Scheduled Release: 20 May 2014
Road Registerable Suzuki Jimny Flatdeck a Versatile Workhorse
The versatile four-wheel-drive Suzuki Jimny has found a new role in the rural New Zealand environment.
A handy Flatdeck version of the Jimny JX is now available, offering useful load-carrying capacity as well as the
go-anywhere capabilities of this iconic practical vehicle.
Based on the Jimny JX model, the flatdeck version is a local conversion to increase the appeal of the model to the rural
sector. The model has been sold by the Suzuki dealer network in the past but the latest flatdeck conversion takes build
quality and versatility to new levels.
Unlike the SJ Samurai-based Suzuki Farmworker pick-up, the new multi-purpose Jimny Flatdeck is able to be registered for
the road.
Unique to New Zealand, the Flatdeck has an extended wheelbase that provides more load-carrying space. The deck measures
1,550mm by 1,550mm and has a carrying capacity of 300kgs. The lengthened chassis also improves weight transfer bringing
more of the load weight in front of the rear wheels.
The local engineering adaption called for a replacement driveshaft, but otherwise the Flatdeck is mechanically similar
to the factory Jimny hardtop.
There are shelves behind the seats in the enclosed cabin, and standard equipment includes dual front airbags, side
impact beams, front seat belts with pre-tensioners and force limiters and an engine security immobiliser.
The Flatdeck cab retains the chunky good looks of the hardtop while the comfortable cabin affords great all round
visibility. Power assisted steering, a tuner/CD/MP3/WMA stereo, body coloured bumpers and body coloured splash side
panels are all standard.
Like the proven Jimny JX and Sierra hardtop models, the Flatdeck is powered by a fuel efficient 1,328 cm3, 16 valve
double overhead camshaft petrol engine with variable valve technology and multi-point fuel injection. This 1.3 litre
four cylinder unit develops 62.5 kW of power at 6,000 rpm and 110 Nm at 4,100 rpm, and is mated to a 5-speed manual
gearbox.
The push button drive select four-wheel-drive system incorporates high and low gear ratios, effectively giving ten
forward ratios and making it ideal for difficult off road work. Free wheel air locking hubs allow on the move shifting
between two- and four-wheel-drive modes so the driver can respond to changing conditions in an instant.
Large front disc brakes and drilled 15 inch diameter steel rims shod with 205/70 section tyres are standard, along with
green tinted window glass and halogen headlights.
Based on a vehicle that has become a cult classic, the Jimny Flatdeck comes with a rigid body structure and built-in
crumple zones. The Jimny has legendary reliability and requires less servicing than a side-by-side.
Mark MacFarlane, who reviewed the Flatdeck for Rural News and Dairy News publications, said, “This back to basics work focused truck follows in a long line of well respected small 4X4 vehicles
from Suzuki and the latest offering is proving popular with farmers not prepared to put up with open air motoring that
side-by-side RTVs offer.”
He said great approach and departure angles meant real ability when the going became tricky. “Four wheel drive
enthusiasts have long been aware of its uncanny ability to climb out of trouble,” said MacFarlane.
The Jimny JX based flatdeck version has a recommended retail price of $24,990 plus GST and on road costs.