity" of the tests, while "CU stands by its test protocol and findings."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/new-cars/news/suzuki-and-consumers-union-agree-on-lawsuit-dismissal/overview/index.htm |title=Suzuki and Consumers Union agree on dismissal of lawsuit |publisher=Consumerreports.org |date=2010-04-13 |access-date=2011-11-13}}</ref>

Due to various trade obstacles for Japanese cars, Spanish [[Santana Motors]] (in addition to the SJ410) began local production of the SJ413 in 1986.<ref name=WOCsant/> The Santana built SJs had softer springs for an improved on-road ride, colorcolour coordinated interiors with cloth seats and carpeted floors, all to broaden appeal to those who did not intend to primarily off-road the vehicle.<ref name="Off Road and 4WD">{{cite book | title = Off Road and 4 Wheel Drive July 1987 | publisher = Link House Publications | location = Poole, England | year = 1987 }}</ref> 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 around 1996, instead receiving a facelift (new grille, more rounded bumpers) specific to European and neighboring markets. Also around 1998, Santana developed a version which used [[PSA Peugeot Citroën|PSA]]'s [[PSA XUD#XUD9|XUD 9]] 1.9-litre turbodiesel engine, producing {{convert|63|PS|kW hp|abbr=on}}.<ref name="Epoca">{{cite journal | title = Suzuki en España: fabricante de automóviles japonés consolida su presencia en España con nuevos modelos | trans-title = Suzuki in Spain: Japanese car manufacturer consolidates its presence in Spain with new models | language = es | last = de Miguel | first = Carlos | journal = Epoca | date = 1998-01-26 | publisher = Difusora de Informacion Periodica, S.A. [DINPESA] | issue = 674 | page = 96 }}</ref> Top speed is 130&nbsp;km/h (80.8&nbsp;mph).<ref name=Revue2002>{{cite book | title = Katalog der Automobil Revue 2002 | publisher = Revue Automobile | location = Berne, Switzerland | pages = 552–553 | year = 2002 }}</ref> Santana then replaced this diesel Samurai edition with another diesel edition sometime in year 2001, based on Renault's F8Q 1.9-litre non-turbo diesel engine, producing {{convert|64|PS|kW hp|abbr=on}}). Santana also produced petrol editions alongside the diesel editions. Spanish Samurai production (both for petrol and for diesel editions) ended in late 2003 or early 2004.

On April 21, April 2007, the Chilean duo of Gonzalo Bravo and Eduardo Canales drove their modified Suzuki Samurai (SJ413) up [[Ojos del Salado]] to an altitude of {{convert|6688|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}, setting a new record for the highest altitude attained by a four-wheeled vehicle, surpassing the previous record of {{convert|6646|m|ft|0|abbr=on}} set by a [[Jeep]].

On December 13, December 2019, Jeschke reclaimed the record with a Mercedes Benz [[Unimog]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://mbs.mercedes-benz.com/en/special-trucks/allterrain-mobile-homes/a-performance-that-breaks-records.html |title = Unimog expedition team wins the world altitude record. - MBS World}}</ref>

| name = Second generation (JA12/JA22/JB32)

| name = Third generation (JB23/JB33/JB43/JB53)

The Jimny has a part-time 4WD system controlled by three dashboard buttons: 2WD, 4WD, and 4WD-L. The default is 2WD, powering the rear wheels. When 4WD is pressed, the front wheels are also engaged in high gear. The 4WD-L engages all wheels in a lower gear ratio. Being a part-time 4WD, there is no centercentre differential or viscous coupling to allow for speed differences between the front and rear wheels, so only two-wheel drive mode works well on dry pavement. In Japan, the "Sierra" name was revived in January 2002, when 1.3-litre Jimnys began to be sold as the "Jimny Sierra" rather than as the "Jimny Wide".

In 2021, a British company called Yomper 4×4 started to produce a couple of pickups based on the third generation Jimny, with their Bergan model having a shorter wheelbase than the version known as the Yomper 4×4 Commercial.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.carscoops.com/2021/11/new-yomper-4x4-launched-in-the-uk-as-a-cute-pickup-based-on-the-previous-gen-suzuki-jimny/ |title=New Yomper 4x4 Launched In The UK As A Cute Pickup Based On The Previous-Gen Suzuki Jimny |publisher=Carscoops |date=2021-11-18 |accessdate=2022-08-12}}</ref> In 2022, Suzuki Brazil<ref>{{cite web|url=https://allautoexperts.com/suzuki-jimnys-previous-generation-has-been-phased-out-in-brazil |title=Suzuki Jimny's Previous Generation Has Been Phased Out In Brazil |publisher=Allautoexperts.com |date= |accessdate=2022-08-12}}</ref> stopped production<ref name="carscoops1"/> of the third generation Jimny at their Catalao plant, due to new regulations which meant they could not use the car's 1.3-literlitre M13A engine without updating it. At that time Suzuki Brazil's range<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.suzukiveiculos.com.br |title=Suzuki Veц╜culos Brasil |publisher=Suzukiveiculos.com.br |date= |accessdate=2022-08-12}}</ref> consisted of two Jimny models, with the fourth generation model known as the "Jimny Sierra" and the facelifted third generation on sale in four different versions (all with M13A engine) <ref>https://www.suzukiveiculos.com.br/veiculos/jimny-forest {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211201235534/https://www.suzukiveiculos.com.br/veiculos/jimny-forest |date=1 December 2021 }} Jimny</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.suzukiveiculos.com.br/veiculos/jimny-4sport |title=Suzuki Jimny 4SPORT 2022 - Carros Novos &#124; Suzuki Veц╜culos |publisher=Suzukiveiculos.com.br |date=2022-07-31 |accessdate=2022-08-12}}</ref> with the Jimny 4Work being the base model and the Jimny Forest being the top-of-the-range model.

File:Suzuki Jimny Sierra JB43W-Y9 (front).JPG|Jimny Sierra (JB43; 2012 facelift) with front mesh grille and two-tone exterior colorcolour

| name = Fourth generation (JB64W/JB74W)

====Southeast AsiaJapan ====

The Jimny was introducedlaunched in the Mexican marketMexico on 12 November 2020, in a sole GLX trim, it is available with either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic.<ref>{{citeCite web |datelast=13Hoyo November|first=Rubén |date=2020-11-13 |title=Suzuki Jimny 2021 llega a México, el 4x4 más esperado |url=https://noticias.autocosmos.com.mx/2020/11/13/suzuki-jimny-2021-llega-a-mexico-el-4x4-mas-esperado |access-date=2024-02-25 |website=Autocosmos |language=es-MX}}</ref> ItThe is2021 onlymodel offeredyear inJimny thewas GLXsold trim levelout in both3 manualdays andafter automaticthe first 1,000 reserved units.<ref>{{citeCite web |datelast=18Zapata November|first=Astrid |date=2020-11-18 |title=El Suzuki Jimny 2021 se agota en solo 3 días |url=https://noticias.autocosmos.com.mx/2020/11/18/el-suzuki-jimny-2021-se-agota-en-solo-3-dias |access-date=2024-02-25 |website=Autocosmos |language=es-MX}}</ref>

Assembly of the Jimny started in India since January 2021 solelyas foran export marketsmodel. The 3-door Indian-assembledmade Jimny has been exported to African markets and countries in the Middle East.<ref>{{cite web |title=Maruti Suzuki starts exporting the Jimny SUV from India |url=https://www.autocarindia.com/car-news/maruti-suzuki-starts-exporting-the-jimny-suv-from-india-419712 |access-date=2021-01-20 |website=Autocar India |language=en}}</ref> In January 2023, the 5-door Jimny was introduced for the domestic market. The model is exclusively available at the [[NEXA|Nexa]] dealership chain reserved for high-end Maruti Suzuki models.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Auto Expo 2023: Maruti Suzuki Jimny 5-door makes global debut |url=https://www.autocarindia.com/car-news/auto-expo-2023-maruti-suzuki-jimny-5-door-makes-global-debut-426958 |access-date=2023-01-12 |website=Autocar India}}</ref>

In January 2023, the 5-door Jimny was introduced for the domestic market.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Auto Expo 2023: Maruti Suzuki Jimny 5-door makes global debut |url=https://www.autocarindia.com/car-news/auto-expo-2023-maruti-suzuki-jimny-5-door-makes-global-debut-426958 |access-date=2023-01-12 |website=Autocar India}}</ref> The model was launched in India on 7 June 2023 with two trim levels: Zeta and Alpha, and is exclusively available at the [[NEXA|Nexa]] dealership chain reserved for high-end Maruti Suzuki models.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-06-07 |title=Maruti Jimny Price Starts From Rs 12.74 Lakh {{!}} CarDekho.com |url=https://www.cardekho.com/india-car-news/maruti-jimny-launched-price-starts-from-rs-1274-lakh-30957.htm |access-date=2024-02-25 |website=CarDekho |language=en}}</ref> In October 2023, the 5-door Jimny began exporting to the Middle East, Latin America, South Africa, and Southeast Asia.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Made-In-India Maruti Suzuki Jimny 5-Door Now Exported Overseas |url=https://www.zigwheels.com/news-features/general-news/made-in-india-maruti-suzuki-jimny-5-door-now-exported-overseas/51188/ |access-date=2023-11-11 |website=ZigWheels |language=en}}</ref>

The 3-door Jimny was launched in the [[Gulf Cooperation Council|GCC]] markets in February 2021, it is offered with the 1.5-litre engine, it is available in two gradestrim levels, GL and GLX. The GL grade is offered (with manual transmission) and the GLX grade is offered (with automatic transmission).<ref>{{Cite web |title=New Suzuki Jimny 2022 |url=https://uae.yallamotor.com/new-cars/suzuki/jimny/2022 |access-date=2023-11-11 |website=Yallamotor}}</ref>

An electric version of the Jimny iswas confirmed and scheduled to release around 2030.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Battery-electric Suzuki Jimny confirmed for Europe |url=https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/battery-electric-suzuki-jimny-confirmed-europe |access-date=2023-01-31 |website=Autocar |language=en}}</ref>But the company president later seemingly ruled out an electric version saying it would ruin the best part of 4x4.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Maruti Jimny EV ruled out: Suzuki president|url=https://www.autocarindia.com/car-news-/suzuki-jimny-ev-will-not-make-it-to-production-433431|author=Akbar Merchant|access-date=2024-11-12|date=2024-11-06|website=Autocar India|language=en}}</ref>

| style="background:#ffdead;"|<ul><li>{{convert|42|hp|abbr=on}}, Turbo EPi four-stroke with 5MT.<li>Upgradedupgraded interior.</ul>

| style="width:645px; background:#ffdead;"|<ul><li>New, body-coloredcoloured grille.<li>Power increased to {{convert|58|PS|kW|abbr=on}}.<li>Radiator fan coupling changed.</ul>

|| <ul><li>Safety equipment improved.<li>Turbo warning lamp removed, replaced with seat belt warning lamp.<li>Cheap gradetrim '''HA Van''' discontinued.</ul>

{{check quotation}}|style="width:645px;| <ul><li>The larger-engined third generation was introduced first.<li> Beefier suspension and wider track also meant wider fenders than on JB23.<li>5MT or 4AT.</ul>

{{check quotation}}|style="width:100px;| 1998.01-2001

{{check quotation}}|- style="background:#c8fb78;"

|| <ul><li>New separate radiator grille and bonnet with an aggressive overall look.<li>Bonnet has a fake air intake bulge (different design than the fake bonnet bulge on diesel JB53 Jimnys).<li>New front bumper model (3rd edition) which is shallower than the 2nd edition bumper model, but still deeper than the 1st edition bumper model.<li>ISOFIX child seat anchors added to the back side of rear seats and to the cabin floor below the rear seats.<li>Rear bench seat (bottom part of the seat) now has a centercentre hole cut-out to allow both rear seat belt buckles to be easily tucked in when not used, so that they do not stick out from the floor.<li>All seat head rests changed to be non-hollow, and the rear seats' head rests can now be folded down over the seats (when unused) so that the top of the head rest is on almost the same level as the top of the seat. This enables improved visibility through the rear window and easier (un)loading of cargo from the rear door opening over the rear seats. It also enables the upper part of the rear seats to be folded all the way forward without having to remove the head rest first.<li>Additional side impact reinforcements in side doors.</ul>

| colspan="2"| '''XC''', 2018–Present2018 – present. R06A type turbo engine.

| style="width:100px; background:gold;"| 2018–Present2018 – present

| style="width:100px; background:gold;"| 2023–Present2023 – present

{{Reflist|30em}}

* {{cite web|url=http://www.off-road.com/suzuki/tech/history.htm|title=Suzuki's 4x4 History|work=Off-Road.com|access-date=March 2, March 2006 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060217163909/http://www.off-road.com/suzuki/tech/history.htm <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date = February 17, February 2006}}