Engine choice

In keeping with its simple approach, UK buyers were offered just a single 1.3-litre, four-cylinder engine throughout the model’s life. At launch that was the G13BB unit, a belt-driven single-cam motor offering a modest 79bhp. Equally modest was the performance, and although the dinky 4x4 weighed just 1000kg or so, it struggled to get over 80mph with 0-62mph taking a glacial 17 seconds in manual form.

Claimed economy and CO2 emissions were 36mpg and 184g/km respectively (a little worse for the automatic), although a combination of barn-door aerodynamics and the need to rev the engine to make any sort of meaningful progress ensured that fuel consumption wasn’t a strong point. At least it was flexible, which was a boon once you headed off the tarmac.

The major change didn’t arrive until 2005, when the Jimny was treated to a substantial refresh, one that included fitting a new Euro Iv-compliant engine. Still 1.3 litres, the chain-cam unit featured variable valve timing, boosting power to 84bhp, while the 81lb ft of torque was produced lower down the rev range for improved flexibility. Combined economy improved to 38.7mpg and emissions dropped to 174g/km for manual models, which could now reach a heady 87mph with foot welded firmly to bulkhead.

Aside from detailed improvements which delivered minor gains in economy and emissions (by 2013 they were rated at 39.8mpg and 162g/km) that’s how things have remained.