It’s showtime in India and the big star is the five-door Suzuki Jimny, which has officially been revealed. Word is that it will be launched in South Africa in the second half of 2023.
Orders have already opened in Australia, where the five-door Jimny will also be introduced this year. Although pricing and specs for the South African market have not yet been revealed, demand is expected to outstrip supply as customers clamour to get their hands on the bigger brother of one of this country’s favourite vehicles.
.
The five-door Jimny will first go on sale in India in May this year, before being introduced in other markets around the globe.
The five-door measures 3 985mm in length, 1 645mm in width and 1 720mm in height, and rides on a 2 590mm wheelbase, which is 340mm longer than that of the three-door. In India it will use the same 1.5-litre engine as its smaller sibling, but gains mild hybrid technology, to produce 78kW of power and 134Nm of peak torque. The engine can be paired with either a four-speed automatic or a five-speed manual gearbox.
It promises to be as rugged and capable as the exceedingly popular three-door model and will boast Suzuki’s AllGrip Pro 4WD tech. An approach angle of 36 degrees, a departure angle of 50 degrees, a break-over angle of 24 degrees, and ground clearance of 210mm in ground clearance will ensure that it can handle all sorts of outdoor fun.
Standard features will probably include a 9” central screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a full complement of airbags, hill hold assist, hill descent control, and a rear-view camera.
Launch date, pricing and specification details for South Africa are yet to be revealed.