From 1996 to 2002, the company produced the Suzuki J18A 1.8-liter gasoline engine, which was fitted to the Cultus Crescent sedans and station wagons, also referred to as the Baleno. The Sidekick Sport version of the Escudo crossover also has this power unit under the hood.
J-series engines include the J18A, J20A, J20B, J23A, and J24B.
Specifications
| Production years | 1996-2002 |
| Displacement, cc | 1839 |
| Fuel system | distributed injection |
| Power output, hp | 121 – 124 |
| Torque output, Nm | 152 |
| Cylinder block | aluminum R4 |
| Block head | aluminum 16v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 84 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 83 |
| Compression ratio | 9.8 |
| Features | DOHC |
| Hydraulic lifters | yes |
| Timing drive | chain |
| Phase regulator | no |
| Turbocharging | no |
| Recommended engine oil | 5W-30 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 4.7 |
| Fuel type | petrol |
| Euro standards | EURO 3 |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Suzuki Baleno 2000) — city — highway — combined |
10.2 6.1 7.6 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~250 000 |
The engine was installed on:
- Suzuki Baleno 1 (EG) in 1998 – 2002;
- Suzuki Cultus 3 (SY) in 1998 – 2002;
- Suzuki Escudo 1 (ET) in 1996 – 1998.
Disadvantages of the Suzuki J18A engine
Due to hardened valve stem seals, they frequently complain about oil consumption.
The presence of oil scraper rings could be another factor contributing to this oil burner.
Both hydraulic tensioners and timing chains are distinguished by a comparatively small resource.
Another such power unit has frequent ignition system malfunctions.
This power unit’s short-lived supports are another one of its weaknesses.