Suzuki: Jimny Sierra Celebrates 40th Anniversary

LAVERTON, AUSTRALIA – May 20, 2010: Suzuki is celebrating the 40th anniversary of the launch of the original rugged compact 4x4 – the evergreen Jimny Sierra.

The Jimny (originally named the LJ10 in overseas markets) was launched in 1970 as the world’s first affordable, but fully capable, compact 4x4.

“Few vehicles can lay claim to creating history, but the rugged little Jimny Sierra has earned its place in the history books,” said Suzuki Australia General Manager Tony Devers.

“Other car companies build campaigns based around ill-informed marketing assertions. With 40 years of history and legions of dedicated fans, the Jimny backs up its claim as the original compact SUV with substance rather than semantics.”

“It has carved out a unique market position thanks to versatility that enables it to handle everything from the urban jungle to working in the toughest 4x4 arena,” said Devers.

Over the years, the Jimny has evolved to meet the changing needs of customers, while remaining true to a fundamental concept of compactness, lightness, user-friendliness, and full-fledged 4x4 capabilities.

With devoted users in 188 countries and regions around the world, the Jimny is a distinctive example of Suzuki’s compact-car expertise.

Suzuki began engineering a new breed of vehicle – a compact 4x4 – in 1968. Known as the LJ10, it was powered by a tiny 360cc two-stroke engine developing just 24 horsepower.

Built on a ladder frame that promoted exceptional off-road performance, the first Jimny featured robust leaf sprung suspension front and rear and a dual range transmission driving 16-inch wheels.

The engine produced just 19 kW and 36 Nm, but in the combination of a lightweight body, compact dimensions and full-time 4x4 gearing made the LJ10 an exceptional performer in tough, off-road conditions.

That made the rugged conditions that make up much of Australia an obvious choice for Suzuki as an export market. The first – the second generation LJ20 – made its official Australian debut at the 1974 Melbourne Motor Show.

It maintained a two cylinder 360 cc two-stroke engine, but now boasted water cooling and a small increase in power and torque.

It quickly garnered a legion of fans in Australia, with its exceptional value for money and ability to leave bigger, more expensive 4WDs in its wake.

In 1975, the more powerful three-cylinder LJ50 arrived, as did a pick-up version – the LJ51. Sold as the Suzuki Stockman, examples can still be found performing farm duties today.

It was upgraded in 1978 by the LJ80, now boasting an 800 cc four-cylinder engine. A second pick-up version designated LJ81 – known as the Stockman – also made its way to Australia where it continued the rural sector’s love affair with Suzuki 4x4s.

May, 1981 signaled the arrival of the second generation Suzuki Jimny, codenamed SJ410.

It had grown somewhat, with a wheelbase of 203 cm and a length of 319.5 cm, but the suspension and chassis characteristics remained the same.

The engine also increased in capacity, now out to 1.0 litre, lifting power to 34 kW and torque to 74 Nm.

In 1984 it was replaced by the SJ413, with engine capacity increased to 1.3 litres and boasting a five-speed transmission, 47 kW and 104 Nm.

This vehicle stayed in production, with various versions including pick-ups and soft-tops, until October 1998 when the third – and current – generation Jimny arrived.

The completely redesigned Jimny offered unprecedented 4x4 performance and value for money with a new, rounded look. Creature comforts inside now extended to a CD player and air-conditioning, but it retained its rugged performance via a ladder frame chassis and selectable 4x4.

Engine capacity stayed at 1.3 litres, but now featured an all aluminium construction and power of 62.5 kW and torque of 110 Nm. An automatic transmission was also offered for the first time.

“With a starting retail price of just $20,490, the Jimny Sierra remains Australia’s best value 4x4. It is also the most fuel efficient petrol SUV in the country, with an economy rating of only 7.0 L/100 km.

“It continues to attract new fans, with 2010 sales up 18 per cent and we look forward to another record year as one of Australia’s favourite 4x4s celebrates 40 years,” said Devers.