HISTORY OF SUZUKI 4x4
"A vehicle that can take on rough roads and go to places that cars couldn't go in the past"
With this philosophy, our first four-wheel drive model was developed in 1970. This was the start of allgrip, Suzuki's renowned four-wheel drive technology.
Over nearly half century since then, Suzuki has refined its 4WD technology, at one time to expand driver's range of activities, at another for greater peace of mind… At various time and various locations, Suzuki has met various demands.
And now, all that passion and all those accumulated technologies have been passed thorough evolution down to the allgrip Series.
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.
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.
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.
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 Vitara range expanded, literally, with the longer-wheelbase 5-door, 1.6-litre model.
Width stayed the same but the wheelbase went up to 2480mm and the overall length similarly increased to 4030mm.
By this time some models started to feature fuel injection to provide power of 80bhp and a catalytic converter to reduce emissions.
The performance of the 5-door model developed further with the introduction of 16 valves and multi-point fuel injection, giving 95bhp.
The first 2.0 litre V6 engine ever in a 4x4 vehicle brought a new sophistication to the 5-door Vitara.
With 134bhp produced smoothly, aided by a 2.0-litre engine with 24 valves and four camshafts, this was the most powerful Vitara ever.
To match the engine the bodywork was revised, with stylish, lower splash guards and flared arches accommodating optional wider alloy wheels. Inside the interior was revised with higher specification features such as dual airbags, electric windows and mirrors and central locking.
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.
This next-generation Grand Vitara inherited the originality of the Vitara series and represented an evolution that greatly boosted recognition of Suzuki sport utility vehicles.
An exterior design that included wide treads, flared fenders, and large wheels gave the new Grand Vitara a look of sportiness, dynamism, and stability. The cabin design similarly gave a sense of sportiness and dynamism.
For great performance, there was a choice of three petrol engines (1.6L VVT; 2.0L; and 2.7L V6) and a diesel engine (1.9L DdiS). High body rigidity was ensured by a built-in ladder frame.
A four-mode 4x4 system accommodated diverse terrain. And newly specified multi-link rear suspension combined outstanding off-road handling with improved on-road stability.
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 Jimny, a masterpiece of Suzuki’s 4x4 technology underwent a full model change in 2018. Fully embodying the Jimny’s original concept of a “small, lightweight 4x4 vehicle” behind nearly 50 years, it became even more functional, practical and beautiful. With a part-time 4x4 system with a centre differential, ALLGRIP PRO offers high ability to meet the driver’s spirit of adventure, and gives the driver strength to face and explore the challenges. Staying true to the its core characteristics, it also inherits a ladder frame, the three angles, and a 3-link rigid axle suspension with coil spring.