New Suzuki Jimny 2019: prices, specs and release date

This is the 2019 Suzuki Jimny, the all-new replacement for the long-serving outgoing version of Suzuki’s small and rugged SUV. Prices for the new car have now been confirmed, with the entry level SZ4 model starting from £15,499.

The Suzuki Jimny SZ4 (from £15,499) comes as standard with selectable four-wheel drive, a full-size spare wheel, front fog lights, automatic headlights, cruise control, Bluetooth connectivity, DAB radio, air conditioning and 15-inch steel wheels.

The step up to top-spec SZ5 trim (£17,999) adds 15-inch alloy wheels, body-coloured door handles, tinted rear windows, LED headlights, climate control, a leather steering wheel, sat nav and heated front seats.

We’ve driven the new Suzuki Jimny – click here to read our full review

All models come with a small selection of active safety systems including lane departure warning, hill hold and hill descent control.

The new Suzuki Jimny SUV continues the tradition of offering genuine off-road performance in a very small package, while also improving its on-road manners to suit everyday driving. It’ll face rivals like the Fiat Panda 4x4 and Jeep Renegade, as well as larger no-frills SUVs like the Dacia Duster.

Design

The new Suzuki Jimny could attract more buyers on looks alone: retro features like round headlights, a slotted grille and squared-off bodywork pay tribute to older Jimny models, as does the spare wheel hung on the tailgate. The overall look is similar to a Mercedes G-Class, albeit much smaller.

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The simple, angular and rugged design theme carries on inside. The dashboard is finished with scratch and stain-resistant plastics, while all the major switches and controls are designed to be easily used when off-road or wearing gloves. A central touchscreen brings modern infotainment functionality without detracting from the overtly practical design.

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When it comes to space, Suzuki has made the most of the Jimny’s tiny dimensions. The car is a strict four-seater, though the rear seats fold completely flat to expand the boot to a total of 377 litres. In a further nod to practicality, the boot floor and seat backs are covered with plastic, while a number of holes along the boot sides allow for the attachment of hooks and other accessories.

Engines and technology

The 2019 Suzuki Jimny has a ladder-frame chassis, rigid axles and selectable four-wheel drive with a low-range gearbox and locking centre differential. These traditional SUV features are not sophisticated by modern standards but should ensure that the new Jimny is as rugged and capable as buyers expect, as do generous approach and departure angles and off-road optimised traction control.

The Suzuki Jimny is powered by a 101bhp four-cylinder 1.5-litre petrol engine, paired with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic gearbox. A 0-62mph time has not been released, but top speeds of 87mph for the automatic and 90mph for the automatic have been quoted.

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Fuel economy – tested on the NEDC cycle – is quoted as 41.5mpg for the manual and 37.6mpg for the automatic; emissions are quoted as 154g/km and 170g/km.

Despite its traditional, no-frills design, the 2019 Suzuki Jimny has been fitted with a suite of modern safety and assistance systems. Automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, ‘weaving alert’ and high-beam assistance all feature, as does traffic sign recognition – the first time the system has featured on a Suzuki.