First look: Suzuki reveals fourth-generation Jimny

SUZUKI has revealed official images and details on its first new-generation Jimny in 20 years, but an Australian launch for the revered off-roader remains unconfirmed.

 

According to Suzuki Australia general manager of automotive Michael Pachota, a request for the fourth-generation model has been submitted to the company’s Japanese headquarters, but a final decision is yet to be made.

 

“We can still not confirm whether new Jimny will be available for the Australian market,” he said. “However, we are hopeful, with Suzuki Motor Corporation’s recent reveal, our request for this vehicle will be confirmed soon.”

 

While the Jimny has leapt into the 21st century, it retains the boxy, rugged proportions of its predecessors, including the third-generation model’s classic three-door body style, five-slot front grille, side-hinged tailgate and rear-mounted full-size spare wheel.

 

Inside, a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system and multi-function steering wheel lifted from the Swift light hatch feature for the first time alongside climate control air-conditioning, cruise control and keyless start.

 

As before, the Jimny is offered in regular and Sierra forms, with the latter featuring a wider body with black side steps, wheelarch extensions and chunkier bumpers, although its 15-inch alloy wheels are an inch smaller than the regular Jimny.

 

The narrower regular variant likely meets the Japan’s kei-car regulations and is motivated by a 660cc engine, while the Sierra makes do with a larger 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol powertrain. Both versions are offered with a five-speed manual gearbox or four-speed automatic transmission.

 

However, the international Jimny could employ the 1.0-litre BoosterJet turbocharged or 1.2-litre atmo four-pot petrols found in other Suzuki models.

 

Either way, just like its forebear, the Jimny is expected to be offered in Australia in Sierra guise. For reference, the outgoing model starts from $22,990 and $24,990 driveaway in manual and automatic form respectively.

 

In keeping with its rugged tradition, the Jimny has a steel ladder-frame chassis mated to a three-link live-axle suspension, as well as a part-time four-wheel-drive system with a low-range transfer gear.

 

The Jimny is available with autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection, which will help it meet the 2018 prerequisites for a five-star safety rating from the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP).

 

Paintwork options extend to Jungle Green, Bluish Black Pearl, Medium Grey, Silky Silver Metallic, Superior White, Kinetic Yellow, Brisk Blue Metallic and Chiffon Ivory Metallic, with the latter three coming with a contrasting black roof.

 

As previously reported, sales of the current Jimny have recently been restricted to 100 units or less in Australia due to its lack of side airbags, which prevent higher volumes under local laws.

 

Nevertheless, sales this year have improved steadily, with 74 examples sold to the end of May, representing a 12.1 per cent increase over the 66 deliveries made during the same period in 2017.

 

Since the first Jimny launched in 1970, about 2.85 million units have found homes in 194 countries to the end of March this year. The next iteration is expected to have its international debut in Japan on July 5.

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