Suzuki’s inimitable and enduringly popular Jimnyall-terrainer has just undergone a series of subtle improvements. The changes are all cosmetic and are aimed at endowing the little 4x4 with a sharper presence, while the interior also benefits from several improvements.
The most obvious improvements are to be found at the front of the Jimny, where the combination of a new bonnet, a cosmetically pleasing air scoop, redesigned grille and a bolder front bumper all add up to a more powerful appearance.
The bonnet gains a power bulge, which creates a more aggressive impression. The grille has been revised and now incorporates a more geometric design, with vertical bars replacing the rounded apertures of the previous model.
The bumper has also been redesigned, and now features a larger lower air intake, while the fog lamps have been repositioned, and are now located in recesses on either side of the intake – decreasing the risk of damage during serious off-road driving. A lower scuff plate provides protection at the bumper’s leading edge.
The Jimny’s cabin gains redesigned head restraints for both front and rear passengers. The new headrests provide improved comfort and support, and also allow the rear seats to be folded flat without the need to remove the head restraints.
Smarter cloth trim for the front bucket seats and the rear bench seat has been introduced, while a new colour, Breeze Blue metallic, has been added to the palette of colour options.
From a safety perspective, the latest Jimny now offers ISOFIX child seat anchor points, which augment an array of active and passive safety features that already includes ABS anti-lock brakes, dual SRS front airbags, three-point inertia reel seatbelts, and front and rear head restraints.
While the updates endow the Jimny with a fresher appearance inside and out, the compact all-terrainer’s technical underpinnings continue to offer a compelling combination of agile handling, legendary all-terrain capability, willing performance and pocket-pleasing fuel efficiency.
The drivetrain still links Suzuki’s tried and trusted 1 328 cc in-line four-cylinder engine to a five-speed manual gearbox and a low-range transfer case. That combination, together with the Jimny’s low mass, raised ride height and extended suspension travel, ensures exceptional 4x4 capability, almost regardless of the terrain.
Also unchanged is the Jimny’s comprehensive array of standard comfort and convenience features. The list includes air-conditioning, remote central locking, electrically operated windows and mirrors, power steering, a FM Stereo/AM receiver with CD front-loader, and an integrated alarm/immobiliser system.
The latest Suzuki Jimny goes on sale through Suzuki Auto SA’s national network of authorised dealers in mid-July, and retails for R198 900. The price includes a four-year/60 000 km service plan, and a three-year/100 000 km warranty.
STORY BY SUZUKI
Post Title → SUZUKI JIMNY GETS NEW FRESH FACE
