Mazda’s Jimny Twist

The Curious Case of the Mazda AZ-Offroad

Most folks associate the Suzuki Jimny with being a true off-road workhorse, and a lot like a pint-sized Land Rover. But here’s a twist that might surprise you: From 1999 to 2013, Mazda, under the Autozam brand, sold a version of the Jimny in Japan as the Mazda AZ-Offroad. This isn’t a common fact around here, but it’s a neat tidbit from car history.

Why the Collaboration?

The car industry often sees partnerships – automakers teaming up to save on development costs by sharing platforms or designs. Think of Toyota and Subaru’s partnership for the GR86 and BRZ; it’s a similar story. The Mazda AZ-Offroad came to be because of such a collaboration. While the Jimny has mainly been Suzuki’s baby since 1970, during that time span, a Mazda badge found its way onto this nimble SUV.

The Specs

The Mazda AZ-Offroad was based on the third-gen Jimny from 1998. This unique model was tailored to Japan’s strict kei car regulations, meaning it rolled with a 660cc turbocharged engine punching out the maximum allowed 63 horsepower. Compared to the international Jimny, with its naturally aspirated 1.3-liter engine, this model packed a punch in a tiny package. And yes, it even had the choice of manual or automatic transmissions.

Aesthetics and Identity

The AZ-Offroad didn’t stray far from the Suzuki Jimny in terms of looks. Both had similar skinny fenders and compact bumpers, necessary for complying with kei car standards. Whether looking at the grill, bumpers, or wheels, it was a clear case of badge engineering. If this sounds familiar, Mazda’s earlier Proceed Levante was another vehicle that mirrored the Suzuki Vitara, again a testament to their collaborative spirit.

The Autozam Connection

Autozam, for those unfamiliar, was Mazda’s sub-brand in Japan from 1989, focusing more on compact cars. The AZ-Offroad drew its lineage from this initiative, and although it may not be as exotic as, say, the gullwing-doored AZ-1, it was still unique in its own right. By the end of the 90s, Autozam was slowly phased out, taking a bow along with other marquee names like Eunos and ɛfini.

Driving Impressions

Driving the Mazda AZ-Offroad offers a peppy experience akin to the original Jimny but with a slightly more nuanced character thanks to the Mazda badge. It’s got that zippy feel, with the turbo’s light whistle adding to its charm. It effectively tackles rough terrains, and although it’s compact, it feels robust and tackles urban roads with ease. It’s reminiscent of handling a go-kart with the kind of ruggedness you’d expect from an off-roader.

Collector’s Item?

While not the most collectible vehicle like the AZ-1 in terms of rarity and traditional appeal, the AZ-Offroad holds its own as a piece of automotive history. For those interested, some of these quirky models have made their way to the American shoreline, catching the eyes of niche collectors. They’re found through importers like JdmOffroad, with prices ranging around $11,900 to $12,499 depending on mileage and condition.

In the world of little-known automotive gems, the Mazda AZ-Offroad certainly earns its spot. If there’s a desire for a Jimny experience with a tad more exclusivity, this might just be the ticket.