It seems that Suzuki Malaysia will launch the newly facelifted for 2013
Suzuki Jimny here in Malaysia. The car seen here at the recent 2013 NST
Motorshow is powered by a 84hp 1.3liter petrol engine. From what I
gathered from the staff on duty at the motorshow the Jimny has been
through JPJ type approval so it should be launched soon and may have a
price tag of between RM85,000-90,000.
The 2013 Suzuki Jimny comes with revised front and rear bumpers as well
as a faux bonnet scoop (which can be opened with some tools but
something I wouldn't recommend as the fuel rail and some sensors are
located right under it). It was also displayed with a four speed
automatic transmission for urban 'off-roaders-, if there ever was such a
thing. This basically means that the target crowd are those looking for
something cool and chic to drive. But be warned, the Jimny in this
current form was launched 15 years ago and from what I remember, it
rides and drives terribly. Since this is just another facelift, it may
only be good off-road rather than on-road.
Oh yes, whilst the cabin is equipped with the usual amenities - power
windows, automatic gearbox, radio etc, it is all hard plastic. A typical
work horse even though it looks half the size of the regular
off-roaders. Still, I rather welcome the return of this modern icon. And
it does add more choice into the sub-RM100,000 price range.
UPDATE: The little jeep has been launched and is priced at RM87,305 (manual) and RM92,435(auto). I guessed correctly. The tiny Suzy is offered is a standard three-year or 60,000-km warranty.
