Suzuki Jimny 0019

Having seen the mini SUV this year at JPJ Putrajaya, DRB-HICOM’s Autofest and very recently on a trailer, the third-gen Suzuki Jimny finally enjoys its official launch in Malaysia. The third-gen has actually been in production for 15 years now, but better late than never, we say!

UPDATE: Prices of the Jimny has been reduced by RM3,400 from its November 2013 launch price. The compact 4X4 now starts from RM81,488 for the manual and RM86,488 for the auto, OTR without insurance.

We get the JB43 variant in JLX trim only, and it’s imported from Japan. Its 1.3 litre M13A DOHC 16-valve four-cylinder petrol engine makes 84 hp at 6,000 rpm and 110 Nm of torque at 4,100 rpm. Five-speed manual and four-speed auto ‘boxes are available.

Equipment includes a radio equipped with CD, MP3 and AUX, two speakers, audio controls on the steering wheel, a reverse sensor, black roof rails and an alarm with immobiliser. Safety kit includes dual airbags plus ABS with EBD and BA.

A part-time 4WD system (no centre diff or viscous coupling) is standard, offering 2WD, 4WD and 4WD-L drive modes that are selectable through buttons on the dashboard. Shifting from 2WD to 4WD can be done at speeds of up to 100 km/h.

Measuring 3,600 mm long, 1,600 mm wide and 1,705 mm tall, the 1,060-kg three-door off-roader sits 190 mm off the ground on a 2,250 mm wheelbase. The front track is 1,355 mm wide; the rear track is 10 mm wider.

Employing a body-on-frame construction, the Suzuki Jimny JB43 features three-link rigid axle-type coil springs front and rear, with a torsion bar stabiliser up front. Front discs and rear drums provide the stopping power, and the wheels are 205/70 R15 jobs (manual gets steel, auto gets five-spoke alloys).

The Suzuki Jimny JB43 is priced, on-the-road including insurance, at RM87,305 (manual) and RM92,435 (auto). Offered is a standard three-year or 100,000-km warranty. Silky Silver Metallic, Superior White, Prime Ever Green and Metallic Quasar Gray body colours are available.