2019 Suzuki Jimny retains its signature off-roading abilities and features an overhauled interior with improved connectivity
The Suzuki Jimny has received a brand new generation in the global markets finally and since the first glimpse of it arrived through spy photographs, the anticipation got to a different level. The outgoing Jimny has had tenure of twenty years without substantial upgrades but as the demands started varying, it was time for the Japanese manufacturer to respond. With pictures being officially revealed, it will be premiere in Japan next month.
Make no mistake as the signature off-roading capabilities of the Jimny has been retained, which reflect on the exterior with square profile and boxy silhouette. The pictures let us think that the new Jimny looks like a mini version of the G-Class and is more appealing visually. It has round-shaped headlamps and prominent vertical slats.
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The small off-roader adorns all its essentials carried forward courtesy of an even tougher ladder frame construction and Suzuki’s AllGrip Pro all-wheel-drive configuration. Along with them is the low-ratio gearbox enabling go-anywhere characters, combined with the everyday usability on tarmac the Jimny is renowned for.
The interior has gone thoroughly several revisions while Suzuki has added new connectivity options for enhanced in-car customer experience. However, it stays focused on luring buyers expecting an adventure vehicle rather than a sophisticated city hauler with big bootspace and it holds importance for Suzuki’s aim of increasing sales by 20 percent in Europe.
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It won’t be pretty basic as the outgoing model as the infotainment system is fitted on top of the centre console while the automatic transmission, steering wheels, square AC vents and rotary dials on the centre stack are lifted from the latest generation Swift which has set the cash registers ringing already in India.
With the new Jimny arriving sooner rather than later in global markets only after its impending launch in Japan, it will go on sale internationally as 2019MY version.
It five-door sibling comes in the name of Jimny Sierra. Maruti Suzuki’s Gujarat production base could act as global hub for its manufacturing while the rumours of it being introduced in India in the near future as the next generation Gypsy have not gone away either.
It is no secret that Suzuki aims big boost in sales with the upcoming Jimny and it hopes that it will play a significant role in increasing the brand’s annual sales across European countries. In 2016, Suzuki retailed a total of 2,45,000 cars in Europe and grabbed 1.2 percent share in the entire market. Following the launch of the new Jimny in Europe by Q3 2018, the Japanese brand is targeting 3,00,000 sales and 1.5 percent market share resultantly.
The reports of the fourth generation replacing the much adored Gypsy have refused to fade in recent months. The Jimny could be manufactured in India at Maruti Suzuki’s Gujarat plant which could act as a production hub for international markets. But, we do not have any clarity from MSIL on whether the speculations can be taken into account or not.
The colour palette comprises of Kinetic Yellow, Brisk Blue and Chiffon Ivory Metallic options while Jungle Green, Bluish Black Pearl 3, Medium Gray, Silky Silver Metallic, and Superior White are single-tone paint jobs. The Japanese market exclusively gets Pure White Pearl and dual-tone Kinetic Yellow with black roof and bonnet.
The regular Jimny gains XC, XL, and XG grades with key equipment in the entry-level model being dual airbags, halogen headlamps, manual AC and 16-inch steel wheels. The other two grades feature ORVM integrated turn indicators, automatic climate control, engine start/stop, keyless entry, smoked glass, dual sensor brake support, LED headlamps, 16-inch wheels, etc.
The Jimny Sierra variant will be sold in JC and JL variants. Some of the important listed features are auto AC, dual sensor brake support, front multi-reflector halogen fog lamps, keyless engine start/stop, electrically retractable ORVMs, LED headlamps, LED turn signals and cruise control among others.
The brand new Jimny obviously has part time all-wheel-drive configuration as standard and it will be offered in two different petrol engines in some markets: A 1.2-litre K-Series motor making 92 bhp and a 1.0-litre Boosterjet turbo petrol delivering as much as 112 bhp. As in the latest Swift sold globally, it could gain a hybrid options as well later.
The five powertrain options include a small R06A 0.66-litre engine for Japan, 1.2-litre K12C DualJet and 1.0-litre K10C BoosterJet engines globally, and K12B 1.2-litre petrol borrowed from the Swift and Ignis in emerging markets. Would you welcome the Jimny as next Gypsy in India and could it reproduce the vintage off-roader’s success?
2019 Suzuki Jimny Images
