NEWS: Suzuki Jimmy On Sale In UK January 2019, from £15,499. Take Our Money!


One of the most hotly-anticipated cars for a long while in this office has been the the all-new Suzuki  Jimny. And it's going on sale here in the UK, from January 2019, with two models at launch – the SZ4 priced at £15,499 and all-new spec SZ5, priced at £17,999 with manual transmission and £18,999 with automatic transmission.

With an almost unprecedented 4x4 heritage (and an unreal total cumulative global sales of 2,854,000 units!) dating way back to when Nixon invaded Cambodia as the Vietnam war raged on and the Beatles broke up (1970 history fans), the simple, robust, capable, no frills and incredible fun (& like all the best things, flawed) Jimny is a car we utterly adore. Character by the bucket load, which so many cars lack.

And when the images broke of the new (forth generation) car, we were super excited – not just because it's seriously cool, but it's managed to maintain the look and mojo of the original, whilst bringing it bang up to date, visually, mechanically & technologically... without losing it's Jimny-ness, we pray! 

There's certainly good signs of that aplenty – as new Jimny has kept its traditional Ladder-frame chassis for optimum off-road performance, whilst boosting body frame torsional rigidity (now 1.5 times higher than previous model), which further serves to enhance both on and off road performance (ALLGRIP ‘PRO’ selectable four-wheel drive fitted as standard equipment). And new Jimny is 30mm shorter in overall length, 45mm wider and 20mm higher than previous model, so it's kept its unusually squat & tall shape, high ride height, low overhangs & diminutive Defender dims... with 4x4 credibility and ability.
 
And there's real progress (or what's the point, right?), with Suzuki saying this is there "most technically advanced Jimny model available with Dual Sensor Brake Support, Hill Descent Control, Lane Departure Warning, six airbags, and High Beam Assist all fitted as standard equipment, with SZ5 grade features LED headlights as standard."

There's also a typically Suzuki generous high standard specification for SZ4 to include air conditioning, cruise control, Dual Sensor Brake Support, CD player with DAB Radio, Bluetooth connectivity and front foglamps. And the SZ5 adds 15-inch alloy wheels, rear privacy glass, Climate Control, Navigation system with Smartphone Link and heated front seats.

The Jimmy is going to be powered by new 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with an output of 101PS – now of lightweight construction for improved fuel efficiency. So we can even expect new Jimny to be fast enough for normal on-road overtakes, which would be novel (bless!).

Suzuki says in their launch PR...

Ever since the first Jimny made its global debut in April 1970, it has been a masterpiece of Suzuki’s 4WD technology. It is the one and only authentic off-roader that is small and lightweight, but still retains its core off-road performance desired by professionals. Two decades have passed since the third-generation model made its debut in 1998 and the Jimny has now evolved to its fourth generation in almost 50 years of history.

The beauty of simplicity and off-road functionality are both realised with its robust exterior. Its strong square body expresses its off-road ability and robustness as well as assisting with the driver’s situational awareness. The more upright A-pillars and flat clamshell bonnet enhance visibility from the windscreen, while the dipped driver and passenger window lines provide good visibility from the side windows. The front grille is simple and black, highlighting the round signature headlamps, with 15-inch dark-metallic alloy wheels fitted on the SZ5 model accentuating the strong exterior even more.

Six body colours will be available at UK launch including a new colour developed exclusively for the new Jimny: a high-visibility “Kinetic Yellow” designed to stand out in bad weather or when in use on rough ground worksites. Metallic paint is a £485 option with dual tone metallic paint available as a £650 option.

The new Jimny offers a much higher level of equipment than the previous model and SZ4 offers selectable 4WD with low ratio transfer, Dual Sensor Brake Support (DSBS), Air Conditioning, CD Tuner, Bluetooth connectivity, Cruise Control and front foglamps. Moving up to SZ5 adds 15-inch alloy wheels, LED Headlights, Climate Control, Navigation with Smartphone link, rear privacy glass, heated front seats and body coloured door handles.

Other functions included as standard equipment for both grades include Lane Departure Warning* and weaving alert function* which help the driver stay alert, and high beam assist* supports relaxing and courteous night driving by automatically switching the high and low beams at speeds of 25mph and above.

*Each function operates at different vehicle speeds and under certain conditions.
The rear luggage space can be expanded by folding the rear seats, creating a 377 litre*1 luggage space which is 53 litres larger than its predecessor. The rear seats now fold fully flat and the quarter trims and seats have been carefully designed to increase storage width. The backs of the rear seats and luggage room floor are coated with plastic for easy removal of dirt or stains and five hook points are fitted on each side under the quarter windows along with four luggage hooks around the floor area for flexible usage of luggage space.

*1 Measured without luggage box using the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) method.
The former 1.3-litre engine is replaced by a 1.5-litre unit in the new Jimny. It delivers higher torque than its predecessor with ample torque available at low revolutions which enhances driving performance especially while driving off-road where a low engine speed is often needed. Despite the increased displacement, it has smaller overall dimensions than the engine it replaces, with 15 per cent reduced weight, contributing to enhanced fuel efficiency.

Authentic off-roaders must be tough enough to handle the harshest conditions. From its ladder frame structure to its new 1.5-litre engine, the new Jimny is built for rough-road adventures. But on-road ability was not compromised, with the higher torsional rigidity of the ladder frame providing a more comfortable ride on the road, and newly equipped steering damper on the front suspension minimising steering wheel vibration and kickback. Whether navigating the urban jungle or exploring off the beaten track, the Jimny is sure to satisfy adventurous minds.

The Jimny incorporates the four essentials for serious off-roading — a ladder frame, three excellent clearance angles, 3-link rigid axle suspension with coil spring and part-time 4WD with low range transfer gear. Designed for professionals, it features ALLGRIP PRO*.

The new Jimny is one of the few authentic off-roaders equipped with a rigid axle for both front and rear. The front axle housing is now constructed of more robust high tensile steel and the rear axle housing is larger diameter with 30 per cent higher flexural strength for greater durability.

*ALLGRIP PRO is Suzuki’s 4WD system designed for high off-road ability.
Jimny features a part-time 4WD system with low range transfer gear, which can be easily switched from 2H (2WD-high gear), 4H (4WD-high gear) and 4L (4WD-low gear) modes by a manually operated shift lever directly connected to the transfer gear. Compared to the 4H mode, the 4L mode can transfer more torque to the wheels when in lower gears offering better traction on steep slopes and rough terrain.

When two wheels diagonal from each other loose traction, the Jimny’s new design brake LSD traction control automatically brakes the slipping wheels to redistribute torque to the other side and allow the vehicle to gain traction.

Suzuki Safety Support is Suzuki’s preventative safety technology that helps the driver avoid accidents and supports the driver to have peace of mind during every day driving. Dual Sensor Brake Support (DSBS) is fitted as standard which operates if the system determines that there is a risk of collision with a forward vehicle or pedestrian. If activated, it issues an audio and visual warning, increases braking force, or applies autonomous emergency braking depending on the situation to help avoid a collision or reduce damage.

It all sounds too good to be true & we can't wait to test it/buy it!

Bring.
It.
On!



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