By Malusi Msomi

The Suzuki Jimny has captured many South African hearts. This is thanks to its cool looks and off-road capabilities – which are some of the attributes that have made it so successful in South Africa. Suzuki has added a GL and Rhino package to their Jimny model line-up. Both these models are now available at dealerships countrywide.

Jimny GL

The GL slots in between the entry-level GA and range-topping GLX. Looking from the outside, the GL shares many of the GLX’s features such as hardened off-road ready alloy wheels finished in smoky chrome trim and with an alloy-equipped full-size spare wheel. It also shares the flagship’s front fog lights in the squared-off front bumper. It’s also available with a choice of all body colours and the two-tone paint option, where the roof is finished in a contrasting colour to the rest of the body. The GL has a no-frills cabin and comes with standard features like electric windows, electrically adjustable mirrors and a Suzuki audio system with Bluetooth and USB connectivity, and steering wheel controls. The GL model also brings an automatic transmission option to the mid-range buyer.

Brendon Carpenter, Brand Marketing Manager at Suzuki Auto South Africa says, “We believe that the Jimny GL is the complete answer to the question from interested customers who love the Jimny and its promise of adventure, but who do not need all the luxuries and accompanying higher price of the GLX model.”

Jimny Rhino package

The Rhino package is also available in dealerships. The kit resurrects the well-known Jimny Rhino logomark that first appeared on the Suzuki SJ-series exactly 40 years ago. This kit includes exclusive Rhino decals, a Rhino-branded soft spare wheel cover, the Suzuki Heritage grille, rain and wind deflectors, and red Suzuki mud flaps. It is available in both manual and automatic.

Powertrain

The Jimny is a full-blooded 4×4 and it’s true when they say that dynamite comes in small packages as it squares up with much larger SUVs. Powering the Jimny’s is a single -engine option which is a 1.5-litre petrol engine with variable valve timing and multi-point injection that produces 75 kW and 130 Nm of torque. All models feature a ladder frame chassis, front and rear rigid axles with three-link suspension, and a fully mechanical low range transfer case.

Pricing

Suzuki Jimny GL Manaul – R336,900

Suzuki Jimny GL Automatic – R357,900