The fourth generation Suzuki Jimny went on sale in
Japan earlier this month with two petrol engine options. While the JDM-spec Jimny does not
require a diesel engine, European markets, which will get the SUV possibly by
end 2018 or early 2019, will miss out on a diesel variant as well.
A drop in demand for diesel vehicles aside, the company does not seem
to have a unit in its arsenal ready for deployment. The BS6-compliant 1.5 L
unit developed by Suzuki is understood to be facing delays and is expected to
arrive only next year in the Indian market. The 1.3 L Fiat sourced DDiS diesel
engine powering Suzuki products in markets such as India is set to be phased
out by 2020 leaving no suitable candidate at the moment.
For markets outside Japan, the 1.5 L K15B petrol
engine will be the primary, if not the only engine option available. Its
specifications for the Japanese market list max power and torque of 102 PS at
6,000 rpm and 130 Nm at 4,000 rpm respectively. Pairing with either a 5-speed
MT or a 4-speed AT, power is routed to either the rear wheels or all four
wheels upon engagement of part-time 4x4.
The 2019 Suzuki Jimny Sierra, the variant that is
Europe-bound, is 3,550 mm long, 1,645 mm wide, and 1,730 mm tall. It sits on a
2,250 mm long wheelbase. Features on offer include LED projector headlamps, a
7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, multifunction steering wheel, cruise
control, electrically adjustable and retractable ORVMs, and automatic climate
control. It is offered in a 3-door hardtop body style. Prices in Japan start
from JPY 1,760,400 and top out at JPY 2,019,600.
