Jimny’s high five
American rapper and actor, Will Smith, may be right about his 1997 song “Gettin’ Jiggy with it,” especially when the first-generation of the iconic Suzuki Jimny first arrived in 1970. The ‘soon-to-be-legendary’ vehicle, that time, seemingly gave one the feels of sensual pleasure, the highs, flaming desire, indescribable admiration, uncontrollable hormones flying and what-nots. But more than just ordinary coitus action, it eventually blossomed to become a love affair that would last a lifetime. 3.2 million units sold in 199 countries and regions after, the Suzuki Jimny– truly–had become a global phenomenon today.
Locally, for years, the Suzuki Jimny likewise has been a household name for Filipinos who love the outdoors. Despite its size, it has captured the hearts and fancy of weekend warriors yearning for a rugged yet fashionable vehicle that can take on anything. This little critter is simply a renegade, headstrong and unpretentious, ready to traverse the road less traveled.
And so, when stories broke the Internet as early as last year of a five-door Jimny set to arrive on Philippine soil, this niche market was on a frenzy.
Finally, the long wait was over when this vehicle was recently unveiled at the Cover in Okada Manila, Parañaque City.
“The Jimny, deeply rooted in a rich heritage, stands as a testament to Suzuki’s commitment to excellence,” Suzuki Philippines president, Koichiro Hirao, said, admiring the beloved icon that has been a symbol of adventure and innovation for the Filipino off-road enthusiast.
“Its popularity is not just a testament to its past glory but a promise of exciting journeys ahead,” he added.
This newest five-door Jimny is still the usual Jimny that everyone loves with its practical design and features. Its squarish body is meant for off-road capability and durability. A-pillars and flat clam shell bonnet improve visibility, while the dipped lines of the driver and passenger windows extend visibility from the side.
Specifically, this five-door version comes with chrome accents on the front grille, distinguishing the grille’s unique 5-slot design. Moreover, signature round headlamps and 15-inch dark-metallic alloy wheels further boost its rugged and robust exterior styling.
Inside, its functionality spills over. It’s meticulously designed to give the right balance for aesthetics and practicality. Dull monotone dark hues are meant for the driver to focus more on the road. While horizontal lines on the instrument panel and vertical lines in the meter cluster and center console panels help the driver’s eyesight when gauging the vehicle’s angle, especially while traversing challenging terrains.
Rear seats have also been upgraded, featuring thicker seat cushions to provide better seating posture while snugging in two adults. The rear seat lamp–too–provides improved lighting.
The extended wheelbase of this five-door Jimny has resulted in an expanded luggage area, now offering a spacious 211L of luggage capacity with the rear seat back up. Upgrades include a luggage area lamp, illuminating the entrance way for user-friendly access, and the removal of the toolbox for simplified loading and unloading of luggage. Like the three-door version, the luggage area here is also equipped with an accessory socket.
Safety-wise, it features SRS front airbags for both the driver and seat passengers, as well as side airbag and curtain airbags for occupants in both the front and rear seats. A reverse parking camera and sensors also enhance overall safety awareness.
“Nanananana”
Just like what “Big Willie Style” connotes, performance is paramount. That’s why this five-door Jimny features a powerful 1.5L engine. Even though it only generates 100hp at 6,000rpm and 130N-m of torque at 4,000rpm, this little critter is tuned optimally for off-roading adventures.
With a 340-mm longer wheelbase than the three-door model, this five-door off-roader still keeps its crucial off-roading features, such as: The AllGrip Pro, a sturdy ladder frame, exceptional approach, breakover, and departure angles, three-link rigid axle suspension with coil spring and part-time 4WD with low-range transfer gear.
This vehicle is available in monotone color options for the GL and GLX variants, including Jungle Green, Celestial Blue Pearl Metallic, Arctic White Pearl, and Granite Gray Metallic. While the GLX two-tone variant is offered in Sizzling Red Metallic – Bluish Black Pearl and Chiffon Ivory Metallic – Bluish Black Pearl.
Nationwide, this five-door Jimny is priced accordingly: Jimny 5DR GL MT-P1,558,000; Jimny 5DR GLX AT-P1,698,000 and Jimny 5DR GLX AT (two tone)-P1,708,000.
During the vehicle’s launch, Suzuki Philippines Automobile Division director and general manager, Norihide Takei, stressed that the Jimny stands as a lightweight, compact, authentic off-road vehicle capable of conquering diverse terrains.
He continued, “Get ready for an incredible journey and experience the beauty of places yet undiscovered that ‘Nobody but Jimny’ can bring you.”
