Unveiled in its home market last month after a series of spy images, leaked technical details and final production snaps, the South African-spec model, like international variants, will only get the more upscale Jimny Sierra albeit without the latter suffix, and introduce an all-new ladder frame chassis known as Total Effective Control Technology (TECT).
Measuring 3 645mm with a wheelbase of 2 250mm, height of 1 725mm and width of 1 645mm, the Jimny comes in 50mm shorter than its predecessor, but gains five millimetres in height and 45mm in width with the wheelbase remaining unchanged.
Despite the shorter overall length compared to the previous Jimny, Suzuki claims a 53-litre improvement in boot space to 377-litres, while a further benefit of the off-road focused underpinnings are the approach, breakover and departure angles, which now comes in at 37 degrees versus 35 degrees, 28 degrees (+one degree) and 49 degrees (+three degrees) respectively.
As previously indicated, the Jimny backs-up is newfound retro, boxy styling with a substantially more modern interior incorporating the same steering wheel as the Swift, a new new instrument cluster with its dual square pods and a second gear lever for the low-range transfer case in place of the previous button setup, claimed to have been the result of buyer demand.
Additional changes inside includes seats which now measures 55mm longer and also have a wider cushion frame as well as a lowered overall position, 30mm more legroom at the front, front seats able to slide 240mm and an uptake of 40mm more space for those seated in the rear.
For the first time, Suzuki will offer the Jimny in a choice of trim levels, with the entry-level GA getting items such as dual front airbags, traction control, Hill Hold Control, ABS with EBD, Hill Descent Control and 16-inch steel wheels, while the top-spec GLX gets electric windows and mirrors, projector-type LED headlights, cruise control, keyless entry and, a first for Suzuki South Africa, a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Also new is the powerunit with the previous 1.3-litre M13A motor making way for a new 1.5-litre K15B mill that produces 75kW/130Nm. As before, the Jimny can be had with a five-speed manual gearbox or a four-speed automatic, the latter as an option on the GLX only, with the selectable AllGrip four-wheel drive system again standard across the range. Adding to its off-road prowess is a 20mm increase in ground clearance to 210mm.
At launch, the Jimny will be specified in a choice of eight colours; White, Silver, Grey, Black Pearl and Jungle Green, as well as three two-tone options with a contrasting black roof, namely Chiffon Ivory, Brisk Blue and Kinetic Yellow.
Price-wise, suggestive pricing for the Jimny will starts at R265 000 for the GA, while the GLX will retail for R300 000 or R320 000 when equipped with the auto ‘box. Final price and warranty details will only be revealed at the Jimny’s local market launch.
Note: Pre-production models pictured without some of the equipment that will be made available in South Africa
