The new 2018 Suzuki Jimny’s off-roading abilities were praised by reviewers in Europe but what more would they have to say? Find our here!
Suzuki Jimny has made its way to Europe in the new avatar and its prices have been announced in a few countries including Germany. Whether the new generation Jimny off-roader will be introduced in India or not in the near future is up for anybody’s discussion, despite its spiritual predecessor Gypsy being widely popular till date.
The Japanese manufacturer has kept the traditional mantra alive in the new-gen model as its rugged abilities, low range transfer case and rigid axles are retained. Built on the ladder frame chassis, the Jimny maintains its small footprint and is agile as well with an approach angle of 37 degrees, departure angle of 49 degrees and breakover angle of 28 degrees.
The 4WD system can be switched between the axles through a lever sitting in the middle of driver and co-passenger seats. Europe gets a single powertrain option as the 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine replaces the 1.3-litre unit with a lightweight construction and is good enough to produce a maximum power output of 100 horsepower and 130 Nm peak torque.
It is either paired to a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic gearbox as option. The global fourth generation model has a top speed of 145 kmph in manual transmission configuration and has CO2 emissions rated at 178 g/km on the WLTC cycle and 154 g/km on NEDC cycle. Having created a cult following for nearly five decades, the new Jimny has exceeded Suzuki’s expectation thus far.
Recently it received three stars in Euro NCAP crash testing and was reviewed by global media. What did they have to say? Here we find out!
The off-roading abilities are not compromised for the sake of improving on-road character and its unique position in the market will act as an attractive proposition said Top Gear before mentioning it as a new hero.
According to TopGear, “…its authenticity as an off-roader hasn’t unduly compromised it on the road”
“Certainly, it’s got more rarefied manners than any Jimny before now, and its hard-fought momentum and deliberate controls make it rollicking good fun to tack along in.”
“They (customers) will come for the oddity and not be dismayed by the Jimny’s hardy reality and brutalist cabin”
“It’s not the most complete 4×4 you can buy, but it’s a plucky underdog. Not to mention, something of a new Top Gear hero”
Another magazine praised the looks of the new Jimny as the evolved modern styling has certainly been taken positively. But its driving prowess off the road has come at a cost of not so greater handling on it. The interior has also been said to endure the test of time rather than being upmarket.
AutoExpress has indicated that “The Suzuki Jimny is a car designed to excel on rutted tracks and muddy lanes, which compromises handling on the road”
“Despite its small size and lightweight construction, the Jimny’s four-wheel drive system means running costs are relatively high”
“With a rugged charm, the Suzuki Jimny’s interior feels built to last rather than in any way luxurious”
One more British publication pointed out the impressive styling of the tiny off-roader and reckons that the additional colour options in the new version could act a big selling point.
Car Magazine wrote: “It’s impossible not to fall for the Jimny. Just look at it! Suzuki’s designers have penned a shape that hits a sweet spot somewhere between cheeky, chunky and cheerful. ”
“…the extra colours on offer may just be a masterstroke for Suzuki, because now the Jimny is a car that captures attention quickly and retains it”