The new Suzuki Jimny is set to be assembled in
Indonesia. If it’s to be sold in the republic, it would come from one of the
company’s four plants in Indonesia, as opposed to being imported CBU from
Japan. It’s safe to say that the display Jimny has been one of the most popular cars with the
GIIAS opening day crowd.
Last month, Indonesia was mentioned as one of the
possible sources for the new Jimny for Thailand, the other being Japan. The
variant that will be made in Indonesia is the “Sierra” version with the
chunkier bumpers, wide over-fenders and 1.5 litre engine, mated to either a
five-speed manual or four-speed auto. In Japan, the main seller is the kei car
version with a smaller footprint and 660 cc triple.
However, Subronto said that whether the
Indonesian-made Jimny will be the 4×2 or 4×4 is yet to be decided, as the
company is chasing a competitive price, and the all-wheel-drive version will
obviously cost more.
The Jimny is quite a legend in the off-road world, a
true 4×4 famed for its ability to go further down the trail than its size
suggests. First unveiled last month, this all-new fourth-generation Jimny
continues with a ladder frame; three angles, three-link rigid axle suspension
with coil springs; and part-time 4WD with low range transfer gear (2H, 4H, 4L).
Once again, this is no crossover – the Suzuki Vitara covers that segment.
The new Jimny comes with a new “x-member” and two
additional cross members for further reinforcement and increased torsional
rigidity. The approach angle of 37 degrees, ramp breakover angle of 28 degrees
and departure angle of 49 degrees are all ample, and allow the Suzuki to climb
over obstacles without scraping its underbody.
