Since it was first launched in 1986, the Suzuki Katana has immediately become a car that is very popular with the people of Indonesia. The three-door compact SUV is popular because of its compact shape and is ideal for driving through road conditions in the country.
It’s just that in 2006 Suzuki Indonesia no longer produces the car. However, the name Suzuki Katana is being discussed again because of the success of the new generation Suzuki Jimny.
Its almost similar shape makes many people think back to the Suzuki Katana. It’s no wonder that many hope that Suzuki will be able to bring the Suzuki Katana back to Indonesia.
Especially the fact that the Suzuki Katana used to be a 4×2 version of the Suzuki Jimny which did have a four-wheel drive system. “The name Suzuki Katana only exists in Indonesia. So it’s not a global product that could be brought back,” said Donny Saputra, 4W Marketing Director of PT Suzuki Indomobil Sales (SIS).
He also said that even though Suzuki Jimny and Suzuki Katana both had slight similarities, it didn’t mean that Suzuki Indonesia could easily make changes. So suddenly the Suzuki Jimny’s four-wheel drive system cannot be changed to a 4×2 drive system to become the Suzuki Katana.
“Suzuki Jimny has a four-wheel drive patent. So it can’t be replaced,” he said.
He understands that currently there are indeed many old cars being brought back and getting a very positive response from the public. He also feels that there has been a misunderstanding of the information recently received by the public regarding the new Suzuki car that will be presented in Indonesia.
He said that this year Suzuki will present a new car in the form of a legendary SUV. It’s just that the legendary SUV is not a Suzuki Katana. “This car is an extension of an existing model. Legendary SUV,” said Donny Saputra.
According to him, this is in line with Suzuki’s main focus in Indonesia this year, namely maximizing local production and the development of SUVs. According to him, there will be many SUVs from Suzuki prepared for Indonesia. But definitely not the Suzuki Katana.
