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The Suzuki Ignis is a mini crossover SUV manufactured by the Suzuki Motor Corporation. It was introduced in 2000 as progressive replacement for the aging Swift.
The Ignis was originally manufactured as a five-door hatchback, powered by a new generation of Suzuki straight-4 gasoline engines, the M family. This family featured DOHC, four valves per cylinder and variable valve timing. Displacement ranged from 1.3 to 1.5 L, and power going from 89 to 110 PS JIS (65 to 81 kW). Only the 1.3 L, detuned to 83 PS (61 kW) was available in export markets. The standard transmission is the usual five-speed manual, with a four-speed automatic gearbox. The vehicle is available with either front or four-wheel drive, although the 4WD/auto combination was limited to the Japanese market, as it was incompatible with European emissions regulations.
The Suzuki Ignis was sold in Japan as the Swift SE-Z, as well as the badge-engineered Chevrolet Cruze. This commercial designation is used in most of South Asia, while in Australia the car sold by General Motors as the Holden Cruze, only with the 1.5 L and standard 4WD. In Europe, due to an agreement with Subaru, the car was also sold as the Subaru Justy, as happened previously with the Swift. Like the Holden version, the Justy is available with standard 4WD only.
A shorter three-door version, with redesigned bumpers, was introduced in 2003, named Swift Sport in Japan and Ignis Sport in Europe. The Ignis Sport used the same 1.5 L as the regular Ignis, but with power increased to 115 PS (85 kW). The engine was slightly detuned for the European market, to 109 PS (80 kW). The car featured a number of modifications, including lowered chassis, firmer suspension, close ratio gear box and tuned exhaust. The Ignis Sport has the roof bars removed which were standard on the normal Ignis. Recaro sport seats are included in the cabin, as well as metallic pedals, white instrument dials with blue illumination and carbon effect panels to increase its sporty appeal. The Ignis Sport can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.9 seconds and has a topspeed of 185 km/h (115 mph). It went out of production in 2005.
In 2002 Holden of Australia introduced the Holden Cruze. The engine for the Cruze was a 1.5 litre 75 kW DOHC, up from the 1.3 litre 60 kW DOHC in the original Suzuki Ignis. This Cruze was available in both automatic and manual transmissions. The main rivals in the Australian market were the Suzuki Jimny and Daihatsu Terios. The Holden Cruze is an SUV designed primarily for on-road use. The Cruze was discontinued in 2006 after the aging 1.5 litre engine did not meet Euro III emission standards and would have been too costly to replace. The Chevrolet Cruze continues to be assembled and sold in Japan.
Chevrolet badged models, known as the Chevrolet Cruze in Japan retained the original Ignis’ dimensions, look and powerplants, but the European Subaru Justy is now built on the new model’s platform.
In 2003, Suzuki Europe introduced the second generation of the Ignis. This version is manufactured by Suzuki’s Hungarian plant Magyar Suzuki specifically for the European market. The Ignis Mk. II was enlarged by 150 mm (6 in) in length, to improve interior room and luggage space. It was also restyled, adopting a crossover look between a tall hatchback and a sport utility vehicle, and the three-door body was dropped. The 1.3 L is now more powerful, 92 PS (68 kW), while the 1.5 L was detuned to 99 PS (73 kW). 4WD is only available on the bigger engine. In 2005, a Diesel version became available, powered by Fiat’s Multijet engine. The 1.3L version comes as manual FWD while the 1.5L can be available with automatic tranmission or 4WD via viscous coupling.

The Suzuki Grand Vitara is a compact SUV, namely a long-wheelbase version of the Vitara, produced by the Japanese automaker Suzuki since 1999. It was facelifted in 2002 and 2004, and redesigned in 2006. A rebadged version was sold in North America by General Motors as the Chevrolet Tracker. The Tracker is sold in Latin America as Chevrolet Grand Vitara.
As of 2003, the smaller Suzuki Vitara has been withdrawn from the North American market. Sales were slow, with just 4,860 sold in 2004 for the United States. In Canada, sales were strong. All North American Vitaras were built at CAMI Automotive in Ingersoll, Ontario, while the North American Grand Vitaras were built in Japan, where it is the Suzuki Escudo. The 2006 model has had a structural redesign with a new ladder-boxed chassis integrated into a unibody construction. In India, it is sold as a Maruti competing with vehicles like the Tata Safari, Ford Endeavour and Honda CR-V.
The 2001 model Suzuki Grand Vitara comes standard as a 2.0 Liter 4WD vehicle in New Zealand. The 2005 and onwards Grand Vitara is sold in Ecuador by Chevrolet, yet it still retains it’s Suzuki badges.
The vehicle is also mass produced in Iran by Iran Khodro Manufacturing Co.
The Grand Vitara was replaced in the fall of 2005 by a new vehicle using some components of the GM Theta platform, and is built in Japan. The 2006 Grand Vitara was developed independently by many of the same Suzuki engineers who developed the Theta. Although it uses some Theta componentry, especially in the suspension, it is quite different and should not be considered a Theta vehicle. Notably, it uses a longitudinally-mounted engine and is rear-wheel drive with a 103.9 in (2639 mm) wheelbase, while all other Theta vehicles are transverse engined with front-wheel drive as the default. All can also be ordered with all-wheel drive as well, however. The contemporary generation Suzuki XL7 (starting in model year 2007) is a true Theta vehicle, and is built alongside the Chevrolet Equinox and Pontiac Torrent at CAMI Automotive in Ingersoll, Ontario, Canada.
The standard chassis is a 5 door version, but in many countries there is also available a 3 door version called “Vitara” (in some countries the 5 doors name “Gran Vitara” changes to “Gran Nomade”). The standard gasoline engine for the 5 door version is an updated J20A (4 cyl. 2.0L 140hp); and a more powerful option is the Suzuki H engine H27A (V6 2.7l 181hp). A turbo diesel engine (4 cyl. 1.9L 129 hp (96 kW) manufactured by Renault) is also available. The only engine for the 3 door version is an M16A (4 cyl. 1.6L 105hp).

2008
It is believed that the 2.0L 4 cyl and the 2.7 V6 will both receive increases in displacements to 2.4L and 3.2L respectively in the middle of 2008.
A heavily modified Grand Vitara participated in the 1996 Pikes Peak International Hillclimb. This racing model was equipped with two mid-mounted twin-turbo V6 engines which together delivered a total of 985 hp. It also sported a massive wing to keep the tires on the ground.

The Suzuki Swift is a supermini car manufactured by the Japanese Suzuki Motor Corporation. It was originally named SA-310 at its debut in 1985, but in 1986 it was renamed the Swift. It featured a modest 993 cc straight-3 engine producing 50 hp (37 kW), capable of going 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 17.9 seconds with a top speed of 141 km/h (88 mph). The G10 engine was very light, weighing only 63 kg (139 lb), and was not very powerful compared to other cars on the market. The suspension was lifted from the Suzuki Alto.
In Japan the car was sold as Suzuki Cultus, and from 1985 to 1988 in the United States and 1991 in Canada, the car was sold by General Motors as the Chevrolet Sprint and the Geo Metro captive imports. The car was sold from 1985 to 2000 as the Pontiac Firefly in Canada. In 1998, when General Motors discontinued the Geo line of economy cars, the Metro was rebadged as a Chevrolet. The Geo Metro was GM’s most fuel efficient car of the 1990s. Its sedan version was the third model launched by Maruti Suzuki of India and was sold as the Maruti 1000 and the Suzuki Forsa in Canada.
The first generation Suzuki Swift, internally designated by Suzuki as AA41S, was available in a number of engine configurations including a carbureted or fuel injected turbocharged 1.0 litre, 3 cylinder (G10) engine and a carbureted or fuel injected 1.3 litre (G13).
There were two versions available: the 1.0 GA and the 1.0 GL. The GA model was the “budget” trim level, with plastic wheelcovers, 5-speed gearbox and cloth trim. The GL model was the plusher of the two, and had a 5-speed gearbox, a sunroof (some markets had air conditioning. It also had alloy wheels rather than wheelcovers.
The AA41S series was the first to introduce the Swift GTi. The Swift GTi utilized the G13B engine. The G13B is a DOHC 16 valve, 1.3 L, in-line 4-cylinder engine that features an aluminum block and cylinder head, forged steel crankshaft and connecting rods, and cast aluminum high compression pistons (10:1 compression ratio). Its power output is 101 hp (70 kW). The MK1 Swift GTi was available in European and Asia-Pacific markets.
North American markets only received the 1.0 litre version which were sold as the Chevrolet Sprint, Pontiac Firefly, and the Suzuki Forsa. Both the carbureted and turbocharged models were available in North America. The Chevrolet Sprint Turbo was available in 1987 and 1988 in red and white.
The AA44S series introduced an entirely redesigned vehicle, with a new curvier body style, four wheel independent strut suspension and numerous other improvements. It was available with a 1.0 liter 3-cylinder, 1.3 liter 4-cylinder, and 1.6 liter 4-cylinder engines. The 1.0 liter 3-cylinder engine continued being the most popular variant, with a power output of 53 hp (39 kW). The higher powered Swift GTi had an improved G13B engine which now featured hollow camshafts, stronger web casting on the engine block, a better flowing intake manifold (the prior generation intake manifold had its shape compromised to fit into the engine bay), and its ECU now had electronic control over ignition timing. It now put out 100 hp (74 kW) of power. The Swift GTi also featured all wheel disc brakes. The JDM Cultus GTi featured a G13B engine that had higher compression pistons (11.5:1 compression ratio), tubular exhaust headers, a tubular intake manifold, larger camshafts and a reprogrammed ECU. Some models of the Cultus GTi were also available with all-wheel drive. The engine in the Cultus had a power output of 113 hp (84 kW).
The second-generation Swift was introduced to North America in two trim levels in 1989; 3-door GTi and 5-door GLX. The GTi name was changed to GT in 1990 because of an out of court settlement with Volkswagen of America over their similarly named GTI. The GTi/GT had a 1.3 liter, Twincam 100 hp (70 kW) 16-valve 4-cylinder engine while the GLX had a single cam 8-valve version of the same engine. The 1.0 liter 3-cylinder was never available in North America in the Swift except for Canada where it was sold from 1992 to 1994. In 1990, the GLX was dropped; an inexpensive GA 3-door was added as were a GA, GL and GS 4-door sedan.
The AA44S Swift was manufactured in India as the Maruti Esteem till 2007.
In Europe the car was marketed as the Subaru Justy and in Chile the sedan version was named Suzuki Jazz.
The MK3 series continued with the body-style of the MK2, but changed the style of the bumpers, taillights and updated the interior. GT/GTi versions were equipped with larger sway-bars, and the camshafts were now solid. Power output remained the same at 100 hp (70 kW). Production of the MK3 Swift for the North American market ended in 1994, and in Japan (as the Cultus) for 1998. In Europe, the MK3 series was known as “MK2 - Type2″, incorrectly called Phase 2 by many, and it was built at Magyar Suzuki, remaining in various European countries until 2003. In Esztergom, Hungary the first car was made in September 1992. This was called type 1 (MK2 - type 2). From 1996 type 2 followed (MK3 - type 1). From the model year 2000 there were some modifications made (MK3 - type 2). Some type 2 models were fitted with a suzuki 4 wheel drive system and badged as Subaru Justy. (suzuki marketed a 4×4 cultus in Japan but did not make it available in Europe) The last modifications were made from model year 2002 but only for the Hungarian market. This was called type 4 (MK3 - type 3). The production of the 3dr models were finished in September 2002. In the same year, in December, the 4dr sedan version was also discontinued. The last var was a 5dr version in March 2003. The 5dr models are still manufactured in Pakistan (called the Cultus, 1.0 carbureted engine operating with petrol & CNG), and the 4dr sedan in India (by Maruti, called the Esteem) and in China (by Changan, called the Lingyang) In Australia, the MK3 series continued sales until 1999. The North American Geo Metro and Pontiac Firefly models were available in convertible, hatchback and sedan forms. Metro and Firefly sedans were only sold in Canada and produced in Japan while Metro and Firefly hatchbacks were produced by CAMI Automotive. Swift, Metro and Firefly models were redesigned in 1995, later discontinued in 2001.
A North American-exclusive Suzuki Swift built at CAMI Automotive in Ingersoll, Ontario, Canada became available in 1995.
The 1998 model year brought a change under the hood with a new I-4 1.3L engine, it was a SOHC 16v design, other upgrades included the move away from the distributor to electronic ignition, and the switch to MPFI(Multiport Fuel Injection) from TBI(Throttle Body Injection). The new engine’s specifications: Power: 59 kW , 79 HP @ 6,000 rpm; 75 ft lb , 102 Nm @ 3,000 rpm. This engine replaced the older 8v 4 cylinder, but the 3 cylinder engine remained unchanged.
After 2001, the Suzuki Swift was no longer sold in the United States.
For the Canadian market, Suzuki stopped selling the Swift MK3.5 (or MK5) in 2001, to be superseded by a version of the Daewoo Kalos in fall 2003 (progenitor of the Chevrolet Aveo et al), named the Suzuki Swift+ and marketed solely as a 5-door hatchback.
The Mk4 Swift had its debut at the Paris Auto Salon in September 2004. This Swift is intended to compete in the European B segment with the Peugeot 206, Opel Corsa and the Fiat Punto. Available with 1.3 (92 bhp) and 1.5 (102 bhp) litre petrol engines, the new Swift is Suzuki’s new “global car”, to be produced in Hungary, India, Japan and by Chang’an in China. 3- and 5-door bodies are available and four-wheel drive is an option with the 1.3 litre petrol engine.
The design of the new Swift was previewed on the Concept S and Concept S2 concept cars at auto shows, in the years leading up to its launch. Its proportions and basic shape share similarities with the New Mini, with blacked-out A pillars and bumper-car stance.
The British Autocar magazine gave the new Swift a favourable 4/5 stars in road test, judging it a “thoroughly impressive all-rounder”. The Mk4 Swift has received a four stars out of five rating in the EuroNCAP crash tests[citation needed].
Since its global launch in 2005, which was kicked off with a marketing campaign fronted by the footballer Cristiano Ronaldo in many European countries, the Swift has recorded above forecast sales in most markets[citation needed]. In Japan, sales figures have been twice the forecast and in many European markets the model has been a runaway success[citation needed]. In Denmark, the Mk¤ Swift has been consistently in Top 3 for more than 2 years and was the car with the highest sales figures in 2006[citation needed]. In India, rapid sales of the new Swift model contributed to the 64% rise in Q1 profits for Maruti Suzuki.
Suzuki introduced a sedan based version of the Swift called the Maruti Swift Dzire in the Indian market. The sedan has the exact same wheelbase as the hatchback version and has an increased overall length due to the addition of the boot.

The Suzuki SX4 is a compact car developed by Japanese and Italian automakers Suzuki and Fiat and produced since 2006 to replace the Aerio as its compact car. Although originally intended only for the European market, the car is sold in Japan, India, South America, Australia and North America as well. It was introduced at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show and is being built at the Magyar Suzuki plant in Esztergom, Hungary, as well as in Japan. An expected 60,000 units will be produced — 2/3 to be sold by Suzuki and 1/3 by Fiat, rebadged as the Sedici. Design was handled by Giorgetto Giugiaro’s Italdesign studio.
Base engines are the 1.5-litre gasoline unit identical to the one used in the Swift and the new 1.6-litre VVT seen in the new Grand Vitara and a 1.6-litre DDIS, this one capable of 107 PS (79 kW). However, the sales bulk will be comprised of the Diesel version, using a sourced Fiat Multijet engine, with a maximum output of 120 PS (88 kW) and maximum torque of 280 N·m (207 ft·lbf).
The SX4 was initially released with a five-door hatchback body style. A sedan version debuted at the 2007 New York Auto Show and has been released in Japan, India and a few Eastern European markets. It replaced the Suzuki Aerio sedan.
The North-American market version arrived in 2006 as a 2007 model year as Suzuki’s entry-level AWD vehicle. Differences from the European model are the offering of AWD as standard (2WD only available in Canada and China AWD is optional in Canada) and a single 2.0 L 143 hp (107 kW) inline-4 gasoline engine. The SX4 is currently the lowest priced, most fuel efficient, and lightest weight AWD vehicle available in the U.S. market[citation needed].
The US $15,270 base price (model year 2008) for the 5-door hatchback (now marketed in the US as the SX4 Crossover) includes intelligent All Wheel Drive (iAWD), power door locks, power windows, power mirrors, CD player with MP3 capability and keyless entry. Suzuki is also offering Mercedes Benz’s ESP system (Anti-lock braking system, Traction Control, and Electronic Stability Control), fog lights, and an advanced key in a Touring package starting at MSRP US $16,870.
The US-market SX4 sedan (marketed as the SX4 Sport) is only available in FWD. Model year 2008 prices range from $14,770 (for the base model) to $16,270 (for the Touring II package). Except for the absence of iAWD, the option packages for the SX4 Sport closely match those available for the SX4 Crossover.
Both two-wheel drive and all-wheel drive versions of the SX4 are available, although not all combinations of drivetrain and body style may be available in a given market (e.g., the US-market SX4 Crossover is only available with iAWD). The AWD models use an electronically controlled iAWD 3-mode four wheel drive system, user-selectable between front wheel drive, automatic AWD, and AWD-LOCK 50:50 split permanent AWD.
The SX4 has been a sales success for Suzuki, especially in North America where 2007’s automotive market has been depressed. In 2007 Suzuki Auto posted the best year-end close in company history, with SX4 sales a major contributor to this success.
The SX4 was initially released with a five-door hatchback body style. A sedan version debuted at the 2007 New York Auto Show and has been released in India. It shall be released in other markets for the 2008 model year. It will replace the Suzuki Aerio sedan in the U.S market.
On September 2006, Suzuki announced that they have intentions to produce a rally-inspired hot hatch version of the SX4[citation needed]. A 2.0 L turbocharged engine will be used and the power target is at least 150 kW[citation needed]. The car will have permanent AWD and a wide body kit that will be keyed to the SX4 WRC. However the decision for a street rally car will be heavily decided by the outcome in the WRC 2008[citation needed]. If confirmed the car could see production in 2009 or 2010.[citation needed]
On February 28 at the Geneva Motor Show, Suzuki confirmed that the marque will enter the FIA World Rally Championship, with the factory backed Suzuki World Rally Team in the World Rally Car category in 2007, using the SX4. However due to WRC calendar changes Suzuki officially debuted in 2008, using the 2007 season as further development time for the SX4. The SX4 competed on a test basis in two 2007 WRC events: the Rallye de France in October 2007 (finishing 31st overall) and the Rally GB in November 2007 (finishing 27th overall). In the first event of 2008, the Rallye Monte Carlo, Suzuki driver P.-G. Andersson finished 8th.

The Suzuki Jimny is a small four wheel drive built by the Japanese manufacturer Suzuki. Three body styles are available: a metal top, a hard top and soft top. The Jimny replaced the popular Sierra/Samurai model in most markets in 1999, though its predecessor remains in production. The Jimny is equipped with the same 1.3 L 16-valve four-cylinder electronically fuel injected engine as its predecessor. A ladder type chassis and a dual ratio transfer case is standard, unlike many competing compact 4WDs which lack a low range, and are strictly in the crossover category.
The Jimny’s vacuum-locking hubs allow the vehicle to be shifted from 2WD to 4WD while travelling at up to 100 km/h (62 mph). Shifting to low range requires the vehicle to be stopped, but there is no need to exit the vehicle. Newer Jimnys feature electronic “push-button” selectable four-wheel drive.
The Jimny features large windows, giving excellent visibility, apart from a rather serious blind spot caused by the oversized “B” pillar. The large amount of glass also creates a greenhouse effect, and the Jimny comes with air conditioning as a standard feature.
Two models of the Jimny are available in some markets, the standard hard top, and a canvas roofed “Cabrio” version. Both models come in JX and JLX specifications. These are fairly standard designations across the Suzuki off road range, with the JLX being the fully-optioned “luxury” version. In the case of the Jimny, the JLX adds roof rails, power steering, power windows, electronically adjustable exterior mirrors, and several interior comfort improvements. Both models are available in 5 speed manual or 4 speed automatic gearbox. There is also a 2WD option, only available in 5 speed manual.
The history of Suzuki four wheel drive cars goes back to 1969. Suzuki bought out Hope Motor Company and produced 15 vehicles called the HopeStar ON360. Then in 1970, they produced the first “real” Suzuki 4×4. It was called the LJ10, and it had an air cooled, 359 cc straight 2, two stroke engine. 1972 saw the introduction of the LJ20. The cooling was changed from air cooling to water cooling but was not enlarged or increased in power. In 1974, Suzuki replaced the LJ20 with the LJ50, which had a larger 537 cc straight 3, two stroke engine and bigger differentials.
The LJ80 was an updated version of the LJ50 with a 800 cc straight 4, 4 stroke engine, followed by the SJ410 and SJ413. A version of the SJ413 known as the Samurai was released in the US. The series from SJ410 to SJ413 was known as the Sierra in Australia, and remained the Jimny in some markets.
The new Jimny was released in 1998, and now bears the same name in all markets. The 1998 release used the G13BB EFI engine, replaced by the M13AA VVT engine in 2005, in conjunction with some interior redesign.
Jimny ( 360 cc l2 air-cooled )
Jimny ( 360 cc l2 water-cooled )
Jimny 55 ( 550 cc l3 )
Jimny 8 ( 800 )
Jimny 550
Jimny 1000 / SJ410
Jimny 550
Jimny 1300
Jimny 550 Turbo
Jimny 660
Jimny SIELLA ( 1300 )
Jimny 660
Jimny SIERRA ( 1300 )
Jimny 660
Jimny Wide ( 1300 : G13B)
Jimny Wide / SIERRA ( 1300 : M13A )

The Suzuki Aerio (called the Liana in Europe, South Asia and Australia) is a compact car built by Suzuki Motor Corporation. It fits in between the compact and lower mid-size segments. The car was introduced in 2001 as a replacement for the Suzuki Esteem/Baleno, with a tall 5-door hatchback (for maximum inner room efficiency) or 4-door sedan bodies. It featured two different 16-valve gasoline engines, with 1.5 L and 1.8 L, this one capable of 125 PS JIS (92 kW). Manual transmission is standard in the USA and all wheel drive available.
In North America, featured a bigger and more powerful 2.0 L engine, with 145 hp SAE (108 kW). Manual transmission was standard, with optional automatic, as well as the possibility to install four wheel drive. For 2004, Suzuki North America introduced a new 2.3 L engine, with enlarged bore and stroke, now capable of achieving 155 hp SAE (115 kW), with the same transmission choices. The American Aerio also features a standard sport bodykit with rear spoiler and is available in all wheel drive. The following year, the exterior styling was slightly updated and the interior completely redesigned, the most prominent feature being replacement of the digital display with conventional analog dials that glow red when the headlights are activated.
In Europe, where the car is called Liana (an acronym for “Life In A New Age”), it’s seen as a more affordable alternative to small family cars or to mini MPVs, introducing a new generation of Suzuki M engines, with 1.3 L and 1.6 L engine. All wheel drive is available on the bigger engine. In 2004 the car was restyled with a look that closer resembled the Japanese version, and also received a Diesel engine, with a 16-valve version of the 1.4 L HDi engine supplied by PSA Peugeot Citroën, capable of 90 PS DIN (66 kW) thanks to common rail direct injection and a variable geometry turbocharger.
Until 2006, the Aerio sedan was sold in two models in North America: the “S” (standard) and “GS” (luxury). The GS model had a few more features than the S, including color-keyed door handles and rear-view mirrors, cruise control, and keyless entry. In 2006, the two package levels were given the names “Aerio” and “Aerio Premium.” The change is not only superficial, as in 2006 the North American Aerio began to be sold with an MP3-capable 6-speaker sound system with subwoofer, cruise control, and keyless entry standard on all models. Previously, these features were only available as upgrades in the lower package level. In addition, the “Aerio Premium” comes standard with a six disc in-dash CD player.
The Aerio hatchback stopped being sold in Japan in early 2006, and North America by the end of the year. The Liana will leave Western Europe and North America in 2007, but the sedan will remain in Eastern Europe. The SX4 hatchback and sedan replace the Aerio for 2007-08. In September 2007, Suzuki Canada’s website removed the Aerio to promote the new SX4 sedan.
The Liana is best known for its appearances in the BBC’s Top Gear’s Star in a Reasonably-Priced Car segment, as the sedan model was used from its first show until the model’s replacement by a Chevrolet Lacetti in the show’s spring 2006 season.
In 2001, Suzuki specially built spaceframe racing car for hillclimb races with a bodyshell to resemble the Aerio dubbed the Suzuki Aerio P950 Pikes Peak Special driven by its rally team manager and former rally driver, Nobuhiro Tajima.
Tajima retired from the race, one mile short of the finishing line suffering from mechanical failures,, team-mate Yutaka Awazuhara took the forth overall in a Grand Vitara. Tajima would finish as runner up in the All Japan Dirt Trial Championship that year with the same car and won the Race to the Sky hillclimb in 2003 before it was rebuilt as a Grand Vitara, then in 2007 as an XL7, breaking the overall course record at Pikes Peak.