The new 3rd generation of Suzuki Jimny were available in Australia, since November 1998. With ultra-attractive pricing and cheeky good looks, the new Jimny is set to revolutionise the small four-wheel-drive market when it goes on sale in that year replacing Suzuki's legendary and long lived Sierra, the Jimny previewed to the public for the first time in December 1998 at National 4x4 Show in Melbourne and Sydney's Motor Show.
By that time, Jimny were available initially as a hardtop only, available in two model levels JX and JLX, includes the option of a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission for the first time on the smallest Suzuki 4WD (four-wheel-drive). Both Jimny models are powered by the proven performance of Suzuki's 1.3 litre fuel-injected four-cylinder engine equipped with a brand new 16-valve four-cylinder engine, offering greatly improved efficiency and a power boost of 12kW from multi point fuel injection.
From the outside, the styling of the hard-top 4x4 is dominated by an aggressive five-vent grille and under-bumper vent, and large multi-reflector halogen headlights. Wrap around colour-keyed bumpers join with stylish moulded splash panels to protect the paint from chips and debris, and large glass areas afford excellent all-round visibility to all occupants. The large rear window gives an unfettered view of the road behind, assisted by a low-mounted spare wheel and rear washer/wiper on the wide-opening rear door.
All Jimny models feature air-conditioning and an AM/FM stereo CD player as standard, as well as cup holders for all occupants - two in the centre console with a further two incorporated in moulded rear passenger arm rests. There is ample capacity for storage, including a double passenger-side compartment for maps and belongings, and moulded shelves in the rear luggage area.
In addition, JLX model Jimnys feature an unrivalled list of premium equipment such as power steering, remote entry / engine immobiliser, central locking, power front windows and mirrors, cloth trim and roof rails. Comfortably seating four adults, the Jimny is fully versatile - the front passenger seat is equipped with a sliding walk-in system for rear occupants, rear seats fold flat to allow for additional storage, or split-fold for awkward items. And there's the option of full flat seating to turn the interior of the Jimny into a sizeable bed for overnight trips!
A separate ladder-frame chassis underpins the Jimny. The vehicle also features a three-link rigid front and rear live axle, with separated coil springs and gas dampers on each corner. A stabiliser bar contributes to the Jimny's excellent on-and-off-road manners. The Jimny features Suzuki's new ‘Drive Action 4x4' system, for switching between two and four wheel drive (high range) on the move at speeds of up to 100km/h. The convenient Drive Action function, combined with high approach and departure angles and dual range four-wheel-drive, means the Jimny is as accomplished in the bush as its Sierra predecessor.
The Suzuki Jimny is 145mm longer than the previous Sierra, and 55mm wider, to promote stability and reduced body roll when cornering. Although a larger vehicle, the turning circle of the Jimny has actually decreased to 4.9m from that of the Sierra. There is three-point ELR seatbelts for the front and rear passengers (height adjustable in the front), side impact beams for cabin integrity and protective head restraints for all passengers.
Suzuki Jimny in present time is available in three models; the JX and JLX manual, and the first time in Suzuki's smallest four wheel drive, automatic transmission option for the JLX Jimny. The Suzuki Jimny gets some two year old's improvments: twin airbags standard, air conditioning and a new engine. The new engine has another 30cc, double overhead cams, a bigger bore and a shorter stroke, to give similar power at 10% lower revs (60kW at 5500rpm), and 5% more torque at the same revs (110Nm at 4500rpm).
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