"Suzuki Samurai": all the fun about a compact Japanese SUV

Mazda AZ-Offroad, Suzuki Sierra, Holden Drover, Maruti Gypsy - all these are the names under which the Suzuki Samurai SUV is known. Although it was originally known as Jimny. And this name was composed of two words - "jeep" and "mini". But in different countries he became famous under various designations.

Start

"Suzuki Samurai", released in 1970, was the first all-wheel drive compact car, famous in the domestic Japanese market. Despite the fact that there were only three seats inside, the car quickly became popular.

The SUV had many features. Firstly, it is a suspension with leaf springs. Secondly, a solid frame, which allowed to withstand a rather heavy load. Interestingly, with all this, the machine itself weighed only 600 kilograms. But it was all-wheel drive. Although the very first "Suzuki Samurai" had very unimpressive technical characteristics. Under his hood was put a 25-horsepower engine, a volume of 0.36 liters. But in 1977 the model began to be completed with a 3-cylinder 0.55-liter engine. It is interesting that the car was offered both with the open, and with the closed top.

Especially "Suzuki Samurai" became famous in Australia. There, this SUV got a reputation for a car that can drive on any roads.

Further production

Of course, in the 80's, especially closer to their end, the concern produced much more powerful cars. "Suzuki Samurai" began to be equipped with a 1.3-liter 80-horsepower engine. By the way, this motor was very popular. Still there were versions with the engine on 45, 64, 67, 69, 70 and even 90 "horses". Models 80-ies of the release were popular among Russian motorists. Now you can even find this car for sale by ads. It costs from 150 to 250 thousand rubles in good condition.

Interestingly, the "Suzuki Samurai", the photo of which is presented above, was recognized in the United States as the best all-wheel drive car in terms of the "price-quality" ratio in the mid-80s.

Latest models

Naturally, cars that were produced in the 2000s were significantly better than their predecessors. Despite the fact that the engines were still installed in small cars, the car was pleased with the dynamics. The model with a 1.3 L engine could accelerate to "hundreds" in just 14 seconds. True, the speed limit is only 135 km / h. But this car was not created for racing. It has a more attractive advantage - excellent visibility. This is more important for an SUV.

Still at it the excellent suspension bracket with powerful forged longitudinal levers. Thanks to her car confidently passes any obstacles. True, there is a minus - lack of steering adjustment.

The salon of new models is decorated quite attractively. The rear row can not be folded completely - only half. But you can throw it back or forward.

This SUV, in fact, a lot of pluses. Its light weight allows it to pass where all other cars of this class will "sit down". Due to its modest dimensions, it literally "squeezes" in places where known crossovers can not pass. And still this car easily goes even on the steepest climbs, despite a rather weak engine. And the whole point is that the motor corresponds to dimensions and weight.

In general, the "Samurai" is a rather unusual but solid compact SUV. No wonder he became so popular.