Jimny GL now on showroom floors

Suzuki has increased the appeal of its Jimny range with the introduction of a mid-range GL specification level.

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes, 15 seconds.

Designed to bring many of the must-have luxuries of the GLX to a wider audience, the GL slots in just above the utilitarian GA model and brings with it the option of an automatic transmission to the mid-range buyer.

Designed to bring many of the must-have luxuries of the GLX to a wider audience, the GL slots in just above the utilitarian GA model and brings with it the option of an automatic transmission to the mid-range buyer.

“No one, our team included, could have predicted the success of the Jimny in South Africa and across the globe.

“As a fully off-road capable SUV, it is as comfortable in the inner city as it is on the dunes of the Namib. And at a starting price of only R336 900 for the GL manual and R357 900 for the GL auto, it will the dreams of adventure a reality for thousands of people,” says Brendon Carpenter, Brand Marketing Manager at Suzuki Auto South Africa.

Carpenter says that while sales of both the GA and GLX models have far exceeded their initial supply, they have spoken to many customers who would love more amenities than the GA provides but who cannot fully stretch their budgets to the GLX. This is especially true for customers looking for an automatic version.

In response to this demand, and in partnership with its Japanese Head Office and Indian manufacturing facility, Suzuki Auto South Africa has created the GL range.

Viewed from the outside, the GL shares many of its GLX sibling’s features. Chief among these are the hardened off-road ready alloy wheels, finished in a 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.

The GL will also be 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.

Inside the Jimny is where the GL answers all the questions posed by mid-range customers. The model is available with the choice of either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission, air conditioning, and power steering as standard.

Also standard in the GL are electric windows, electrically adjustable mirrors and a Suzuki audio system with Bluetooth and USB connectivity, and steering wheel controls.

Not finished, Suzuki has also added a 50:50 split rear bench seat and remote central locking as standard.

“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,” says Carpenter.

A brief reminder of the Jimny’s technical pedigree

Unlike all other compact lifestyle SUVs, the Jimny is categorised as a full-blooded 4x4.

All Jimny models are fitted with a 1.5 litre petrol engine with variable valve timing and multi-point injection that delivers 75 kW at 6 000 rpm and 130 Nm of torque at 4 000 rpm. This engine, code-named K15B, is rated at a frugal 6.3 litres/100 km for the manual model and 6.8 litres for the four-speed automatic version.

All models are fitted with a ladder frame chassis, rigid axles in the front and rear with a three-link suspension system, and a fully mechanical low range transfer case.

The Jimny is further fitted with a ball-screw steering system that allows for direct steering and good feedback, which protects the driver from sudden jerks and jolts that result from heavy-duty off-roading.

All Jimny models are also equipped with Suzuki’s popular AllGrip system, which utilises the brakes and electronic stability control unit to drive or brake individual wheels in extremely technical off-road situations.

Lastly, all Jimny models have Hill Descent Control, which electronically controls the engine and brakes during steep descents, allowing the driver to focus on steering inputs.

A high-level Jimny Grade Walk

With the addition of the Jimny GL in manual and automatic, the range now consists of five models. They are:

Jimny GA

• 4x4 system with Suzuki AllGrip
• Power steering
• ABS with EBD
• Electronic Stability Program

Jimny GL – all of the above, and:

• Electric windows
• Electric mirrors
• Alloy wheels (incl. spare wheel)
• Steering wheel audio controls
• Bluetooth- and USB-connected audio system
• Remote central locking
• A comprehensive 4-year / 60 000 km service plan.

Jimny GLX offers the above luxuries, and:

• Automatic LED headlamps
• Automatic climate control
• Cruise control
• A touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• A leather-covered steering wheel
• The rear cargo convenience-package, which includes an additional 12V socket, rear interior light, and flat-floor luggage box with hard plastic cladding.

Rhino Edition is now available

First announced in late 2021, the special Rhino Edition Kit will arrive at dealers at the same time as the new GL in manual and automatic options.

The kit resurrects the well-known Jimny Rhino logomark that first appeared on the Suzuki SJ-series exactly 40 years ago. It has since become synonymous with the durability, plucky and go-anywhere nature of the Jimny.

The Rhino Edition adds the following design elements to a Jimny:

• Exclusive Rhino decals
• A Rhino-branded soft spare wheel cover
• The Suzuki Heritage grille
• Red Suzuki mud flaps
• Rain and wind deflectors

Suzuki Auto South Africa will also partner with its global parent company and affiliates across the world to support rhino conservation in South Africa and across the continent.

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