Environmentally Friendly Jimny Now With Higer Spec

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Environmentally Friendly Suzuki Jimny Now With Higher Specification

Arrival of a new up-market version of the Suzuki Jimny has boosted interest in the most fuel-efficient petrol four-wheel-drive model available in New Zealand.

Despite a modest price tag, the Limited series is the most comprehensively equipped Jimny ever sold here.

Exclusive to the Limited are five-spoke aluminium alloy, 15-inch diameter wheels, front fog lamps and specially finished silver roof rails.

The Limited is also distinguished by a high-quality three-spoke leather-bound steering wheel, carbon fibre style detailing on the dashboard and chromium finished inside door handles.

Black cloth upholstery seating is finished with red stitching that matches the stitching on the steering wheel while the integrated audio system is also part of the standard specification.

Of practical assistance to those who venture into the great outdoors, the upholstery is water repellent.

The 1.3-litre Jimny Ltd has a recommended retail price of $21,500 in 5-speed manual gearbox form, or $22,990 when specified with the four-stage electronically controlled automatic transmission.

This represents a price increase of just on $1,500 compared to the JLX version of the Jimny. Both grades are equipped with air conditioning as standard.

Sales of Jimny in New Zealand have doubled so far this year, compared to the same period in 2006.

Introduction of a manual transmission JX grade version at $16,990 has also widened the appeal of the Jimny.

Expansion of the Jimny range is proving to be a winner because not only is the model the most economical petrol four-wheel-drive Sport Utility Vehicle available locally, it is also the most compact and the least expensive.

In addition, the CO2 rating of 174 grams/km makes the Jimny kinder on the environment than any other four-wheel-drive model sold in New Zealand. The Suzuki’s emissions are half as much as some of the larger 4WDs.

In the official combined fuel cycle, the manual Jimny averages 7.3 litres/100 km (38.7 miles per gallon), while the automatic version achieves 7.8 litres/100 km (36.2 miles per gallon).

The manual gearbox Jimny averages miserly 6.2 litres/100 km (45.6 miles per gallon) in the extra-urban open road test, with the automatic version only slightly thirstier.

Styling of the evergreen Jimny is just as trim as when the model was first introduced in 1999, although the car had a modest facelift in 2005.

Thanks to a low-ratio gearbox that effectively provides ten forward gears and two reverse gear ratios, plus a strong ladder-type chassis, the Jimny is a highly capable off-roader. The Ltd model benefits from higher gearing, which was introduced on other Jimny versions two years ago.

Light overall weight, a short wheelbase and minimal body over-hangs also aid the agility of the vehicle. In manual form, Jimny tips the scales at a mere 1,060 kg.

Independent tests rate the three-door Jimny as a better off-road vehicle than many much more expensive four-wheel-drives.

An electronic “push-button” selectable 4WD can be engaged at speeds up to 100 km/h, and for normal on-road operation the Suzuki can be driven in two-wheel-drive mode.

Apart from the model’s off-road prowess, it is also a highly adaptable on-road vehicle, with the tall body and compact 3,645mm overall length making the car ideal for urban and city operation.

Jimny - which means “little jeep” in Japanese - has a good driving position while large glass area affords excellent all-round visibility.

The short body over-hangs also make the vehicle ideal in crowded road situations while the high seating position and generous 190mm ground clearance make access and exit easy.

The latest third generation Jimny is a successor to the legendary LJ and SJ series that launched Suzuki into economical four-wheel-drive models almost 40 years ago, long before most other car makers were involved in this sector of the motor industry.

The very first Jimny in 1970 was the small but rugged LJ10 with a 360cm3 air-cooled engine.

Standard equipment on today’s Jimny Ltd is a far cry from the LJ10. It now includes a spare wheel disc cover, power assisted steering, electric windows, electrically operated door mirrors, remote centre door locking, green tinted glass, body coloured bumpers, body colour-keyed wheel arches and lower side trim, dual air bags and keyless entry with immobiliser.

The Jimny is powered by a twin overhead camshaft, four valves per cylinder 1,328cm3 engine with variable valve timing technology.

This multi-point fuel injected power plant produces 63 kW at 6,000 rpm and 110 Nm of torque at 4,100 rpm, providing the Suzuki with a top speed of 140 km/h.

The Jimny is built at Suzuki Motor Corporation’s Iwata plant in Japan, a factory with a reputation for high quality.

ENDS

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