THE STORY OF JIMNY: JA12/JA22 The Narrow Track Coilies

JA12 and JA22 were the kei car versions of the Coily SJ Series Jimny sold in Japan from late 1995 to 1998. The models were sold alongside the JB32 Jimny Sierra, the more expensive non-kei car Jimny for the Japanese Domestic Market.

1995 – JA12/JA22 Type I

The JA12/JA22 Jimny were first introduced to the Japanese Domestic market (JDM) in November 1995 as a replacement of the JA11 Jimny660.

The JA12 used an improved version of the F6A engine with turbocharger and intercooler, now able to churn out 64PS of power and 10kgm of torque.

The JA22 on the other hand, was powered by an all-new engine. It was the all-aluminium four-stroke, four-cylinder DOHC K6A. The engine was also fitted with a turbocharger and an intercooler, enabling it to churn out higher power output compared to the F6A. It also had lower NVH levels at higher speed. The JA22 also featured electric power steering, while the JA12 used the more conventional hydraulic power steering.

The JA12 and JA22 also featured a completely new interior design, including a new dashboard, new seats, new headrests, new door trims, and new seat covers.

The 1995 JA12/JA22 Jimny was available in both commercial and passenger car variants:
- JA12V - HA Van, a commercial vehicle model
- JA12C - CC Soft Top
- JA12W - XB Hardtop
- JA12W - XS Hardtop
- JA22W - XC Hardtop
- JA22W - YC Panoramic Roof

JA12 Engine Specifications

Engine: four-stroke, three-cylinder, 657cc (type F6A) DOHC with turbo and IC
Max. power: 64PS/6,000rpm
Max. torque: 10.0kgm/4,000rpm
Fuel distribution: EPI

JA22 Engine Specifications

Engine: four-stroke, three-cylinder, 658cc (type K6A) DOHC with turbo and IC
Max. power: 64PS/6,500rpm
Max. torque: 10.5kgm/3,500rpm
Fuel distribution: EPI

Jimny Wild Wind Limited Edition

The same year, a limited edition model called the Jimny Wild Wind was introduced. The model featured additional accessories including aluminium roof rack, spare wheel cover, aluminium alloy wheels, radio cassette player, air conditioning, and a Wild Wind body striping.

1996 – JA22 Jimny Landventure

In 1996, another limited edition model was added, the Jimny Landventure.

The model is based on the JA22W- XC Hardtop variant. Special features, including halogen fog lights, body colored bumpers, aluminium roof carrier, 16-inch aluminium alloy wheels, body striping, spare wheel cover, roof end spoiler, a multi-meter (compass orientation, pressure, altimeter) fitted on top of the dashboard, and unique seat upholstery, were fitted to the Landventure.

1997 – JA12/JA22 Type II

Come 1997, the JDM Jimny got a minor set of updates. The main highlight was the introduction of the Drive Action 4x4 System, which enabled switching between 2WD and 4WD mode while the vehicle is in motion.

Another highlight was the elimination of the YC Panoramic Roof, as well as XB and XS Hardtop variants and the addition of the XL Hardtop.



The interior was also slightly revised, the 1997 JA12/22 have brighter interior trim colors compared to that of the previous model.



The 1997 JDM Jimny line up then consisted of four main models:
- JA12V – HA Van
- JA12C – CC Softtop
- JA12W – XL Hardtop
- JA22W – XC Hardtop



In addition of those models, two limited editions were introduced:

Jimny Wild Wind Limited Edition

The JA22W Wild Wind, which featured AM/FM cassette stereo, unique seat upholstery, UV cut front windows, 16-inch aluminium alloy wheels, body colored bumpers, aluminium spare tire cover, body striping, and an aluminium roof carrier system.

Jimny Fishing Master

The JA22W Fishing Master was based on the XC Hardtop and was intended for people with fishing hobby. The model was equipped with waterproof seat cover, tray mats, and a ceiling mounted fishing rod holder.

1998 – Limited Edition Models

In 1998, two limited edition models were added to the JDM Jimny lineup:

Jimny Landventure

The JA22W Landventure  featured halogen fog lights, body colored bumpers, aluminium roof carrier, 16-inch aluminium alloy wheels, body striping, spare wheel cover, roof end spoiler, a multi-meter (compass orientation, pressure, altimeter) fitted on top of the dashboard, radio cassette player, and unique seat upholstery.

Jimny XL Limited

The JA12W XL Limited featured halogen fog lights, body colored bumpers, 16-inch aluminium alloy wheels, body striping, spare wheel cover, radio cassette player, and unique seat upholstery.