Check out our Queer4Cars YouTube Channel for a video walk around of the Suzuki Jimny and personal interview at the New York International Auto Show
New York’s International Auto Show is the place many fancy cars and trucks are debuted and shown. Though only a few take the title of a World Car Award winner.
World Urban Car of the Year 2019
This year the World Urban Car of the Year Award went to the Suzuki Jimny, one of the two categories in which it was nominated. Here a half-century old 4×4 body-on-frame model, mini-ute brought home an award even when the competition was a lot swankier and modern.
World Urban Car today would have to be attractive, ultra-capable, well-sized and rugged. You can see how the Suzuki took the Gold! Jimny’s street-cred comes with a strong cute factor, that it can be driven on paved roads or those torn up for construction, and you can park it anywhere.
Jimny Design Features
We were impressed with the modern interior of the this the fourth Jimny. While simple with analog gauges and a five-speed manual and manual engaged 4H and 4L four-wheel drive, it also has a 7.0-inch touchscreen with, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, satellite navigation, cruise control. Forward and rear facing cameras and many modern amenities. The multi-point injected 1.5L gasoline engine, matched to either a five-speed manual gearbox or a four-speed automatic makes it a fuel-efficient runabout.
Seating for four with fold down rear seats expands the small cargo space, giving space for passengers and cargo. On the outside, the classic boxy styling and hardcore four-wheel drive credentials give it the go anywhere in any weather appeal. Add retro projector LED headlights, 15-inch alloy wheels, and rear privacy glass, and you have a vehicle that works in any environment.
Jimny remains a proper body-on-frame with a three-link rigid axle suspension system and part-time four-wheel drive system with manually-engaged 4H and 4L low-range gearing. A brake limited-slip differential function replaces a locking differential redirecting torque to where the traction is if wheels were to spin. Suzuki has a hill-descent control and a hill-hold system for the manual versions.
Availability
The 2019 Suzuki Jimny is priced from a reasonable $23,990, add $2000 for the automatic. But Sadly it is not available in the USA.
Suzuki Jimny’s Tech specs
- Engine: 1.5 petrol 75kW/130Nm
- Transmissions: 5MT or 4AT
- Fuel economy: 6.4-6.9L/100km
- Fuel tank: 40L
- Length: 3645mm
- Width: 1645mm
- Height: 1725mm
- Wheelbase: 2250mm
- Curb weight: 1075-1090kg
- Ground clearance: 210mm
- Approach angle: 37 degrees
- Departure angle: 49 degrees
- Break over angle: 28 degrees
- Construction: Body-on-ladder-frame
- 4WD system: Part-time with 4H/4L
- Brakes: Disc front, drum rear
Words and Images by William West Hopper
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