New-gen Suzuki Jimny comes with 1.5L petrol engine and an updated 4WD drivetrain

Suzuki has revealed the new-gen Jimny and from the look of it, the mini-SUV has got a lot better compared to its previous model. The new-gen Suzuki Jimny gets an updated design that maintains the SUV's characteristic traits, comes with additional features with modern connectivity options. However, the important highlights of the new-gen Suzuki Jimny are the new 1.5L petrol engine and the updated 4WD drivetrain that is claimed to be more off-road focussed.

Design and cabin

The new-gen Jimny continues to be a 2-door design and is a serious off-roader with ladder frame construction, four-wheel drive with low-range gearing and high-profile tyres. The fourth-gen Jimny continues to have a retro design theme as seen on the previous models. The front grille has a 5-slat design. It is flanked by circular headlamps on either side. The headlamp housings host separated circular turn-signals. The front bumper looks minimalist but functional and houses the fog lamps and a prominent air intake. The Jimny's flared wheel arches get a dark plastic cladding. The theme is carried over inside as well. The dash has a blocky design throughout with separate housings for the gauges. There is an 80's style square housing for the touchscreen, round air con vents and toggle switches. The styling is quite reminiscent of the Maruti Gypsy.

Powertrain and transmission

The Japan-spec Jimny SUV comes with a 0.66litre R06A turbo engine, while the Jimny SUV that will be sold in the international markets comes with a 1.5 litre K15B engine, replacing the 1.3L unit of the previous model. The 1.5L petrol engine makes 100PS at 6,000rpm and generates 130Nm at 4,000rpm, which makes is an addition of 17PS and 20Nm over the previous. Suzuki claims that the new engine has a stronger torque output. Additionally, it is said that the new unit is 15 percent lighter making it more efficient as well. This engine is mated to a five-speed manual as standard or an four-speed automatic. With reduced friction and optimized gear ratios, the transmission unit is believed to be more efficient than the previous version.

Drivertrain

The new-gen Suzuki Jimny comes equipped with Suzuki's Allgrip Pro AWD system that gets a low-range transfer gear and three driving modes - 2H (2WD-high gear), 4H (4WD-high gear), and 4L (4WD-low gear) and can be engaged with the help of a shift lever mounted on the transfer case. Additionally, AWD also comes with LSD traction control that applies brake to the wheel that loses traction. The Jimny's approach angle is 37 degrees while the departure angle is 49 degrees and has a ground clearance of 210 mm.

Safety

The all-new Suzuki Jimny comes equipped with Dual Sensor Brake Support (DSBS), a system that issues an audio and visual warning, increases braking force, or applies strong automatic brakes depending on the situation, in an effort to avoid the collision or reduce damage. Additionally, it also gets lane departure warning and weaving alert function along with driver keep alert, high beam assist and traffic sign recognition.

Availability

Suzuki has not revealed the prices of the new-gen Jimny yet. The previous gen model was priced at £13,000 (Rs 11.86 lakh, excluding duty and taxes). The fourth-gen offering is expected to be priced around £17,000 (Rs 15.52 lakh approx.) While the SUV will arrive at international dealerships by the end of this year, there is still no word from Maruti Suzuki if the 2019 Jimny will be brought to the country. From its speculative pricing, it is clear that the Maruti Suzuki, if decides to bring the Jimny to India, will manufacture it locally to price it competitively against its rivals. And since this one is a premium offering, the Jimny could be sold through the Nexa dealerships in the country.

Also read,

Suzuki Jimny accessories brochure reveals customization options