Charlie RoeNext up on the ‘We Didn’t Get That Here’ series: the tiny, turbocharged mountain goat — the 1996 JA22 Suzuki Jimny Wild Wind
If the LandCruiser is Toyota’s icon of offroad toughness, the Jimny is Suzuki’s miniature response.
Since 1970, the Jimny has been Japan’s go-anywhere Kei-class off-roader — lightweight, simple, and capable far beyond its size.
The JA22 was a short-run gem (1995–1998) and marked the first Jimny to receive Suzuki’s K6A engine; a twin-cam 660cc Turbo 3 cylinder this time with an aluminium block and head.
This is opposed to the F6A used in early Series-II cars with an Iron block. Fun fact – early Jimnys shared the F6A as found in the Suzuki Cappuccino!
That engine, plus a 5-speed manual and proper 4WD with a low-range transfer case makes it a serious contender off-road, even if it only makes a (hilarious) 64 horsepower.
It might look like it, but the Jimny is not a toy. Short overhangs, ladder frame, coil springs all around, and feather-light curb weight (980kg) make it one of the most agile off-roaders ever built.
This, the ‘Wild Wind’ was a special edition designed to take you even the most hard to reach ski routes – most notably with factory ski racks, door decals, alloy wheels, spare tyre cover and foglights.
You sit upright, commandingly. The steering is light, the gearing is short, and the whole driving experience is raw and visceral — but so much fun.
Every bump, every corner, every turbo whistle feels exaggerated in a car this small.
It’s a kei-sized grin machine.
Key features and specifications include:
– 660cc K6A Turbocharged DOHC Inline 3 (with an aluminium block, not iron block like the Series II pre-facelift – featuring the F6A shared with the Suzuki Cappuccino)
– 5-speed manual or 3-speed Auto. Don’t get the Auto.
– Proper selectable 4WD with low range transfercase
– Air Conditioning, a heater, a tape deck, a locking glove box… and that’s about it.
The JA22 Jimny isn’t fast. It isn’t luxurious. But it’s real, mechanical, and built for adventure. If you’re looking for a retro, JDM-flavoured trail companion that fits in a city AND offroad, this is an outstanding option.
Just don’t try overtaking anyone uphill.
Follow us on @autoroe_imports on Instagram, or drop us a line (hello_at_autoroe.com.au) if you’re keen to leran more, or secure one for yourself.
Until next time!
– Charlie