Car reviews
First new Suzuki Jimny in two decades
Attending car launches and test driving new models is a regular occurrence for a motoring journalist and eventually one tends to become a bit blasé. Unless it's the fastest, biggest, most expensive or boldest, very little excites one. Been there, driven the cars, seen it all and enjoyed the chow. However, there are occasions when one cannot wait for the arrival of a particular car,to such an extent that even customers are willing to put down deposits so that when the first batch lands on our shores, all are already sold out resulting in long, initial waiting lists.
The imminent arrival of Suzuki's new baby SUV, the Jimny, is one such car. Designed as a brandnew vehicle from the ground up, the new Jimny is the first major new car in its 20-year history.
Much loved for its no nonsense, small-sized, highly competent offroad vehicle, the Jimny punched above its body weight and could run with the big dogs when it came to playing rough and wild.
The new Suzuki Jimny was an immediate hit when it was unveiled in Japan. Bold, slightly larger, with a bigger engine and looks that suggest durability and functionality,the Jimny made an impression.People paid it a huge compliment when they likened it to a baby Mercedes Benz G Class.
The all-new Jimny improves on its predecessor, in every respect.
The model is built on a new ladder-frame chassis for 1.5 times greater torsional rigidity than its predecessor and with the addition of new coil springs and shock absorbers, the Jimny now has 20mm more ground clearance.
Suzuki has fitted its modern K15B petrol engine.This 1.5l four cylinder unit replaces the 1.3l, M13A engine of the previous model and delivers 75kW at 6 000rpm and 130Nm at 4 000rpm. Lighter than the previous puny 1.3l engine and tuned for better performance, this engine claims to use 14 percent less fuel than its predecessor in both four-speed auto and fivespeed manual versions.
All new Jimny models are fitted with a 4x4 system called AllGrip Pro®, which allows the driver to switch between 4x2 (front-wheel drive), 4x4 high and 4x4 low range with a secondary gear lever.This system is supported by both the vehicle stability control (ESP) and a new Brake-enabled Limited Slip Differential (LSD) system.The Brake LSD and ESP systems are further enhanced by the integrated Hill Hold Function and Hill Descent Control.
Inside, Suzuki has included all the necessary driver and passenger
comfort features found it many modern cars in its price range, while not straying from its original, value-for-money character. In South Africa, Suzuki has added its 7” SLDA – smart phone linkage display–tot he new GL X-specification. This large touch screen is fitted with Apple Carplay, Android Auto and Mirror Link to accommodate most smartphones' in-car features and voice control functionality available on the market today.
Suzuki South Africa will introduce both a GA and GLX specification level.The flagship GLX specification – available with the choice of manual and automatic gear boxes–include features such as a leather-covered multi-function steering wheel, electric windows, colour coded door handles and mirrors, 15' alloy wheels, LED projector headlamps and remote keyless access with central locking and front fog lights.
GLX models will feature the 7” touchscreen with smartphone connectivity and Bluetooth handsfree operation, cruise control and the 50:50 split rear bench with two headrests.
This go-anywhere, do-anything Jimny will now appeal to a wider audience. Ideal for a single adventurer, or an ‘outdoorsy' couple, this little car with a big heart will also tick many fashionable boxes for trendy folks, both young and old.
Suzuki Jimny 1.5 4x4 GA Manual:
R265 000 (estimated).
Suzuki Jimny 1.5 4x4 GLX Manual:
R300 000 (estimated).
Suzuki Jimny 1.5 4x4 GLX Auto: