The LJ was updated in May 1972 and renamed the LJ20. The
grille bars were changed from horizontal to vertical for the LJ20. The
engine was replaced with an updated, water-cooled unit (the L50), and its 28 PS (21 kW; 28 bhp) enabled the LJ to reach 80 km/h (50 mph). With production brought in house, Suzuki could now build 2,000 cars per month.
The
introduction of left-hand drive signaled Suzuki's worldwide ambitions
for the truck. Suzuki did not export them to America; a US company called
International Equipment Co. imported them. Export Jimnys had the spare
tire mounted on the outside.
Towards the end of LJ20 production, a cleaner 26 PS (19 kW;
26 bhp) engine was introduced, a result of ever more stringent emissions
regulations. Top speed was reported as 93 km/h (58 mph), payload was
250 kg or 550 lb (200 kg or 440 lb for the Van version).