1.4 What configurations were available?
In the United States, Suzuki only imported the short-wheelbase, widetrack,
leaf-sprung, 1.3-liter, 5-speed hardtop and convertible. Other parts
of the world saw the availability of the 1.0-liter gasoline and 1.9-liter
Peugeot diesel four-cylinder engines, a 4-speed transmission, narrow-track
axles, and short- and long-wheelbase versions including raised Panaramic
roofs, a crew cab, extended passenger versions, and two different pickup
styles (solid or hinged bed sides). An elusive automatic transmission
was listed in Suzuki's brochure, but an example of one has yet to surface.
1996 saw a redesign of the suspension at some of the factories, replacing
the leaf springs with coils and control arms. In 1998 came the introduction
of the new Jimny in various countries, which is basically the replacement
for - but sold alongside - the Samurai. Available in narrow- and widetrack
versions with either a hardtop or convertible with coil-sprung live
axles and a true 4-wheel-drive system, it is true to the design of the
original SJ-series.
