Suzuki is probably not the first name that comes to mind when people think of a classic 4x4, yet the Suzuki Jimny, which now includes the Jimny Survive and the Jimny Sierra, will surprise those expecting to find a standard SUV. The new Jimnys will make their debut at the Tokyo Auto Salon in January, though it’s unclear which one will make finally it to the assembly line.
According to Jalopnik, the Suzuki Jimmy has been manufactured by Japanese automaker Suzuki since 1970. Suzuki has sold nearly three million Jimnys in 194 countries since April 1970. The first Jimny, named the LJ10 (Light Jeep 10), had a 359-cc, air-cooled, two-stroke, in-line two-cylinder engine. In 1975, Suzuki added the LJ50 with a superior 539-cc, two-stroke, in-line three-cylinder engine, and larger differentials. The LJ50 was originally aimed at the Australian market but was soon exported around the world.
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The new Jimny Survive, a rugged 4x4, has underbody skid plates, an external roof rack, no-skid plating, and protected headlights. The sportier of the two models, the Survive would make an ideal ski trip or camping companion. The new Jimny Sierra, on the other hand, is a pickup-truck model. The front end has been significantly redesigned and includes a one-opening grille with a honeycomb pattern that is similar to the classic Toyota Land Cruiser grille. With wood paneling on the sides, the Sierra has a retro feel that will surely attract vintage design lovers. The bed comes with a traditional lip and tie-downs, making it handy for worksite tasks.
The only downside is that the new Jimnys are Kei-class cars, which means they come with a 660cc engine with 64 horsepower and are intended for the Japanese market, therefore, they are not expected to be launched in North America.
Most Americans are probably familiar with the Suzuki Samurai, which debuted in 1984, and was launched stateside in 1988. The US version had lighter suspension settings and a larger anti-roll bar to minimize body roll, as well as a fifth gear to increase engine rpm and power highways.
In terms of performance, Suzuki has often outclassed other automakers. In 2007, Gonzalo Bravo and Eduardo Canales from Chile drove a Suzuki Samurai SJ413 up Ojos del Salado, the highest active volcano in the world at 22,615 feet. They surpassed the previous record set by a Jeep at 21,804 feet, establishing a new record for the highest altitude reached by a 4x4.
The Tokyo Auto Salon, featuring the Jimny Survive and the Jimny Sierra, opens on Jan. 11, 2019.