The presentation at the Suzuki pavilion at the 2018 Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS) was graced by the presence of its current frontline models: the Suzuki Ciaz, the new Suzuki Vitara (which looks fetching in two-tone red and black, by the way), and the recently launched new Swift and Swift Dzire. Dance group G-Force and Pinoy rock icon Bamboo treated the crowd to a spectacular display of sight and sounds.
Suzuki models showcased at the PIMS 2018
But the real show-stopper was the reveal of the much-anticipated all-new Suzuki Jimny 2019.
Featuring bigger and boxier proportions than the current model, this tiny terror on the trail looked handsome from every angle. What’s better is that the new Jimny now benefits from a slew of tech features such as an infotainment touchscreen and digital climate controls on higher-spec models. A new engine is also in place under the hood, displacing 1.5L and capable of 102 horsepower and 130 Nm of torque. Transmission choices are a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic gearbox.
>>> Also check out: Suzuki Jimny 2019: Latest updates from 2018 Paris Motor Show
But the real show-stopper was the reveal of the much-anticipated all-new Suzuki Jimny 2019
Some 70 units of the Jimny are already in the country, but before you get too excited, not a single one of them is for sale – yet. Suzuki Auto Philippines General Manager Shuzo Hoshikura explains that these units will be deployed across Suzuki dealerships nationwide so that prospective customers can take a closer look at them, place their orders, then wait for a year.
Suzuki Auto Philippines general manager Shuzo Hoshikura
At present, the new Jimny is being churned out exclusively by Suzuki’s Koasi Assembly Plant in Japan, and demand has been so high that even Japanese customers are placed on a year-long waiting list.
Hoshikura sounded apologetic when he announced that the new Suzuki Jimny 2019 might not reach Philippine shores until the third quarter of next year, with a retail price of around P1.1 million. However, he clarified that nothing has been finalized yet, so it would be best to wait for subsequent updates from Suzuki Auto Philippines.
Visit Philkotse's 2018 Philippine International Motor Show section to get the latest pictures and reports on all cars and concepts revealed at the show.
