Suzuki Jimny: A contender for the Philkotse's subcompact SUV of the year

Updated Mar 23, 2021 | Same topic: Highlights of the Week

For the end of the year, we're including a subcompact SUV of the year category and of our nominees is the 2019 Suzuki Jimny.

1. Suzuki Jimny: A contender for the subcompact SUV of the year

  • Its cute looks will catch anyone’s eyes.
  • Suzuki’s design for the new Jimny is as timeless as the old one
  • Despite being small, it’s really fun to drive on and off the road
  • Tough as nails
  • Very fuel-efficient engine
  • Is fast becoming an aftermarket darling

2. Suzuki Jimny 2019: Boxy in a good way

The design of the Suzuki Jimny 2019 shares a spot among specific cars in the present and the future. The Mercedes-Benz G Wagon, the Mazda RX7, and the Jeep Wrangler. If it isn’t obvious to you yet, they’re the kind of vehicles whose exterior look will stand the test of time.

Heck, we even think that if take a 2019 Jimny through a time machine 30 years both ways to the past and the future and people will still think that’s it’s a really great looking SUV.

A tough but cute looker that will undoubtedly turn heads where ever you are. Also, it helps that it comes in one of the most interesting color schemes in recent memory; Kinetic Yellow.

A picture of the Suzuki Jimny performing off-road in a wooded area.

Here's the Jimny in Kinetic yellow passing through a wooded, off-road area

And lastly, the 4th generation Suzuki Jimny is also fast becoming a really favored SUV when it comes to the after-market scene, be it as a show SUV, or as a full-blown off-road warrior.

>>> Check out: Suzuki Jimny 2019 Philippines Review.

3. Suzuki Jimny 2019: Imagine a 4-foot-tall man lifting 500 pounds

As we’ve said countless of times before, the latest version of the Suzuki Jimny is like a minuscule but muscular creature than can trade punches with the largest of brutes. All of its variants 4x4, has a robust truck-like chassis, and its 130 Nm of torque can easily pull its 1,135 kg.

While the Jimny cannot haul ass say, like a typical sedan, it can cut through terrain like butter. Also, with mods to its suspension, it can certainly crawl rocks.

Suzuki Jimny wading through mud

Even in stock form, the Suzuki Jimny can go through terrain like this like a fish in the water

>>> Click here to update the latest changes in Suzuki Jimny Philippines price.

4. Suzuki Jimny 2019: Back to the basics but still well equipped

While the interior is really simple looking and simple feeling, it does have a lot of modern amenities like a really capable touch screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, USB, Bluetooth, and an aux jack.

They even gave it a nifty looking meter cluster that’s in-line with the tough theme. And yeah, the horizontal orientation of the Jimny’s dash reminds us very much of the one aboard the Jeep Wrangler.

A picture of the Suzuki Jimny's interior.

The interior of the Jimny is utilitarian but really well equipped

Stay tuned here on Philkotse.com for more car of the year contenders.

Know more about Suzuki Jimny 2024

Suzuki Jimny

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. 

Unveiling the NEW 2024 Suzuki Jimny 5-door in the PH | Philkotse Quick Look

>>> 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.

Suzuki Jimny front view

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.

Suzuki Jimny interior view

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.

Suzuki Jimny front view

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.

Suzuki Jimny interior view

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.

Suzuki Jimny rear view

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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Cesar G.B. Miguel

Cesar G.B. Miguel

Author

Cesar Guiderone B. Miguel was born and raised in Iligan City, Lanao Del Norte. He graduated in 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts in English degree from Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology. He previously worked as a freelance writer for various websites, as a member of the Iligan City Disaster Risk Reduction Management's training staff, and as a medical sales representative.

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