by Mazda AZ-Offroad: The Little-Known Version of the Suzuki Jimny
Collaborative Projects of Automakers
Modern cars require significant investment in development, so manufacturers often join forces for collaborative projects. This is how the Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ came to be, as well as the little-known Mazda AZ-Offroad—essentially, a Suzuki Jimny under a different brand.
The Jimny has been in production since 1970, but from 1998 to 2013, Suzuki manufactured it specifically for Mazda for the Japanese market. This version was named the AZ-Offroad and complied with kei-car standards.
Technical Features
Unlike the international version of the Jimny with a 1.3-liter engine, the AZ-Offroad was equipped with a 660cc turbocharged three-cylinder engine producing 64 hp—the maximum allowed for a kei car. The vehicle also had narrower wheel arches and shorter bumpers to comply with Japanese regulations.
“The AZ-Offroad was practically identical to the Suzuki Jimny, including the grille, bumpers, and wheels. This is a true example of badge-engineering.”
History of the Autozam Brand
The name AZ-Offroad comes from Mazda’s sub-brand—Autozam, created in 1989 to sell compact cars based on Suzuki technology. The most famous model in the lineup was the AZ-1 with gullwing doors, but Autozam also sold modified versions of Mazda’s own models, such as the AZ-3 based on the MX-3.
By 1998, Mazda began phasing out Autozam, but the AZ-Offroad continued to be produced until 2014, receiving a facelift in 2008. Today, these cars can even be found in North America—importers sometimes bring in used examples with around 70,000 miles on the odometer.
Although the AZ-Offroad is not as iconic as the AZ-1, it remains an interesting example of the collaboration between Mazda and Suzuki. For enthusiasts of unusual Japanese cars, it’s a great opportunity to own a Jimny under a rare brand.
