Suzuki's iconic Jimny hits the big 4-0

40 years have gone by faster than you could say Jimny Cricket. From humble beginnings, Suzuki's lightweight yet rugged Jimny 4WD has evolved to match the demands of a modern world, while remaining true to its no-nonsense off-road heritage.

First launched in 1970, the Jimny -- known as the LJ10 in overseas markets -- was the world's original compact 4WD (and arguably the world's first SUV). A capable and rugged barebones vehicle, the resilient little model soon won the hearts of buyers chasing an affordable, reliable and competent off-road option.

Based on a concept first seen in 1968, when Suzuki purchased the failing Hope Motor Company and its Hope Star ON360 -- on which the Jimny was eventually based -- the early model featured a tiny air-cooled 360cc two-stroke Mitsubishi engine developing just 17.8kW. By the time the car went on sale in 1970 its engine capacity had grown in output to 19kW (and 36Nm).

Utilising a ladder frame sprung with leaf suspension, the original Jimny also boasted a lightweight body and 'proper' dual-range 4WD system driving 16-inch wheels.

The model was a revelation, its small stature and adroit ability proving an instant hit, soon finding a market in the harsh environs and demanding terrains of far flung countries, including Australia, where the second generation (LJ20) Jimny was debuted at the Melbourne Motor Show in 1974.

Boasting a more powerful, liquid-cooled 360cc two-stroke engine, the bargain basement off-roader quickly drew a loyal fan base in Australia, shrewd buyers keen to capitalise on Jimny's rock-solid reputation.

A year later, the three-cylinder LJ50 arrived (sold locally as the Suzuki Stockman), and before the end of the decade two more variants were introduced, offering a larger 800cc four-cylinder engine and pick-up (ute) variant for the first time. The model proved popular in Australia's tough rural sector.

In May 1981 the bigger, longer second generation Jimny arrived, signalling a big step forward in design. Although chassis and suspension design remained basically unaltered, the larger SJ410 model featured a 1.0-litre engine lifting output figures to 34kW/74Nm.

As the decade rolled on, so too did Jimny's power output, when in 1984 a 47kW/104Nm 1.3-litre model was launched. Sparking a myriad of pick-up and soft-top variants, the popular SJ413 Jimny stayed in production until October 1998. During the course of its run in Australia, the second-generation Jimny was marketed as the Sierra, but that name was dropped with the introduction of the third generation Jimny, in the wake of bad press overseas for the little 4WDer's tippiness and tendency to roll. Particularly a problem in the litigious American market, the Sierra's roadholding and stability were fixed with a wider track from 1988.

Suzuki reintroduced the Jimny name with the third-generation model in 1998, putting an end to the Sierra name. Adding creature comforts -- including a single-CD tuner, air-conditioning and an automatic transmission -- the revived Jimny remained true to form, retaining its ladder frame chassis and dual-range 4WD system, though pleasingly, engine capacity grew to 1.3-litres (and 62.5kW/110Nm).

Having evolved to meet the changing needs of its customers, the Suzuki Jimny is now sold in 188 countries and regions across the globe. Suzuki Australia General Manager, Tony Devers, says he's proud of Jimny's ruby anniversary.

"Few vehicles can lay claim to creating history, but the rugged little Jimny Sierra has earned its place in the history books," said 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."

The Suzuki Jimny Sierra is currently available from just $20,490

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