If it weren’t for the fact that it has such a long wait list, the Suzuki Jimny could be as ubiquitous on our roads right now as a certain MPV from another Japanese automaker. But then again, this hard-to-get status is probably part of the current model’s appeal, even as Suzuki has already tapped its Gurgaon facility in India to keep up with demand.
An overwhelming majority of readers expressed their wish to give the Jimny two more doors
Speaking of India, the company’s Maruti Suzuki subsidiary is already retooling its production lines to introduce a 5-door version of the mini SUV called the Jimny Long. As for Filipino Suzuki fans, a Philkotse poll gathered 86 percent of responses favoring a long-wheelbase iteration, which reflects the typical Pinoy penchant for vehicles with the loading space to match.
On the surface, it might seem like the Jimny Long would be an ideal complement to the standard Jimny, with increased dimensions that allow the former to haul more stuff. A reported 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine is expected to compensate for the added mass, along with mild-hybrid capability.
We'll likely be getting the Jimny Long from Maruti Suzuki in India [Image: MOTA]
But a longer Jimny might not be all it’s cracked up to be. For much of its run, the Jimny was engineered with a specific purpose in mind: as a light and nimble off-roader. In all likelihood, extending the length of the body will compromise its famed agility and nimbleness on the trails, apart from making its proportions look downright odd. Of course, a longer wheelbase ideally translates to better ride quality and comfort, but if those are what you’re after, there are better options than a ladder-frame chassis with live axles, even if they were buoyed by coil springs.
The current Jimny is already the right size for its intended purpose
Adding a few hundred millimeters to the Jimny’s profile gets you more interior space, but it’s largely pointless if there’s no corresponding increase in passenger capacity. The Vitara compact crossover would probably be a better choice if you don’t plan on being more than a party of five at a time, with a price that’s already Php 57,000 cheaper across the board.
There's no point in messing with a time-honored formula that has always worked
The charm of the Jimny lies in its established image as a straightforward, utilitarian machine. Short of calling it an outright betrayal, the Jimny Long defeats the very essence of that heritage, being nothing more than a sellout to more mundane needs. And the Suzuki Jimny is anything but mundane.
What wouldn’t be a good idea is missing out on our updates and insights at Philkotse.com.
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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