Suzuki Jimny History, Generations & More: The Evolution Of Pocket-Sized Adventure
It is small in size, light on the pocket, and yet boasts capabilities that could put some larger and more expensive 4WD SUVs to shame. In this DubiCars Car Spotlight article, we dig deep and take a look at the Suzuki Jimny's history, generations, models, and more.
Did you know, the Suzuki Jimny owes its existence to a small Japanese brand that you might not have heard of at all? Mitsubishi too has a role to play here. Let’s get right to it and explore the fascinating story of the Suzuki Jimny, tracing its journey through the decades and highlighting the key features that define each generation.
Origins Of The Suzuki Jimny
The words Suzuki Jimny are sure to conjure up images of a plucky little SUV conquering some tough terrain. Today, the Suzuki Jimny is known for its off-road prowess. However, its beginnings are rather humble. In fact, Suzuki didn’t even expect it to be as successful as it currently is.
In the 1960s, a car manufacturer named Hope Motor Company developed a small, sturdy 4WD vehicle named the HopeStar ON360. It was powered by a 359cc, twin-cylinder, two-stroke engine sourced from Mitsubishi.
The tiny engine produced just over 20hp and 32Nm. The ON360 didn’t even have doors. The brand only sold about 45 units of the ON360. In 1968, Hope Motor Company sold the ON360’s design rights to Suzuki and Suzuki then began developing its own version of the ON360 — the Jimny.
First Generation | 1970-1981
The first-generation Suzuki Jimny, also known as the LJ10, made its debut in 1970. Initially designed as a lightweight and compact 4x4 for farmers and outdoor enthusiasts, the LJ10 quickly gained popularity for its off-road capabilities. It was a redesigned version of the Hope ON360 and Suzuki even replaced the Mitsubishi engine.
Instead, it was powered by a Suzuki 359cc, two-stroke, two-cylinder engine. It was a Kei car, which means it was small and the taxes on it were the lowest. The market response to the Jimny surprised Suzuki. It even outsold the Mitsubishi Jeep, the market leader at the time.
Suzuki continued improving the Jimny, launching multiple updates and facelifts. The first one came in 1972 and was called the LJ20. In 1975, the SJ10 was launched and exports had officially begun. In 1977, Suzuki launched the SJ20, also known as the LJ80 and Jimny 8 in certain regions.
Second Generation | 1981-2019
Third Generation | 1998-2018
Fourth Generation | 2018-Present
Most Popular Suzuki Jimny Generations In The UAE
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