Suzuki Jimny auto sales resume… temporarily

SUZUKI will resume orders for automatic versions of its three-door Jimny following a halt to orders set in January of this year. However, the “limited release” of two-pedal Jimny models is capped “strictly to 500 units”, available to order from noon (AEST) on Monday, September 18.

Orders of the automatic Jimny were originally paused owing to what Suzuki refers to as “production constraints” and “outstanding customer pre-orders at the time”. The importer says it has since “reduced the massive back-order queue significantly”, giving it the opportunity to offer a small number of automatic Jimny models to Australian customers.

“In response to the resounding demand from our die-hard loyal Jimny fans, we’re thrilled to announce the release of a limited 500 auto units,” said Suzuki Australia general manager of automobiles, Michael Pachota.

“Don’t miss your chance to claim one, as these Jimnys will be (offered) on a first-come, first-served basis and will sell out fast.”

Earlier this year, Suzuki Australia – which distributes to every Australian state and territory bar Queensland – said it had wait times of more than six months for three-door manual Jimny models, making it one of the country’s most sought-after vehicles.

The range will be expanded before the end of the year when the five-door Jimny is introduced to local dealerships. That model, like the three-door range, is powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine outputting 75kW/130Nm via a choice of five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmissions.

While Suzuki Australia has yet to provide fuel consumption and CO2 emissions figures for the five-door Jimny, the current three-door model returns a low 6.6 litres per 100km on the ADR combined cycle with carbon dioxide emissions of 146 grams per kilometre.

At this stage it is not known whether the larger model will perform any better than the three-door when it comes to crashworthiness.

The current-generation Jimny carries just three ANCAP stars, the model’s 2018 safety assessment indicating a 73 per cent adult occupant protection rating, an 84 per cent child occupant protection rating, a 52 per cent vulnerable road user protection score and a 50 per cent safety assist grade.

At the time of testing, ANCAP criticised the Jimny for missing the mark with structural design weakness, poor protection of cyclists and pedestrians, and the lack of effective safety aids.

The Suzuki Jimny, is available from $28,490 plus on-road costs.

With supply constrained, Suzuki Australia has sold 3893 examples of the Light SUV to date this year. The number places the fun-loving four-wheel drive model fifth in the segment behind the Mazda CX-3 (10,708 units), Kia Stonic (5013 units), Hyundai Venue (4139 units), and Volkswagen T-Cross (4029 units).