SUZUKI SAYS: In what is Suzuki's centenary year, it's fitting that the Japanese marque also boasts a legacy of almost 40 years for the diminutive yet immensely capable Jimny 4x4 – and its proud line-up of predecessors.
The company began in 1909 as the Suzuki Loom Company in Hamamatsu, Japan, but started producing motorcycles in 1952, and expanded into the car segment in 1955 with the Suzulight compact car.
Certainly one of its most noteworthy achievements was the launch of the LJ series lightweight 4x4 in 1970.
Following two years of development, the LJ10 was introduced as the first mass-production 4x4 in Japan's domestic mini-car industry, and was designed as a simple vehicle with a ladder frame chassis and leaf springs to cope with comparatively big loads.
In order to maintain its compact dimensions, and comply with the limitations of the so-called 'kei' (small city car) category, the spare wheel was placed behind the front passenger seat. Accordingly, the LJ10 was only available in three-seat configuration.
Power was derived from a twin-cylinder air-cooled two-stroke 360 cc engine, which produced 18,7 kW, which was reasonable considering it weighed a mere 600 kg. The LJ was updated in 1972 as the LJ20, with the benefit of a water-cooled 24 kW engine.
But with greater emphasis on expanding into world markets, Suzuki launched the extensively revised LJ50 in 1974. A three-cylinder 539 cc two-stroke engine was employed, delivering 25 kW and a significant improvement in torque.
Notably, the spare wheel was relocated to the rear door, allowing for an additional rear passenger seat to be fitted – albeit with the rear passengers facing towards each other, and incorporating a folding mechanism for added versatility.
The LJ50 gained an outstanding reputation around the world, and particularly in Australia, due to its exceptional agility and manoeuvrability in even the most demanding of driving environments.
Further, the fitment of a power-take-off (PTO) on the four-wheel drive transmission added to its practicality by powering the likes of winches and pumps, which made it ideal for utilitarian roles.
LOCAL LEGACY
Although it was never sold in South Africa, a pristine LJ50 is found on local soil, owned by retired doctor, Giep Booysen, of Lynnwood in Pretoria.
Renowned as the oldest Suzuki in the country, Dr Booysen (67) acquired the LJ50 while serving in the SA Defence Force in Windhoek, South West Africa (now Namibia).
"It is a 1974 model that originally came from Angola, following the change of regime that occurred there in 1975," Dr Booysen states. "It was purchased by a farmer from Mariental in South West, who subsequently traded it in for a new Suzuki in Windhoek.
"I bought the LJ50 in 1980 from the Windhoek dealer, and used it extensively in South West until my tour of duty concluded at the end of 1983. I then brought it to South Africa and have had it ever since."
Dr Booysen is proud of the fact that his launch-spec mustard yellow LJ50 is still totally original, despite being used regularly over the years for various hunting trips to Brits and Thabizimbi, and general driving around town. It has also been roped in to teach his two daughters and son how to drive, such is its ease-of-use.
"It has become a much-loved part of the family, and even my grandchildren love it," he enthuses. "They aren't interested in the new models, and just want to go for a ride in 'Oupa's jeep'," Dr Booysen states.
While he admits that the tiny three-cylinder engine and low cruising speed limit it somewhat for longer trips, it has proved bullet-proof over the years.
"I bought spare pistons and other parts for the LJ50 but I've never used them, although I did somehow manage to lose the canvas canopy with its plastic windows."
It has certainly been a reliable companion, and Dr Booysen is quick to point out how easy it is to drive, how capable it is off-road and the fact that it is far tougher than its diminutive dimensions may suggest. "I've even carried a kudu bull on the back with ease," he says.
BUILDING THE REPUTATION
The LJ series continued with the launch of the 797 cc four-stroke engined LJ80 from 1977 to 1981, but the world became most familiar with the SJ series that made its debut in 1982.
At launch, the SJ410 featured a 1,0-litre four-cylinder 34 kW engine, matched to a four-speed transmission, and it proved immensely popular around the world, and in South Africa too, where it was made available through General Motors from the mid-1980s.
By virtue of its low weight, rugged suspension and low-range gearbox, it was soon elevated to giant-beating status amongst the off-road fraternity.
The SJ410 was replaced by the SJ413 that featured a more powerful 1,3-litre engine and five-speed gearbox, and was sold locally by Delta Motor Corporation.
Subsequently, it developed into the much-loved Suzuki Samurai that boasted a 49 kW 1,3-litre engine, wider front and rear tracks, as well as coil springs for added comfort.
Although the remarkably capable and big-hearted 4x4 disappeared from the SA market for several years, it has maintained an extremely loyal and passionate following among local enthusiasts – and certainly kept the Suzuki flag flying.
THE SPIRIT CONTINUES
The highly anticipated launch of Suzuki Auto SA in 2008 saw a return of the company's iconic little 4x4, along with other compelling models comprising the sporty Swift hatch, the lifestyle-oriented SX4, and the Grand Vitara SUV.
More recently, the product portfolio has been further expanded to include the very competitive Alto.
As the direct descendant of the LJ and SJ models, the Jimny has been met with an overwhelmingly enthusiastic response from Suzuki die-hards and new customers alike.
For what is ostensibly a niche segment, it's impressive to note that the Jimny has notched up average monthly sales of 66 units between March and November 2009, with records of 139 sales in March, 82 in July and 76 for October.
And it's no real surprise, as it retains the spirit of the original, with astonishing all-terrain capability and nimble reactions – along with the obvious charm of its purposeful and cheeky design. However, the Jimny is thoroughly contemporary in every respect, from the fresh styling to the powerful and economical 1,3-litre VVT engine, the welcoming interior, the high level of safety and the sure-footed mechanicals.
According to Dr Booysen, the latest Jimny clearly retains the spirit and commendable all-terrain attributes of the early models, but with all the modern conveniences and usability – and he should know, considering his 29-year association with the LJ50.
While his prized model has recently been used for Suzuki Auto SA's centenary celebrations, under the banner '100 Years of Innovation', Dr Booysen has been driving the latest Jimny as a temporary 'replacement'.
Admitting that his LJ50 is definitely part of the family, and will remain so for the future, Dr Booysen has undoubtedly relished the opportunity to experience the new model.
"I've been all over the country in the Jimny, even as far as Sodwana, which isn't something you can easily do with the LJ50," Dr Booysen enthuses.
"The latest model is fantastic to drive, both in town and off-road. But it's the all-terrain ability that really stands out, as it's so light and agile that it literally runs rings around fancier and bigger 4x4s, especially in soft sand.
"I've thoroughly enjoyed driving the Jimny, and as they haven't taken the keys away from me yet, I hope they quietly forget to do so. The only problem is I have to get my LJ50 back from them too …"
The company began in 1909 as the Suzuki Loom Company in Hamamatsu, Japan, but started producing motorcycles in 1952, and expanded into the car segment in 1955 with the Suzulight compact car.
Certainly one of its most noteworthy achievements was the launch of the LJ series lightweight 4x4 in 1970.
Following two years of development, the LJ10 was introduced as the first mass-production 4x4 in Japan's domestic mini-car industry, and was designed as a simple vehicle with a ladder frame chassis and leaf springs to cope with comparatively big loads.
In order to maintain its compact dimensions, and comply with the limitations of the so-called 'kei' (small city car) category, the spare wheel was placed behind the front passenger seat. Accordingly, the LJ10 was only available in three-seat configuration.
Power was derived from a twin-cylinder air-cooled two-stroke 360 cc engine, which produced 18,7 kW, which was reasonable considering it weighed a mere 600 kg. The LJ was updated in 1972 as the LJ20, with the benefit of a water-cooled 24 kW engine.
But with greater emphasis on expanding into world markets, Suzuki launched the extensively revised LJ50 in 1974. A three-cylinder 539 cc two-stroke engine was employed, delivering 25 kW and a significant improvement in torque.
Notably, the spare wheel was relocated to the rear door, allowing for an additional rear passenger seat to be fitted – albeit with the rear passengers facing towards each other, and incorporating a folding mechanism for added versatility.
The LJ50 gained an outstanding reputation around the world, and particularly in Australia, due to its exceptional agility and manoeuvrability in even the most demanding of driving environments.
Further, the fitment of a power-take-off (PTO) on the four-wheel drive transmission added to its practicality by powering the likes of winches and pumps, which made it ideal for utilitarian roles.
LOCAL LEGACY
Although it was never sold in South Africa, a pristine LJ50 is found on local soil, owned by retired doctor, Giep Booysen, of Lynnwood in Pretoria.
Renowned as the oldest Suzuki in the country, Dr Booysen (67) acquired the LJ50 while serving in the SA Defence Force in Windhoek, South West Africa (now Namibia).
"It is a 1974 model that originally came from Angola, following the change of regime that occurred there in 1975," Dr Booysen states. "It was purchased by a farmer from Mariental in South West, who subsequently traded it in for a new Suzuki in Windhoek.
"I bought the LJ50 in 1980 from the Windhoek dealer, and used it extensively in South West until my tour of duty concluded at the end of 1983. I then brought it to South Africa and have had it ever since."
Dr Booysen is proud of the fact that his launch-spec mustard yellow LJ50 is still totally original, despite being used regularly over the years for various hunting trips to Brits and Thabizimbi, and general driving around town. It has also been roped in to teach his two daughters and son how to drive, such is its ease-of-use.
"It has become a much-loved part of the family, and even my grandchildren love it," he enthuses. "They aren't interested in the new models, and just want to go for a ride in 'Oupa's jeep'," Dr Booysen states.
While he admits that the tiny three-cylinder engine and low cruising speed limit it somewhat for longer trips, it has proved bullet-proof over the years.
"I bought spare pistons and other parts for the LJ50 but I've never used them, although I did somehow manage to lose the canvas canopy with its plastic windows."
It has certainly been a reliable companion, and Dr Booysen is quick to point out how easy it is to drive, how capable it is off-road and the fact that it is far tougher than its diminutive dimensions may suggest. "I've even carried a kudu bull on the back with ease," he says.
BUILDING THE REPUTATION
The LJ series continued with the launch of the 797 cc four-stroke engined LJ80 from 1977 to 1981, but the world became most familiar with the SJ series that made its debut in 1982.
At launch, the SJ410 featured a 1,0-litre four-cylinder 34 kW engine, matched to a four-speed transmission, and it proved immensely popular around the world, and in South Africa too, where it was made available through General Motors from the mid-1980s.
By virtue of its low weight, rugged suspension and low-range gearbox, it was soon elevated to giant-beating status amongst the off-road fraternity.
The SJ410 was replaced by the SJ413 that featured a more powerful 1,3-litre engine and five-speed gearbox, and was sold locally by Delta Motor Corporation.
Subsequently, it developed into the much-loved Suzuki Samurai that boasted a 49 kW 1,3-litre engine, wider front and rear tracks, as well as coil springs for added comfort.
Although the remarkably capable and big-hearted 4x4 disappeared from the SA market for several years, it has maintained an extremely loyal and passionate following among local enthusiasts – and certainly kept the Suzuki flag flying.
THE SPIRIT CONTINUES
The highly anticipated launch of Suzuki Auto SA in 2008 saw a return of the company's iconic little 4x4, along with other compelling models comprising the sporty Swift hatch, the lifestyle-oriented SX4, and the Grand Vitara SUV.
More recently, the product portfolio has been further expanded to include the very competitive Alto.
As the direct descendant of the LJ and SJ models, the Jimny has been met with an overwhelmingly enthusiastic response from Suzuki die-hards and new customers alike.
For what is ostensibly a niche segment, it's impressive to note that the Jimny has notched up average monthly sales of 66 units between March and November 2009, with records of 139 sales in March, 82 in July and 76 for October.
And it's no real surprise, as it retains the spirit of the original, with astonishing all-terrain capability and nimble reactions – along with the obvious charm of its purposeful and cheeky design. However, the Jimny is thoroughly contemporary in every respect, from the fresh styling to the powerful and economical 1,3-litre VVT engine, the welcoming interior, the high level of safety and the sure-footed mechanicals.
According to Dr Booysen, the latest Jimny clearly retains the spirit and commendable all-terrain attributes of the early models, but with all the modern conveniences and usability – and he should know, considering his 29-year association with the LJ50.
While his prized model has recently been used for Suzuki Auto SA's centenary celebrations, under the banner '100 Years of Innovation', Dr Booysen has been driving the latest Jimny as a temporary 'replacement'.
Admitting that his LJ50 is definitely part of the family, and will remain so for the future, Dr Booysen has undoubtedly relished the opportunity to experience the new model.
"I've been all over the country in the Jimny, even as far as Sodwana, which isn't something you can easily do with the LJ50," Dr Booysen enthuses.
"The latest model is fantastic to drive, both in town and off-road. But it's the all-terrain ability that really stands out, as it's so light and agile that it literally runs rings around fancier and bigger 4x4s, especially in soft sand.
"I've thoroughly enjoyed driving the Jimny, and as they haven't taken the keys away from me yet, I hope they quietly forget to do so. The only problem is I have to get my LJ50 back from them too …"
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