Automologist ATHERTON takes the Jimny for a spin.
Since sharing the preview of the Suzuki Jimny towards the end of last year, I’ve been looking forward to this. I’ve always remembered a 2nd-gen unit being driven in my neighbourhood when I was growing up – in striking yellow – so one would never forget it. And, it was the only one we saw. Yes, very rare
The test drive unit of the 4th generation Jimny that we got from the brand custodian in Malaysia (Naza) was this Jungle Green option. Firstly, it’s cute.
This small but robust fella reminds you of all desired practicality in a vehicle. The first thing I noticed after climbing in is how high it sits – 210mm ground clearance – and heads turned as I drove by.
The ladder frame sits on a 3-link rigid axle suspension with coil spring, so bumps and uneven roads can be felt but not too much. Don’t expect no body-roll as you take corners. But it comes with a low range transfer gear, Brake LSD Traction Control and 4×4 ALL Grip Pro powered by a 1.5-litre engine churning out 100bhp and 130Nm of torque, which translates to an enjoyable off-road excursion.
Automatic LED headlights with washer function cleans off mud when off-roading, and front fog lights and scratch-resistant bumpers come standard.
The new Jimny keeps things as minimal as possible with no keyless entry, start/stop function, powered seats nor parking sensors. It wants you to know that it is as spartan as its predecessors and that’s a nice feeling in this case. Too much electronics and you lose the feel of what the Jimny is all about.
This two-door 4 seater vehicle is compact and can be a rather tight squeeze for 4 people, even if it is for 2 adults and 2 young kids, but it does come with ISOFIX car mounts. Rear seats can be folded down to increase storage space and if you’re buying this for yourself or to go on adventurous trips with your camping or off-road partner, this will suit you well.
There’s a 7-inch multimedia touchscreen with Bluetooth and Apple Car Play and an illuminated meter cluster. Safety-wise, it comes with 2 airbags, ABS, ESP, disc brakes in the front and drum in the rear, Hill Hold Control, Hill Descent Control, and a full-size spare wheel mounted on the rear door.
The other “flavours” include Medium Grey or, at an additional cost of RM2500.00 and RM1500.00 respectively, Kinetic Yellow + Bluish Black Pear or Bluish Black Pear. You get a 3-year manufacturer warranty or 100,000 km, whichever comes first.
The Jimny sells in Malaysia at an OTR price of RM168,900.00 excluding insurance. Some would say it’s a bit too steep for such minimal features, but as sources from the principal say, the order books are filling up. Goes to show many are willing to part with that kind of dough for a piece of rare, super off-roading compact 4×4.
What do you think?
