Suzuki confirmed that a new budget-friendly variant of the Jimny will soon be added to the model which is named Jimny Lite. With cost-cutting measures done on both the exterior and interior of the small SUV, it should be marketed for those who are looking for an affordable vehicle.
New Suzuki Jimny Lite
The most noticeable change on the outside is the new 15-inch black steel wheels, replacing the 15-inch alloy wheels from the current model. Steel wheels are generally cheaper than alloy wheels but are heavier. This could partially affect the Jimny Lite’s acceleration and fuel consumption in the long run.
Other cost-cutting measures undertaken on the outside include halogen projector headlights, plastic-textured side mirror covers, and the exclusion of fog lamps. Despite the changes, the exterior design of the new low-cost variant still gets the same rugged stance that we got used to seeing from the fourth-gen model.
15-inch black alloy wheels
Inside, the Suzuki Jimny Lite will host drivers and passengers with the same interior layout as the current version. Only a basic in-dash radio and CD player is integrated into the center console to reduce costs. It is equipped with Bluetooth connectivity for phone calls and audio streaming.
Under the hood, the 1.5-liter naturally-aspirated gasoline engine is carried over to the Lite version. This engine makes 101 hp and 130 Nm of torque, sending power to the wheels through a manual transmission only. An automatic transmission variant will still be up for grabs on higher-end variants.
Interior view of the Suzuki Jimny Lite
As of this writing, Suzuki confirmed that the Jimny Lite will be available in Australia only, with an expected arrival time of six to eight months. The Suzuki Jimny price for Lite version should cater to the growing global demand for the small SUV with expected pricing of below $28,490 (Php 1,040,189 direct conversion) in the said market.
If the Suzuki Jimny Lite somehow makes its way into the country, one can expect that the new low-cost variant should become an instant hit among local car buyers as we Filipinos love to make the best out of our money. Plus, it is highly customizable considering that some features are either downgraded or removed.
Suzuki is making moves to manage the small SUV's growing demand
Now that the PH-spec Jimnys are reported to be sourced from India, this could pose a challenge for Suzuki Philippines in adding the Suzuki Jimny Lite to the local lineup considering that the new and more affordable variant is confirmed to be manufactured in Japan.
Visit Philkotse.com for more automotive news.
Know more about Suzuki Jimny 2024
The Suzuki Jimny 2023 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.
₱ 1,258,000 - ₱ 1,330,000
Explore
Recent posts
- 2021 Suzuki Vitara AllGrip philippine Debut Mar 10, 2022
- Suzuki philippines first quarter 2021 sales Jun 05, 2021
- suzuki refreshed ciaz new powertrain May 21, 2021
