Two decades have passed since the third-generation Jimny made its debut in 1998; the fourth generation whisks it to almost 50 years of history. Carrying all of the styling details that it needs to maintain brand awareness, the all-new version promises greater functionality and practicality, while embodying the spirit of its much-admired predecessors. It brings simplicity, functional attraction and 4WD technology that surprises with its competence.
The looks are straight from the ‘Book of Jeep’, although a wider track factors in fresh levels of stability, without diminishing the car’s go-anywhere capabilities. As happy in the city environment, as it will be working the fields or forests of the nation, every aspect of its interior is geared towards ease of operation allied to a ‘no frills’ practicality, which actually makes a change in this sector.
Based on a sturdy ladder frame, riding on coil springs and featuring Suzuki’s excellent AllGrip Pro 4x4 system, complete with low-range transfer gear, users of the new Jimny will be under no illusion as to its potential. The square-rigged body is perfect for judging its dimensions, which is vital in an off-road environment. However, the body cladding, by way of wheel-arch extensions, side sills and under-body panels, serves a usefully protective role.
A range of eight body colours, including two new shades developed exclusively for the all-new Jimny, a high-visibility Kinetic Yellow and Jungle Green, will generate a suitable following and enhance the traditional design elements that include round headlights, the five-slot grille and the combination tail-lamps.
Owners of current Suzukis will be familiar with the audio system, a Bluetooth-compatible, Smartphone Linkage Display Audio unit, with a 7.0-inch infrared touchscreen that is fitted on higher grades. Naturally, the customary raft of driver assist and safety programs also feature. As compact as Jimny has always been, its rear luggage space can be expanded by folding the rear seats, to create a 377-litre luggage area that is 53-litres bigger than before, to a maximum of 830-litres.
Engine power comes from an all-new, lighter (by 15%) 1.5-litre petrol engine that has been torque-optimised (95lbs ft) but develops a modest 100bhp. The standard transmission is a five-speed manual, although the automatic option is only a four-speed unit. The top speed is given as 95mph and it will crack the 0-60mph benchmark in around 13.5s, so it is not going to be a tremendous autobahn-cruiser, although it will more than keep up easily with the traffic flow, while returning 41.5mpg to every tank of unleaded. It emits 154g/km (manual) CO2 from its exhaust system.
For serious off-roaders, the new Jimny offers an ample approach angle of 37 degrees, a ramp breakover angle of 28 degrees and a departure angle of 49 degrees, which allow the Jimny to clamber over obstacles and rough ground, without scraping its bumpers, or underbody. It has a minimum of 210mm ground clearance. However, tipping the scales at just over one metric tonne, Jimny continues with its lightweight benefit that provides it with remarkable off-road prowess that has been the model’s strongpoint since the outset.
