Page 21 - Motoring Winter 2022

SUZUKI TEST REVIEW

Considering the features mentioned, the
fuel economy is reasonable and we showed
7.1l/100km after our week-long test. This
was all urban driving, with a few freeway
runs where you have to accept that this is not
the ideal place for the Jimny. The very short
wheelbase creates a rather bouncy ride, which
you’ll need to get used to, as part of your life.
The GL spec provides items like alloy
wheels, and Bluetooth infotainment but
without a touchscreen or reverse camera (you
really don’t need a reverse camera in such a
tiny vehicle). Once again, I missed auto door
locking on pull-off - something that I believe
SUZUKI JIMNY GL should be standard on every vehicle in SA.
The GL model carries a R17 000 price
premium over the base model and, in
T he Jimny has been South Africa’s, and the world’s, favourite little 4x4 for many years now the service plan increases from 2-years/
addition to the extra items, as mentioned,
and it just keeps getting better.
30 000km to 4-years/60 000km. This could
The latest generation was launched a few years ago with only 2 specification options,
The Jimny is one of those vehicles that has
being the base GA and luxury GLX versions. be worth the extra outlay on its own.
Recently, the range was expanded with the addition of the middle version, the GL, as a special magic. Cute and distinctive with a
tested here. cult following, it may not be the most practical
The GL retains the basic shape and body that is so distinctive and loved by buyers. Waiting or comfortable of vehicles available, yet
lists that until recently exceeded 6 months or more attest to the popularity of the vehicle. The fact everybody wants one. No wonder Suzuki SA
that it adds full 4x4 technology and go-anywhere ability just enhances the package. Even though can’t get enough of them to satisfy demand.
only a small proportion of buyers will ever use these new features, that is somehow not important
- they simply increase the street cred of the little vehicle. The pricing is as follows:
Engaging 4x4 is as straightforward as moving a secondary lever next to the gear lever. I have GA Allgrip R 326 900
personally completed an advanced 4x4 course in a Jimny, so I’ll never question its ability in this GL Allgrip R 343 900
respect. Short and agile, with minimal overhangs, make it ideal for handling the rough stuff. GL Allgrip Auto R 357 900
The word little is appropriate because the Jimny is deliberately tiny. In full 4-seater mode, the GLX Allgrip R 356 900
boot space measures 85l. Fortunately, the rear seats can be dropped 50/50 to create a reasonable GLX Allgrip Auto R 377 900
load space, which then allows you to carry a maximum of 3 passengers. The rear seat space
is surprisingly good, but the rear windows only hinge open, so it’s not ideal for anyone who’s A 5-year/200 000km warranty is standard
claustrophobic. across the range. n
The power is provided by a 1.5l petrol engine delivering 75kW and 130Nm to either 2 or 4
wheels, as chosen, with 2-wheel drive being the default mode for road driving. The boxy shape, Use this link to view our video review:
lack of aerodynamics and heavy 4x4 hardware mean that you will never go anywhere in a hurry - https://www.youtube.com/
life should always be relaxed in a Jimny. watch?v=tcFtlngmFXI

MOTORING | Winter 2022 | 19