MOTORING NEWS - The new Jimny was recently introduced to South Africa at the Festival of Motoring at Kyalami in Gauteng. Expectations are high and the media who got a first peek at the newest little "giant killer: from Suzuki was universally impressed. Jimny has a huge act to follow since it first created a blueprint for fun 4x4 driving.
The fact that it was most capable and affordable was part of its fun image too. This little big-hearted Suzuki so loved that this is only the fourth all-new model since the LJ10 was launched in 1970.
Styling elements include:
- An overall angular design that is reminiscent of the first LJ and second generation SJ ranges;
- The round headlamps and separate round orange indicators of the LJ10, the first generation;
- Side bonnet slits and an angular front windscreen from the SJ series – the first to be dubbed "giant killer" by the 4×4 community;
- Steel wheels similar to the SJ series on the GA spec level;
- A bonnet and upright grille like the SJ and previous generation Jimny;
- A moulded rear bumper with lights in the furthermost corners, like the SJ series.
Inside the cabin, Suzuki's designers have added hints of Jimny's forebears, such as exposed painted metal window frames at shoulder height, a speedometer and tachometer in separate square binnacles and the practical dashboard with many storage binnacles and three-layer design.
However difficult, the all-new Jimny does improve on its predecessor, the 1998-2018 Jimny.
It is built on a new ladder-frame chassis with a patented "X"-member between the two rigid axles for 1,5 times the torsional rigidity of the model before. With the addition of new coil springs and shock absorbers the Jimny now has 210mm ground clearance, 20mm more than before.
The Jimny's wheelbase is unchanged at 2 250mm, but has an increased front and rear track (40mm) and vehicle width (45mm).
The overall vehicle length has been shortened by 50mm, thanks in part to the moulded bumpers.
The Jimny's wheelbase is unchanged at 2 250mm, but has an increased front and rear track (40mm) and vehicle width (45mm).
Under the clamshell bonnet, Suzuki has fitted its K15B petrol engine. This 1,5-litre four-cylinder unit replaces the 1,3-litre M13A engine of the previous model and delivers 75kW at 6 000rpm and 130Nm at 4 000rpm. The new K15B-engine is 15% lighter than the 1,3-litre unit it replaces.
The lighter weight, higher compression ratio and overall improvement in efficiency mean that this engine uses more than 14% less fuel than both the manual and automatic versions of its predecessor.
The engine is mated to a five speed manual gearbox and an optional four speed automatic gearbox in GLX specification.
All new Jimny models are fitted with a 4×4 system called AllGrip Pro, which allows the driver to comfortably switch between 4×2 (front-wheel drive), 4×4 high and 4×4 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 system.
The ESP-system is standard on all models and adjusts its functioning based on the number of wheels driven and the road conditions.
While Suzuki did not want to compromise the compact character of the Jimny, it has improved driver and passenger comfort and added practical storage options.
The front seats are 55mm longer than before and have wider seat cushion frames.
Suzuki engineers have lowered the seat bolsters to allow comfortable shoulder movement when the driver and front passenger want to look around and behind them, for instance when they navigate a tricky obstacle in the bush.
Front occupants have 30mm more legroom than before and the rear passengers have a massive 40mm more space and a higher hip point, for greater comfort.
In South Africa, Suzuki has added its 7" SLDA – smartphone linkage display – to the new GLX-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.
To widen the appeal of the Jimny, Suzuki South Africa will introduce both a GA and GLX specification level.
Both will have a full-sized spare wheel, ABS brakes, brake assist (BAS), electronic stability control (ESP), Isofix anchors for child seats and dual SRS front airbags.
Both will also have the AllGrip Pro 4×4 system with low range transfer gear and the Brake LSD traction control system.
Both will have a full-sized spare wheel, ABS brakes, brake assist (BAS), electronic stability control (ESP), Isofix anchors for child seats and dual SRS front airbags.
The GLX specification is available with the choice of manual and automatic gearboxes.
While not confirmed yet, the indicative pricing – which includes a service plan and mechanical warranty – is estimated at: Suzuki Jimny 1,5 4×4 GA Manual - R265 000; Suzuki Jimny 1,5 4×4 GLX Manual - R300 000; Suzuki Jimny 1,5 4×4 GLX Auto - R320 000.
The all-new Jimny will be available from 1 November.
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