A year after it stole the show at the Gaikindo
Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS), the Suzuki Jimny is back. This time,
the fourth-gen small 4×4 is officially launched for the Indonesian market, and
it carries price tags that are smaller than the initial projections.
The new Jimny starts from IDR 315.5 million for the single-tone MT, with a IDR 2 million premium for the
two-tone exterior colours. The AT is priced at IDR 328 million for the
single-tone and IDR 330 million for the two-tone. According to local
media, the Jimny, which is a CBU import from Japan, was expected to go for IDR 350-400 million in the republic.
The finalised prices are rather eye-popping, given
that the high-in-demand model is priced from 1,491 million Baht in Thailand.
Unsurprisingly, the first batch of 50 units have all been accounted for. The Jimny for overseas markets is
by default the “Sierra” version with 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 slightly smaller footprint
and 660 cc triple.
The engine is a K15B 1.5L naturally-aspirated
four-cylinder unit with 102 PS and 130 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. Suzuki’s
AllGrip Pro part-time four-wheel drive system features selectable high and low
range (2H, 4H, 4L, this ain’t no soft-roader).
The Jimny is famous for its robustness and off-road
ability. Built on a ladder frame with additional cross members, it uses a
three-link rigid axle with coil springs at the front and rear. A 210 mm ground
clearance, 4.9 metre turning radius, 37-degree approach angle, 28-degree ramp
breakover and 49-degree departure angle contribute to off-road performance.
The Jimny isn’t as well equipped as mainstream SUVs,
but it is after all a basic off-road specialist. One gets auto LED headlamps
with washers, leather steering wheel with audio/call buttons, cruise control,
auto air con, and an aftermarket JVC 2-DIN touchscreen head unit for the local
market.
The front seats are fabric manual chairs and the
rear ones split fold 50:50. It rolls on 15-inch rims and skinny 195/80 AT
tyres. Safety kit consists of ESP, hill hold control, hill descent control and
two airbags.
