Meet Suzuki’s Giant Killer, the All-New Jimny
The highly anticipated fourth-generation Suzuki Jimny is finally available in South Africa. After a successful 20-year run of the previous third-generation model, Suzuki looks determined to release another cult-classic, and after driving it, we can surely see that they’re headed in a good direction.
DESIGN
The design of the new Jimny is undeniably retro and features an array of design cues from each of its three predecessors, such as the clamshell bonnet, front grille and side vents. The overall design is rather boxy and emphasises the rugged and capable nature of Suzuki’s Giant Killer. The new model is slightly shorter than its predecessor, albeit keeping the same wheelbase as before, improving its off-road ability with respect to approach angles.
There are new headlights, too, with the top-spec GLX model housing LED power in the classic round headlights. At the back, the taillights have been moved to the bottom bumper, paying homage to previous models while adding to the functionality of the vehicle by making the rear door ever so much easier to open.
The design cue that I was impressed with the most was the rugged wheel-arches around the car, which are primarily there to prevent rocks and stones from flicking up and damaging the paint, but they also do a good job in keeping the back of the Jimny rather clean during serious off-road sessions.
The new Jimny is also available in a wide variety of new colours and combinations, with buyers being spoiled for choice between three dual-tone and five single-tone colours. The dual-tone colours are a new high-visibility Kinetic Yellow, Brisk Blue Metallic and Chiffon Ivory Metallic. These models have a gloss black roof. The single tone colours are Jungle Green, Bluish Black Pearl, Medium Grey, Silky Silver Metallic and White.
INTERIOR
The interior of the Jimny has been designed with functionality in mind throughout the cabin. The seats have been redesigned to provide the driver with more comfort and stability when off-roading and are also able to fold completely flat with the rear to allow its occupants to sleep inside the cabin, which is useful for camping trips.
Although the primary material used in the Jimny’s cabin is plastic, Suzuki has found a way to avoid making it feel cheap by using two different kinds of plastic. The plastic used on the upper dashboard features tiny lines, which reduce glare and improve the visual aesthetic of the interior, while the plastic used on the lower dashboard is a durable, hard-wearing plastic that holds out well against scratches and bumps.
The cabin is spacious enough, and while its best not to seat your tallest passengers in the rear, they will appreciate the headroom provided by the flat roof of the Jimny. Passengers up front will benefit from the seats which now move further back than with previous models.
The infotainment system on the top-spec GLX model features a 7-inch touch display and includes support for Apple CarPlay and AndroidAuto. There is also a handy USB port, SD-card slot and Bluetooth connectivity to supplement the infotainment and can all be controlled from the multi-function steering wheel.
Standard kit across all models include air conditioning, power steering and the complete ALLGRIP PRO 4×4 system with Brake LSD, ESP, Hill Hold Control and Hill Descent Control. The GLX models get a host of additional features, including climate control, electric windows and mirrors, remote central locking and cruise control.
PERFORMANCE
The new Suzuki Jimny is available with one of two engines, and in either a manual or automatic transmission. The base-spec GA model is fitted with a 1.3-litre petrol engine while the GLX model comes with a new 1.5-litre petrol engine, producing 75kW of power and 130Nm of torque.
Fuel consumption figures are claimed at 6.3-litres/100km for the manual models and 6.8-litres/100km for the automatic models.
BEHIND THE WHEEL
The first thing that you notice when driving the Suzuki Jimny on-road is that the suspension handles bumps quite well. The gearbox on the manual is smooth and the different driving modes, such as 2H, 4H and 4L, all work nicely. The one issue that did bother me, however, was how the steering seemed to lack feeling when doing higher speeds.
But that’s on-road. The Suzuki Jimny does a full 180 once it feels sand under its tyres. We took our Jimny’s deep into Mpumalanga’s forests and it made the off-road tracks seem like child’s play. The Hill descent function works flawlessly, and the new Brake LSD function allows the Jimny to pull itself out of sticky situations rather well.
Verdict
Suzuki Jimny holds true to the ethos of the original. Small dimensions with a cheeky confidence in its own abilities that anyone who’s ever driven one will attest to. The AMT gearbox isn’t nearly as good as the manual and even though Jimny is good at navigating the urban landscape it has a breadth and depth of abilities that very few cars can match. Suzuki has just created yet another winner.
Pricing
Jimny 1.5 1.5i GA MT – 264 900 230 348
Jimny 1.5i GLX MT 299 900 260 783
Jimny 1.5i GLX AT 319 900 278 174
Price includes 5yr / 200 000km promotional warranty Retail price includes a 4 yr / 60 000km service plan
