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Isuzu Gemini MJ 1.6 i (120 Hp) Automatic
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 142 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.
1.6 i (120 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Offers good power for an automatic, making it a comfortable cruiser with decent overtaking ability.
Fuel Economy
Acceptable fuel economy for an automatic with this power, suitable for daily use.
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(MJ: 1993 - 1997).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Isuzu |
| Model: | Gemini |
| Generation: | MJ |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.6 i (120 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | 1997 |
| End of production: | 2000 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 120 Hp @ 6300 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 75.5 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 142 Nm @ 3000 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | ZC [Same engine] More details about the engine ZC |
| Engine displacement: | 1590 |
| 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: | 8.6 kg/Hp, 116.5 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 7.3 kg/Nm, 137.9 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1030 |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 45 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4480 mm mm [65mm more] |
| Width: | 1695 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1390 mm mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2620 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1475 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1475 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 10 m [above average] |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Tires size | 175/70 R13 |
| Wheel rims size | 13 |
Every driver has a story. What’s yours with the Isuzu Gemini?