If you've just emerged from a year-long hibernation, then you'll be surprised to know that there has been a resurgence of sorts in the popularity of the
Suzuki Jimny, for both the outgoing model--at least locally--and
the newly-revealed, third-generation model.
Perhaps it's because its
relatively small platform, coupled with its
ladder-frame chassis and
four-wheel-drive system, that make it
bona fide sports utility vehicle (SUV) that can crawl into crevices and between trees that would make its much larger competitors cringe in fear of door dings and scratches from wayward tree branches.
So, while we wait for Suzuki to finally reveal the specs of the all-new Jimny, let's look at what makes it different from the model it's replacing.
Out Front
The Jimny's boxy appearance is retained though the new one looks even more so because of its sharp corners. The hood also is flat and lies strictly on top of the engine. The headlights retain its round shape though the glass housing is gone; instead, it's ensconced inside the black, five-slot grille, giving the tiny SUV a Hummer H2 vibe. Giving the all-new Jimny a utilitarian look are its matte black bumpers and fender overriders. The matte black treatment also extends to the roof for the two-tone option.
Out Back
For its rear, the all-new Jimny moves its taillights down into the bumper, thereby clearing up the rear so that the door is now wider. The spare tire is still mounted on the door, and coupled with the matte black hinges, lets everyone know that this is a serious off-roader.
What's Inside
With the straight lines and corner edges, the all-new Jimny's cabin combines form and function. As a concession to modern technology, a touchscreen infotainment system reigns over the center console while a traditional three-knob setup is still used for the climate control system. Another digital display for the vehicle's settings can be found between the two orange-on-black gauges while a grab handle can be found in front of the front passenger seat for its occupant to cling to when the going gets extremely rough.
What's Underneath
Engine choices for the all-new Suzuki Jimny are dependent on the market it'll be launched in. The Japanese, for example, will get either a 660cc engine to comply with the country's
kei car requirements or a 1.5-liter mill while Europeans can choose from a 1.2-liter four-cylinder or a turbocharged 1.0-liter three-cylinder. Paired to these are--at least based on the photos-- a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic gearbox. Further cementing the all-new Jimy's off-road prowess is that it comes with a two-speed transfer case.
The all-new, third-generation Suzuki Jimny will formally be launched this week, so we'll have to wait a few more days to find out everything that there is to know about the vehicle. Suzuki Philippines though will reportedly launch it in the fourth quarter of 2018,
about a year after the Japanese carmaker launched the Suzuki Vitara locally, so if you were disappointed that the compact crossover wasn't offered with a four-wheel-drivetrain, then the upcoming launch of this subcompact SUV should please you.
