Mazda AZ-Offroad, Suzuki Sierra, Holden Drover, Maruti Gypsy - all these are the names by which the Suzuki Samurai SUV is known. Although originally it was 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
The Suzuki Samurai, launched in 1970, was the first all-wheel drive subcompact to become 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 made it possible to withstand a rather large load. Interestingly, with all this, the machine itself weighed only 600 kilograms. But she was all-wheel drive. Although the very first Suzuki Samurai had very unimpressive technical characteristics. A 25-horsepower engine with a volume of 0.36 liters was placed under its hood. But in 1977, the model began to be equipped with a 3-cylinder 0.55-liter engine. Interestingly, the car was offered both with open and closed top.
Especially “Suzuki Samurai” became famous in Australia. There, this SUV gained a reputation as a car that can drive on any road.
Further production
Of course, in the 80s, 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. This motor, by the way, was especially popular. There were also versions with an engine of 45, 64, 67, 69, 70 and even 90 “horses”. Models of the 80s of release were also popular among Russian motorists. Now you can even find this car for sale under the ads. It costs from 150 to 250 thousand rubles in good condition.
It is interesting that the Suzuki Samurai, whose photo is presented above, was recognized in the United States as the best all-wheel drive car in terms of price-quality ratio in the mid-80s.
Latest models
Naturally, cars that were released in the 2000s were significantly better than their predecessors. Despite the fact that the engines were still installed in small cars, the car pleased with the dynamics. A model with a 1.3 liter engine could accelerate to “hundreds” in just 14 seconds. True, the speed maximum 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.
He also has a great suspension with powerful forged trailing arms. Thanks to her, the car confidently passes any obstacles. True, there is a minus - the lack of steering adjustment.
The interior of the new models is pretty attractive. The back row can no longer be folded completely - only half. But you can tilt it back and forth.
This SUV, in fact, has many advantages. Its light weight allows it to go where all other cars of this class “sit”. Due to its modest dimensions, it literally "squeezes" in those places where famous crossovers can not get through. And also this car easily rides even on the steepest climbs, despite the rather weak engine. And the thing is that the motor corresponds to the dimensions and weight.
In general, the Samurai is a rather unusual, but solid compact SUV. No wonder he became so popular.