Suzuki Jimny Gets New, Improved Engine

Suzuki has given a new lease of life to the 1.3 VVT petrol engine in its little 4x4, the Jimny. The inline four-cylinder engine now produces 85 hp and complies with Euro 5 emissions standards.

Thanks to some small engine modifications the car now also has reduced fuel consumption, burning through only 7.1 liters every 100 kilometers (33.13 mpg), which is 0.2 liters less than the previous generation. Peak torque is also reached lower down in the rev range.

The Suzuki Jimney 1.3 VVT is proposed in two variants, the JLX and the Special. Both come with a range of new fabrics and color combination on the inside, together with some new and unusual exterior colors like the “Alumina Green”.

The engines comes with a choice between a five-speed manual gearbox and a four-speed automatic. Prices start at EUR15,990 ($20,859)for the 1.3 JLX and go up to EUR17,190 ($23.120) for the top of the range equipment level.

Suzuki have sold over 2.5 million Jimnys over the past 40 years, making it one of the world’s best selling 4x4. The current model is the sixth generation car that has entered production in 1998. The first generation model only had a two cylinder engine (360 cc capacity) that developed a huge amount of power: 25 hp. The current engine range has grown up a bit, incorporating the 1.3 16 valve 85 hp petrol model, together with a 1.5 DDIS diesel engine taken from Renault.

What has not changed over the car’s 40 year history is the narrow chassis combined with permanent AWD and manual transmission. The next generation model might be produced in collaboration with Volkswagen.