Is the Suzuki Antelope engine imported?
3 Answers
The Antelope engine from 2002 was an imported engine, while the Antelope engines after 2002 are mostly domestically produced. Introduction to Suzuki engines: The Antelope series generally uses a 1.3-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine. This engine has a maximum power output of 67 kW and a maximum torque of 115 Nm. The engine reaches its maximum power at 6,000 rpm and its maximum torque between 2,500 and 3,500 rpm. It features multi-point fuel injection technology and uses an aluminum alloy cylinder head and block. This engine is paired with either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 3-speed automatic transmission. The Antelope's front suspension employs a MacPherson independent suspension, while the rear suspension uses a double-wishbone independent suspension. The double-wishbone independent suspension is a relatively simple type of independent suspension. Independent suspensions are quite common in vehicles, with the MacPherson suspension being the most frequently encountered. The MacPherson suspension has a simple structure and low cost, featuring only an L-shaped control arm. The double-wishbone suspension differs from multi-link suspensions, offering less comfort and handling compared to four-link or five-link suspensions. However, the double-wishbone suspension is cost-effective, simple in structure, compact, and occupies minimal space. Advantages of Suzuki engines: Smooth and steady power delivery, clear and precise gear shifts, and very fast acceleration.
I've been playing with old Antelopes for almost twenty years, and this needs to be viewed in stages. The earliest batch around 2000, the Antelope 7101 model, used the G13B engine which was indeed a fully imported Japanese unit—you could see Japanese labels when opening the hood. Later, Changan Suzuki set up a factory in Chongqing and gradually localized production. After 2005, the Antelope started using domestically assembled engines, but key components like piston rings and crankshafts still relied on imports. The most obvious change was a one-third drop in price, though old-timers always reminisce about the lower failure rates of the imported engines. If you're hunting for a used car, checking the engine bay's production label is the most reliable method.
I've worked extensively with Antelope engines during car repairs, and the differences between imported and domestic versions mainly lie in the details. The early pure-import G13B engine blocks had SUZUKI steel stamps on the castings, with more densely arranged cooling fins, and fuel consumption could be controlled at around 5.8L. After the 2007 model change, domestic engines used locally supplied valve covers and wiring harnesses, but the ECU programming still maintained Suzuki's original calibration. Nowadays, it's quite difficult to find pure imported engines in the used car market - most units over 15 years old have undergone major repairs with replaced components. I recommend regular cleaning of throttle body carbon deposits, as this small engine is particularly sensitive to poor fuel quality.
