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The hotly anticipated 2019 Suzuki Jimny is now a surety for Australia, and more detailed specifications regarding the latest incarnation of the miniature off-roader have also been revealed.
Expected to touch down in the first quarter of 2019, the new Jimny is the first reinvention of the model in 20 years.
The new model’s powertrain has been detailed, with a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated inline-four to be found under the bonnet. Its outputs of 75kW and 130Nm, while meagre, are up on the 62.5kW and 110Nm produced by the 1.3-litre engine of the outgoing model. Thankfully, the Jimny will only tip the scales at 1,075kg when empty, offsetting the low power outputs.
A five-speed manual gearbox with a revised shifter mechanism will be fitted as standard, although an optional four-speed automatic with a lock-up torque converter will also be available.
As previously noted, the fourth-generation Jimny will continue to be built upon a rugged ladder frame chassis with selectable four-wheel drive and three-link rigid axle suspension.
The new Jimny might be shorter than the old model at 3,645mm, but it is wider (1,645mm) and taller (1,720mm), although it retains the same 2,250mm wheelbase.
Ground clearance is up to 205mm, while it’s approach and departure angles of 36 degrees and 50 degrees respectively also improve on the old car. However, its breakover angle of 28 degrees is a three degree reduction.
The biggest improvement over the ageing third-generation Jimny comes in the way of safety tech, with the inclusion of hill descent control, hill hold control, a traction control system optimised for off-roading, auto high beam, and autonomous emergency braking.
Crucially, it will now feature side airbags – bringing the airbag count up to six – in compliance with Australian Design Rules.
Word of what the 2019 model will cost is yet to arise, although you can expect it to cost slightly more than the outgoing model which starts at $21,990.
Full details of pricing and specification should be released before the end of the year when the new model launches locally, with sales projected to start early-on into 2019.
