Hello. I’m Jacob and some of you might have read some of my stories and reviews on this website already. I’m the Content Manager of Philkotse.com and this article marks the beginning of a very important and personal series that I’d like to call Cars we want to buy.
Yes, the title’s not final, so we’re open to suggestions.
Anyway, as the unimaginative working title suggests, we would like to share our honest opinion about cars we’d like to buy. Be it an old classic or something new, each member of the Philkotse Content team has his target vehicle to purchase.
Because just like you, dear reader, we are car buyers as well. Despite having the privilege and honor to test as many vehicles per year (sometimes too many), we still have preferences and hopefully, this series of articles will give you an idea of our own car buying journey. Consider this an open letter so you’d know which car in the Philippines the Philkotse team is willing to spend our money on.
The Suzuki Jimny
As the head of this team, I’d like to begin the series with my personal choice: the Suzuki Jimny.
A perfectly imperfect vehicle
The Suzuki Jimny is one of those vehicles that I’d classify to be wandering within a twilight zone. It’s a true SUV and yet it’s smaller than a Toyota Wigo. It supposed to conquer a multitude of terrains and yet it’s squarely touching the centenary-horsepower mark. Its price tag dances around seven-seat MPVs and yet it can barely seat four people comfortably.
And yet, the Jimny sells. So much so that Japan is having a hard time keeping up with its global demand. So much so that India has started the local production of the Jimny under Maruti Suzuki.
A lot of people like the boxy body style of the Jimny
But beyond these things that make no sense, the Jimny is still an attractive vehicle to my eyes. Not because I'm a hardcore off-roader nor that I'm going through an identity crisis right now. I just really fell in love with this car. This isn’t the first time I’ve tested one, but I'm back to check whether that affection waned after a year.
The Suzuki Jimny has celebrated its 50th birthday. Let that sink in. If it were a male human being, most of you would think that it’s currently going through a so-called mid-life crisis, reminiscing through its youth and reliving the memories of yesteryears – and you’d be right.
The Jimny's round-shaped LED headlamps
On its fourth generation, the Jimny’s current design calls back to its design identity across the past three generations. The round headlights came from the first-gen Jimny, while the hood slats mimic the second-gen’s. Those five vertical slats on the grille were adopted from the model it replaced. The whole package is perfect, a modern retro even, banking on the nostalgia it evokes in people. Sold.
Inside, this mini off-roader’s squarish theme continues and complemented by hard plastics. These are executed nicely but it would be a blatant lie to say that they reek a luxurious vibe. The orange-on-black theme looks dated but I’d admit that it stays within this off-roader’s character.
The Jimny's interior is far from spartan
Despite these, the cabin isn’t spartan – no, far from it. Locks are centralized, windows are powered, headlights are LEDs, and there’s even cruise control. But the biggest contrast is the massive 9-inch infotainment with a crisp display. It doesn’t have Apple CarPlay or Android Auto but at least it has a clinometer. Off-roaders would know.
The Jimny's touchscreen displaying data useful for off-roaders
The cabin space has increased from before; I now rarely hit the windows with my left elbow when making a wide turn, which was the main complaint on its predecessor. But then again, the size upgrade was sideways; the rear legroom is still disappointing, to the point that an average-sized human being would feel relegated if assigned here.
The sizable transmission bulge robs the rear section of a flat floor space
On the road, the Jimny is perky and sprightly at times, you wouldn’t feel lacking in terms of pull. The steering felt heavy yet highway drives kind of felt like you’re babysitting a kid who’s high on sugar. It isn’t a comfortable highway cruiser, no, definitely not. The rigid suspension setup isn’t made to coddle our spoiled, privileged bodies.
With its predecessor born in 1998, you’d think that twenty long years would be enough for Suzuki to turn the Jimny into a perfect vehicle that suits every age and interest, but it’s not. That’s not the point of the Jimny. It’s impractical, it’s pricey, and it’s certainly not for those looking for a tamed long-distance hauler. The price of Suzuki Jimny Philippines starts at P1,095,000 for the GL 1.5 MT, the entry-level model. Meanwhile, the GLX 1.5 AT, the top-of-the-line model, is more expensive, at P1,215,000.
You can fold the rear seats, but you might need a roof carrier if you want to carry more
And yet, those are the things that make the Suzuki Jimny a great vehicle. Its honesty is unprecedented; something that a normal car buyer wouldn’t understand. It isn’t going to please you like the way you want it to. It won’t suck up to meet your wants and needs. And that will make you want it even more.
Truth be told, the Jimny is far from being perfect, and yet, it’s still a car I’d want to buy.
Know more about Suzuki Jimny 2024
The Suzuki Jimny 2024 is a 4x4, ladder-frame mini-SUV. In the local market, this model is available in three different variants. There’s the GL 1.5 MT, the GLX 1.5 AT (Monotone), and the GLX 1.5 AT (Two-tone). Their prices range from Php 1,258,000 to Php 1,330,000.
Under the hood, the Suzuki Jimny uses a 1.5-liter inline-4 gasoline engine capable of producing up to 101 horsepower and 130 Nm of torque. The entry-level GL variant may come with a five-speed manual gearbox, while the GLX exclusively uses a four-speed automatic transmission. All then come with the Suzuki 4x4 All Grip Pro drivetrain.
Size-wise, the Suzuki Jimny has a length of 3,480mm, a width of 1,645mm, and a height of 1,725mm. It then has a wheelbase length of 2,250mm, and a ground clearance of 210mm.
Locally, the Suzuki Jimny technically doesn’t have direct competitors. Then again, the closest off-road-focused recreational vehicles available locally are the Toyota FJ Cruise and the Jeep Wrangler. Size-wise though, the Jimny is more in line with the Hyundai Kona, MG ZS, Geely Coolray, Kia Seltos, Chery Tiggo 2 Pro, and Mazda CX-3, among others.
>>> New and used Suzuki Jimny 2024 for sale in the Philippines
Suzuki Jimny Launch
Suzuki Philippines previewed the Suzuki Jimny at the 7th Philippine International Auto Show, which was held last October 24 to 28, 2018 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.
In 2019, the mini off-roader was finally launched in the Philippines. Variants available in the local market include the base GL MT, GL AT, and the top-spec GLX AT that can come with a monotone or two-tone body paint.
Suzuki Jimny Exterior
The Suzuki Jimny 2024 flaunts a well-designed and off-roading look which many Filipinos are familiar with. It's reminiscent of a compact Jeep Wrangler and a Mercedes G-Class. Though noticeably smaller compared to the previous generation, it got wider. As for the dimensions, this vehicle measures 3,644mm long, 1,646mm wide, and 1,646mm high, with a wheelbase rated at 2,250mm.
A mini off-roader from the Japanese car brand
Variants come in either a set of LED headlamps or halogen headlights affixed with fog lights. The muscular grille is attractive, adding an edge to its fascia. Other highlights include the arching hood, squarish wheel arches, roof gutter, and big rear tailgate.
Suzuki Jimny Interior
The vibe inside the Suzuki Jimny Philippines is somewhat retro, in a good way. Its dashboard is wide, and complete with useful features, while the redesigned steering wheel is premium to hold and now bears audio control. Standard fixtures include a central door locking system, chrome door handles, power windows, assist grips, and center console cupholders.
Interior view of the Suzuki Jimny 2024 Philippines
Four adult-sized passengers can fit inside the vehicle's cabin which is upholstered in fabric. The cargo space of the mini off-roader is 85 liters, but folding the rear seat adds more space of 377 liters. As for the top-ranging GLX variant, it is suggested for those who want nice extras like a clinometer useful for off-road purposes, automatic air conditioning, and cruise control.
Platform & Chassis
This front-engine, four-wheel-drive vehicle proudly bears Suzuki’s LWB Platform. Amidst the glorious changes in its interior and exterior, the Suzuki Jimny mini SUV still has the same reliable and efficient chassis introduced 20 years ago. The standard suspension across all variants is a 3-link rigid axle with coil springs for the front and rear. Meanwhile, solid disc brakes are used for the front and drum brakes for the rear wheels.
A timeless design from Suzuki Philippines
Technology & Safety
Aside from the mentioned LED lights, clinometer, auto door locks, and other useful innovations, a nine-inch infotainment system is installed as a standard feature in all variants. The said system supports offline navigation, USB connectivity, and Bluetooth connectivity, and mirror link connectivity for Android to provide entertainment on the road.
It is equipped for the off-road
In terms of safety, the mini-SUV comes with door beams for side impact, control for hill hold and descent, SRS dual front airbags, an anti-lock braking system (ABS), and an electronic stability program (ESP). On the other hand, the top-of-the-line GLX series has an added brake assist function and a reverse camera for parking easier.
Suzuki Jimny Engine & Drivetrain
The Suzuki Jimny Philippines is powered by a 1.5- liter K15B 14 gasoline engine. It generates 100 hp output at 6,000 rpm and 130 Nm torque at 4,400 rpm. A four-speed automatic transmission is used on the GL AT and GLX variant, while a five-speed manual transmission is used by the entry-level GL variant.
A capable vehicle for any type of road condition
Cruising using this mini SUV in the metro is a breeze. At a favorable speed, overtaking is decent. Maneuvering is also not a challenge due to its stability control. Because of its 4x4 system, conquering challenging roads such as mountainous and slippery tracks is easy.
Locally, the 2024 Suzuki Jimny comes in eight different colors. For the GLX Two-tone variants, its options include Solid Kinetic Yellow, Metallic Brisk Blue, and Metallic Chiffon Ivory. The Monotone GLX and GL trims may also come in Solid Jungle Green, Solid Medium Gray, and White. Lastly, the GL Variant with the monotone paint job can come in Pearl Bluish Black 3, and Metallic Silky Silver.
As mentioned, the Suzuki Jimny technically competes against the Toyota FJ Cruiser and the Jeep Wrangler. In that regard, this small mini-SUV is more than a match against those two when going off-road is concerned.
When compared to other similarly sized models in terms of practicality though, the Jimny doesn’t have the best interior space. It does, however, pack plenty of driving amenities, as well as a decent safety kit.
Suzuki Jimny 2024 Price List
Let's check out the Suzuki Jimny 2024 price in the Philippines.
| Variants | Price |
|---|---|
| Suzuki Jimny GL MT | ₱1,258,000 |
| Suzuki Jimny GLX AT (Monotone) | ₱1,320,000 |
| Suzuki Jimny GLX AT (Two-Tone) | ₱1,330,000 |
Suzuki Jimny Pros & Cons
Pros
- One of the best off-roaders money can buy
- Cool retro-modern styling
- Easy to drive
Cons
- Not that roomy
Suzuki Jimny FAQs
1. Which Suzuki Jimny Philippines color is best?
It’s difficult to tell which color is best since this depends on each one’s preference. However, the Suzuki Jimny Pearl Bluish Black 3 and Suzuki Jimny White seem to be a popular choice.
2. Does the Suzuki Jimny come with an automatic transmission?
Yes, it does. Particularly, only the base variant GL 1.5 comes with manual transmission. The rest three are automatic.
3. Is the Suzuki Jimny reliable?
The Jimny model is now 50 years old and is still selling very well in no less than 194 countries. That fact alone has convincingly proved the reliability of this car.
4. How much is Suzuki Jimny 2024 Philippines?
Suzuki Jimny 2023 price Philippines ranges from 1,258,000 PHP for the entry-level GL 1.5 MT to 1,330,000 PHP for the top-of-the-line Suzuki Jimny GLX 1.5 AT.
5. Is the Jimny 2024 an SUV?
Yes, the Suzuki Jimny is a SUV.
₱ 1,258,000 - ₱ 1,330,000
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