What's the news?
Suzuki has opened its order books for the latest version of the ever-popular Jimny. Around 2.6 million examples have been sold globally to date and the facelift updates the car's traditional design.
Exterior
Most of the revisions are seen at the front of the car, where Suzuki has installed a new front bumper, grille and bonnet. The new bonnet now sports a central air intake and the fog lamps have been repositioned. The new bumper also adds 30mm to the length of the Jimny; however the car still remains the smallest SUV on sale in Britain.
Top spec SZ4 models can be specified with the metallic Breeze Blue paint finish and this is the only version to get alloy wheels as standard.
Interior
Most of the cabin has remained unchanged; however, Suzuki has redesigned the front and rear headrests, introduced standard-fit ISOFIX mountings at the back and base-level SZ3 versions get new fabric on the seats. Top spec SZ4 models get 'Jimny' embossed front cloth/leather seats, air conditioning and a leather-trimmed steering wheel as standard.
Mechanicals
The all-alloy 1.3-litre 16-valve engine is carried forward from the outgoing model. The unit delivers a modest 83hp and 110Nm of torque, while returning fuel economy figures as high as 39.8mpg - and emissions from 162g/km. Selectable four-wheel drive complete with high- and low-ratio gearboxes make the Jimny surprisingly capable off-road.
Anything else?
Priced from £11,995 the Jimny is still one of the cheapest four-wheel drive compact SUVs on the market; and the price remains the same for the facelifted version.
James Giddings - 14 Nov 2012