Fourth-gen mini-SUV maintains rugged looks and is currently being evaluated for sale in Thailand.
That’s a cute-looking off-roader!
Welcome to the all-new Jimny which is entering its fourth generation later this year as a global model.
Like in the preceding models, Suzuki’s mini-SUV maintains the rugged looks to appeal to buyers wanting off-road image and driving capabilities.
Like in 4x4 icons such as the Jeep Wrangler and Mercedes-Benz G-Class, the Jimny has an upright stance and contrasting colour for the front grille, bumpers, wheel arches, side-view mirrors and roof.
The interior has an equally functional feel, although there are some modern elements like the touchscreen. Note the air-con controls and steering wheel, both of which are apparently shared with today’s Swift hatchback.
Is it based on the Swift?
Suzuki hasn’t disclosed much information on the technical details of the Jimny, although it says the ladder frame has been retained for the sake of optimum off-road ability.
The maker continues that a three-link rigid rear axle features in the Jimny, as well as part-time 4WD and low-range gears.
Although the Swift uses a different floorplan in the guise of a monocoque called Heartect, the B-segment hatch could lend its engines to the new Jimny.
Sources are suggesting either a 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol-turbo motor or 1.2-litre four-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol unit, the latter one used in the Thai-spec Swift.
As seen in these official pictures of the Jimny, there’s a four-cylinder engine laid longitudinally within the ladder frame. Likewise, the interior image suggests a traditional manual gearbox.
Are the chances of it coming to Thailand high?
A top executive once told us that the Thai Suzuki office is contemplating official sales of the Jimny, although no further details could have been revealed.
The last time Suzuki sold the Jimny in Thailand was during the nineties when it was assembled in the country and badged as Caribian. Back then, it was powered by a 1.3-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and was pitched as a half-a-million baht 4x4.
Should Suzuki ever decide to bring back the Jimny to Thai showrooms, it could either be made at its Rayong plant or in Indonesia, which also built the Caribian in second-gen form.
Another prerequisite for the Jimny’s potential in Thailand would be the availability of an automatic transmission, which has yet to be seen or heard for it.
