HISTORY OF SUZUKI 4x4

The first Suzuki 4x4 was also the first mass-production 4x4 in Japan's domestic mini-car category. With development starting in 1968, the first Suzuki 4x4 lightweight vehicle became available in 1970 and was marketed with only three seats. In order to comply with limitations on the class's external dimensions the spare tyre had to be fitted behind the front passenger's seat. It was a simple vehicle with zipped canvas doors and leaf springs to cope with big loads for the light and tiny 4x4 (it weighed just 600kg and had a wheelbase of 1930mm). A separate chassis allowed the use of lightweight body panels. The first LJ was powered by a new but equally small twin cylinder air-cooled two-stroke turning out 25bhp from its 360cc.

SJ413 - Suzuki launched an upgraded SJ model which, as indicated by the model name, featured a lightweight 1.3-litre four cylinder engine that produced 66 bhp. Inside, the comfort levels of the SJ413 were developed in-line with customer requirements and included a five-speed gearbox.

The development upmarket for what was originally a utility 4x4 continued with the last LJ model, the LJ80. Body changes were minimal, with larger front wheelarches and flared rear wheelarches to offer a more stylish design. The bonnet, still held down with two spring clips like on earlier LJs, was slightly raised to make room for the biggest change - a new engine. This was a four-cylinder, water-cooled 800cc four-stroke unit producing 41bhp. The LJ80 sold well in Australia, where it went on sale in 1978, but that was just the start. When the LJ80 was first exported to the Netherlands in 1978 followed by the rest of Europe it created and firmly established a whole new market sector for fun 4x4 recreational vehicles.

The LJ10 achieved success in the domestic market but Suzuki knew that other countries, without Japan's mini-car category, would need a bigger engine. Countries don't come any bigger than Australia, so when the LJ50 was exported there it had a 550cc three-cylinder, water-cooled two-stroke unit that gave better power. The spare wheel moved to the outside, on a hanger at the rear allowing two rear passenger seats, both facing each other. Hard and soft-top versions were available in Australia, where the LJ50 soon gained a reputation as a fun go anywhere vehicle.

In 1981 Suzuki continued to enjoy a developing level of success in the domestic market, but it was with the export of the SJ410 that the company really broke into new markets. It was an all new design for a 4x4 vehicle that offered a new statement in fashionable styling. True to the utility heritage, it still featured leaf-spring suspension although this had been softened with gas dampers at the rear and improved approach and departure angles. Under the new bodywork, which featured a sloping grille, there was a new interior and a brand new engine, a four-cylinder 1000cc four-stroke delivering 45bhp. The separate chassis and small dimensions combined with a bigger engine to make the SJ410 a real giant-killer off-road, and it continued to expand further the leisure 4x4 market created by Suzuki.

The Suzuki 4x4 family expanded with the launch of the all-new Vitara, a 3-door model that soon gained its own enthusiastic following. The new Vitara was complemented by a 1.6-litre lightweight alloy engine. It was a true 4x4 with separate steel chassis, five-speed gearbox, part-time four-wheel drive system and integrated two-speed transfer box. However, ride and comfort achieved new levels with the leaf springs of earlier models replaced by coil springs front and rear, standard power steering and an interior that was functional but much more comfortable. The 3-door was just the start of a whole new trend in 4x4 motoring.

The Suzuki 4x4 family expanded with the launch of the all-new Vitara, a 3-door model that soon gained its own enthusiastic following. The new Vitara was complemented by a 1.6-litre lightweight alloy engine. It was a true 4x4 with separate steel chassis, five-speed gearbox, part-time four-wheel drive system and integrated two-speed transfer box. However, ride and comfort achieved new levels with the leaf springs of earlier models replaced by coil springs front and rear, standard power steering and an interior that was functional but much more comfortable. The 3-door was just the start of a whole new trend in 4x4 motoring.

The Suzuki 4x4 family expanded with the launch of the all-new Vitara, a 3-door model that soon gained its own enthusiastic following. The new Vitara was complemented by a 1.6-litre lightweight alloy engine. It was a true 4x4 with separate steel chassis, five-speed gearbox, part-time four-wheel drive system and integrated two-speed transfer box. However, ride and comfort achieved new levels with the leaf springs of earlier models replaced by coil springs front and rear, standard power steering and an interior that was functional but much more comfortable. The 3-door was just the start of a whole new trend in 4x4 motoring.

The Suzuki 4x4 family expanded with the launch of the all-new Vitara, a 3-door model that soon gained its own enthusiastic following. The new Vitara was complemented by a 1.6-litre lightweight alloy engine. It was a true 4x4 with separate steel chassis, five-speed gearbox, part-time four-wheel drive system and integrated two-speed transfer box. However, ride and comfort achieved new levels with the leaf springs of earlier models replaced by coil springs front and rear, standard power steering and an interior that was functional but much more comfortable. The 3-door was just the start of a whole new trend in 4x4 motoring.

The Suzuki 4x4 family expanded with the launch of the all-new Vitara, a 3-door model that soon gained its own enthusiastic following. The new Vitara was complemented by a 1.6-litre lightweight alloy engine. It was a true 4x4 with separate steel chassis, five-speed gearbox, part-time four-wheel drive system and integrated two-speed transfer box. However, ride and comfort achieved new levels with the leaf springs of earlier models replaced by coil springs front and rear, standard power steering and an interior that was functional but much more comfortable. The 3-door was just the start of a whole new trend in 4x4 motoring.