All-new Suzuki Jimny set for Australia
BY JUSTIN HILLIARD | 6th Jul 2018
SUZUKI Australia has confirmed that the fourth-generation Jimny will enter local showrooms in the first quarter next year, while further details on the all-new off-roader have also been released.
Australian examples will be motivated by a Euro 6-compliant 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 75kW of power at 6000rpm and 130Nm of torque at 4000rpm, up 12.5kW and 20Nm over its 1.3-litre forebear.
Given overseas buyers can choose between a five-speed manual gearbox (1090-1135kg) or a four-speed torque-convertor automatic transmission (1110-1135kg), it is likely this option will be available Down Under.
Claimed fuel consumption on the combined cycle test is 6.8 litres per 100 kilometres for the manual, while its carbon dioxide emissions have been tested at 154 grams per kilometres, down 0.3L/100km and 14g/km respectively.
Comparatively, the automatic is 0.7L/100km thirstier and 16g/km more pollutant than the manual, up 0.1L/100km and 5g/km respectively.
Advanced driver-assist safety systems extend to electronic stability control, driver attention alert, tyre pressure monitoring, high-beam assist, traffic sign recognition, forward collision warning and autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection.
Crucially, the Jimny now features six airbags, including dual curtain, front and side units. The lack of the latter restricted the previous-generation model to 100 annual sales or sales under Australian law.
Other equipment includes a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, satellite navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, a multi-function steering wheel, climate control air-conditioning, daytime running lights, and front solid disc and rear drum brakes.
The Jimny rides on steel ladder-frame chassis and a three-link live-axle suspension with coil springs, while its part-time AllGrip Pro four-wheel-drive system combines with a low-range transfer gear to offer off-road capability alongside hill-hold and -descent controls.
Its approach, departure and ramp breakover angles are 37, 49 and 28 degrees respectively, all of which are three degrees wider than before.
Measuring in at 3645mm long, 1645mm wide and 1725mm tall with a 2250mm wheelbase, the latest Jimny is 30mm shorter, 45mm wider and 20mm taller.
As such, it provides 85L of cargo capacity, but this can be expanded to 377L, up 53L, when the two-seat second row is stowed.
As previously reported, the Australian market will once again likely be only offered the Jimny Sierra, which features a wider body with black side steps, wheelarch extensions, chunkier bumpers and dark-metallic 15-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 195/80 tyres.
It retains the boxy, rugged proportions of its third-generation predecessor, including the model’s classic three-door body style, five-slot front grille, round headlights with separate indicators, side-hinged tailgate and rear-mounted full-size spare wheel.
Exterior paintwork options include Jungle Green, Bluish Black Pearl, Medium Grey, Silky Silver Metallic, Superior White, Kinetic Yellow, Brisk Blue Metallic and Chiffon Ivory Metallic, with the latter three teamed with a contrasting black roof.
According to Suzuki Australia general manager of automobile Michael Pachota, the Jimny and its off-road capability will be well-suited to local conditions when it arrives in early 2019.
“The Jimny is synonymous with the Suzuki brand, and to have an all-new model on its way is something worth talking about,” he said.
“The Australian landscape will be a true test for the iconic 4WD, and I have no doubt it will rise to the challenge.
“I am very excited and highly anticipating the return of this legendary off-road compact SUV, in its all-new guise, to complement our already strong line-up of Suzuki vehicles in Australia.”
While local pricing and full specification will be announced closer to the Jimny’s launch, the current Sierra starts from $22,990 and $24,990 driveaway in manual and automatic form respectively.
Sales of the Jimny this year have improved steadily, with 87 examples sold to the end of June – a 16.0 per cent increase over the 75 deliveries made during the same period in 2017.
