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Isuzu Gemini MJ 1.5 (94 Hp)
Overall Rating
Isuzu Gemini:
The Isuzu Gemini is a subcompact car produced by the Japanese automaker Isuzu from 1974 until 2000. The same basic product was built and/or sold under several other names, sometimes by General Motors brands, in various markets around the world. While the first generation was of a rear-wheel drive design, later versions were all front-wheel-drive, and the last two generations were no more than badge-engineered Honda Domani until the name was retired in 2000.
The first Gemini was initially sold as the Bellett Gemini to connect it to its predecessor when it was introduced in November 1974. The "Bellett" portion of the name was dropped in April 1975. It was based on the third-generation Opel Kadett C on the General Motors T-car platform and came in four-door sedan and two-door coupe body styles. The chassis code was PF50, although the later 1. 8-liter versions were called PF60 and the diesels PFD60....(Read more on Wikipedia)
MJ Overview:
Isuzu Gemini (MJ). With 131 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 1030 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Isuzu Gemini MJ generation predates widespread Euro NCAP testing. As a rebadged Honda of its era, it would likely offer basic safety features common for the mid-90s, but modern safety standards were not a primary design focus.
1.5 (94 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Adequate power for daily commuting, but lacks spirited performance for enthusiastic driving.
Fuel Economy
Good fuel economy for its class, suitable for budget-conscious drivers.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Reliable Honda-derived powertrains
- • Good fuel economy across most variants
- • Practical and spacious interior for its class
- • Affordable to purchase and maintain
- • Engaging driving experience in higher-spec manual trims
Cons:
- • Dated safety features by modern standards
- • Interior quality is basic, typical of the era
- • Limited availability outside specific markets (e.g., Japan)
- • Performance in base automatic trims can be uninspiring
- • Exterior styling is somewhat generic
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Hatchback: 1988 - 1992).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Isuzu |
| Model: | Gemini |
| Generation: | MJ |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.5 (94 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1993 |
| End of production: | 1997 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 94 Hp @ 5500 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 63 Hp/l [worst than previous generation] |
| Torque: | 131 Nm @ 4500 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | ZC More details about the engine ZC |
| Engine displacement: | 1493 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 11 kg/Hp, 91.3 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 7.9 kg/Nm, 127.2 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1030 |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 45 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4415 mm mm |
| Width: | 1695 mm mm |
| Height: | 1390 mm mm |
| Wheelbase: | 2620 mm mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Tires size | 165/70 R13 |
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