Suzuki Jimny: First impression

Suzuki Jimny is a name that has been linked to the automobile industry for many decades now. It is a highly popular vehicle that has been winning hearts all across the globe in each of its iterations. News regarding a new Suzuki Jimny started to spread sometime earlier this year, and now, Suzuki showcased the next-gen Jimny at the 2018 Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS). Here are our first impressions of one of the most anticipated vehicles of the year, the Suzuki Jimny.

Styling

It was quite clear that Suzuki will implement various design elements to make the new Jimny look like a modern-day vehicle. And it did. However, it is also interesting to see that Suzuki has managed to keep the boxy design of the Jimny that we’ve seen in the earlier models. This is a good thing because it will help people to link the latest model of the Jimny with the previous generations and be a part of the legacy.

The face of the Jimny features a couple of round headlamps that give it a classy look. The front grille gets five horizontal slats that have been done in black. The bumper is also painted in black and look very rugged. From the side, the boxy design is more prominent. The large wheel arches would take on uncertain terrains pretty well. Moving towards the rear end of the new Suzuki Jimny, we see the tail light clusters are horizontally mounted on the rear bumper and the tailgate carries a full-size spare wheel. Overall, the new Jimny looks well-built, handsome, modern yet classy, rugged and sturdy.

Interior

Suzuki has also updated the interior of the next-gen Jimny. Stepping into the cabin you will instantly notice the all-black theme that Suzuki has implemented to provide a sportier feel to the Jimny. The interior looks like it can take a beating while tackling an off-road trail or course. We notice that a few elements are reminiscent that of the Suzuki Swift hatchback but we’re not complaining.

In accordance with the boxy design of the Jimny, Suzuki tried to implement the same kind of a design theme in the interior as well. For example, the touchscreen is housed in a rectangular fashion. The instrument cluster, although has circular dials, is also kept intact by a rectangular frame. Even the AC vents, if you notice, have a rectangular design. Nice work here, Suzuki. We also like the trigger buttons located at the centre console below the AC controls.

Engine

It is being anticipated that the new Suzuki Jimny specs will hold a new 1.5-litre inline 4-cylinder engine. It is going to replace the old 1.3-litre unit. The new engine has been tuned to churn out 102 PS of power at 6000 revs and generate a peak torque of 130 Nm. Suzuki has provided two transmission options - a 4-speed automatic and a 5-speed manual.

The new more powerful engine will definitely benefit the new Jimny. And the standard 4WD system will make things more interesting and fun, especially when you will take this machine off the road and cover up some miles in dust, dirt, slush, and rocks.

Verdict

Ever since the first spy shots of the new Jimny hit the Internet, we were so anxious to see the vehicle in flesh. Later some clearer pictures were out and we got more desperate. Now, the Jimny has been revealed for the Philippines and we are glad to report that our anxiety and desperation wasn’t disappointed. Suzuki has done a great job with the new Jimny. It took its sweet amount of time to do the research and market analysis and eventually gave us a brand-new Jimny.

It is being said that Suzuki is planning to officially launch the new Jimny in the Philippines sometime in the second quarter of 2019. Yes, it is again more waiting but we now at least have a time window. So, how much? The Suzuki Jimny price is expected to start at Php 1.1 million for the base model. And there are going to be three variants of the car.