By MATT BROGAN
SUZUKI has confirmed that it’ll deliver the much-anticipated five-door model its pint-sized Jimny off-roader to Australia “at a later date”, the long-wheelbase four-wheel drive becoming a member of its three-door sibling in providing spectacular off-road efficiency and retro allure at a fascinating value.
The present Jimny vary – which is priced from $26,990 plus on-road prices for the entry-grade Lite by to $29,990 + ORC for the GLX automated – will stay unchanged, with the five-door mannequin carrying the identical gear ranges and magnificence, altered solely by the extra area and additional doorways.
It’s anticipated the five-door mannequin will supply comparable choices and equipment to the present vary, together with the selection of seven paint colors with all bar Superior White attracting a premium paint surcharge of between $695 and $1295.
The brand new variant will share the common model’s 75kW/130Nm outputs courtesy of the acquainted 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and, like that mannequin, is predicted to be supplied with each five-speed guide and four-speed automated transmissions.
Whereas Suzuki Australia has but to offer gas consumption and CO2 emissions figures for the five-door Jimny, the present three-door mannequin returns a low 6.6 litres per 100km on the ADR mixed cycle with carbon dioxide emissions of 146 grams per kilometre.
At this stage it isn’t identified whether or not the bigger mannequin will carry out any higher than the three-door on the subject of crashworthiness.
The present-generation Jimny carries simply three ANCAP stars, the mannequin’s 2018 security evaluation indicating a 73 per cent grownup occupant safety ranking, an 84 per cent youngster occupant safety ranking, a 52 per cent weak street consumer safety rating and a 50 per cent security help grade.
On the time of testing, ANCAP criticised the Jimny for lacking the mark with structural design weak point, poor safety of cyclists and pedestrians, and the dearth of efficient security aids.
Suzuki Australia has but to verify arrival timing or value for the brand new mannequin, although it’s anticipated a low-$30K entry level will mark the five-door Jimny’s arrival.
“With the launch of the all new Jimny five-door, we’ve given Jimny fans precisely what they’ve wished for thus lengthy – an extra-large Jimny!” mentioned Suzuki Australia basic supervisor of vehicles, Michael Pachota.
“Jimny has constructed an absolute cult following in Australia and can solely proceed to develop with a brand new breed of followers that want the additional area.
“The launch of this new variant will solely add to this mannequin’s iconic standing and can proceed to be one of many most-loved 4x4s within the nation.”
In response to VFACTS figures, Suzuki bought 5697 examples of the Jimny in Australia final yr, a 70.1 per cent improve over 2021.
The mannequin is with out direct competitors within the gentle SUV section it occupies, left to battle bigger – and dearer – off-road oriented fashions such because the Jeep Wrangler (from $81,450 earlier than on-road prices).
2023 Suzuki Jimny pricing*:
Lite | $26,990 | |
Lite (a) | $28,490 | |
GLX | $28,490 | |
GLX (a) | $29,990 | |
5-door vary | TBA | New variant |
*Pricing excludes on-road prices.
