Suzuki Jimny Limited Edition 2021 Car Review

The NZ favourite off-road ready Suzuki Jimny has just been kitted out with extra accessories to make the journey off the beaten track a little more inviting.

Added enhancements to the styling and even greater versatility are keys to a new Safari edition based on the JX version of the award-winning fourth generation Suzuki Jimny.

Available in limited supply and exclusive to the New Zealand market. The Safari package adds to an already versatile and unique compact three-door model that is unmatched by any other small four-wheel-drive vehicle.

The Safari is clearly distinguished by a black ARB Base roof rack with side trade rails and wind deflector, a special heritage grille, front window weathershields, mudflaps front and rear, a large rear cargo tray and Safari decals on the rear wheel disc cover.

Instead of the standard tyres, the Safari comes with larger section Maxxis Bravo 980 all-terrain 215/75R15 tyres fitted to the black steel rims. Thus, giving added impetus to the Jimny’s much loved and practical styling.

The Safari launches with a recommended retail price of $29,990 plus on road costs and is additional to the range that also comprises of the standard JX manual and Sierra with manual or automatic transmission options.

Storming into the marketplace is the stunning Bluish Black Pearl “hero” body colour, which is a real visual hit matched to the more aggressive tyres and black wheels. Other vibrant colour options available are Jungle Green, Silky Silver, White and Medium Grey.

The essential off-road hardware

The same 75kW 1.5-litre, double overhead camshaft 4-cylinder engine with variable inlet camshaft timing powers the Jimny Safari, driving through a 5-speed manual gearbox. This trusty little engine is no powerhouse - but coupled with the manual gearbox it injects just a little bit of fun into the drive, as you must be attentive and select the right gear at the right time to make the journey up and over pretty much any hill.

Despite having to hold higher revs in 4th gear a bit longer on the open roads than a vehicle with perhaps a larger engine, the Jimny is quite fuel efficient, with figures like 6.4L/100km and 146g of CO2 per km.

ALLGRIP ‘Pro’ selectable four-wheel-drive incorporates three driving modes with 2H for two-wheel-drive high gearing, 4H for four-wheel-drive high gearing and 4L for four-wheel-drive low gearing.

Due to the soft suspension and the rooftop basket, the Jimny Safari was easily buffeted by strong winds, which was felt when driving on an exposed motorway. However, the driving experience in all other situations was fun. The short wheelbase helped turn the Jimny easily into parking spaces and with navigating winding roads without any fuss.

All the right angles

As well as its capability for on-road use, the Jimny can tackle serious off-road and rough track surfaces, with a trim overall length of 3,645mm and a handy 210 mm of ground clearance. When faced with adverse conditions, the Suzuki offers a useful maximum departure angle of 49 degrees, a ramp breakover angle of 28 degrees, and an approach angle of 37 degrees.

The Jimny has the tenacity to negotiate slippery ground with confidence. If two diagonal wheels lose grip while on slippery surfaces, the electronic limited-slip differential and traction control automatically brakes the sliding wheels. This action results in redistributing torque to the other two wheels, allowing the Jimny to continue safely.

“There has been strong demand for the perfectly formed Jimny in New Zealand right from introduction,” said Gary Collins, General Manager of Motor Vehicle Marketing for Suzuki New Zealand. “With the distinctive shape and practical abilities, the Jimny has a market segment all to itself.”

Sales of the current model in New Zealand have already topped 1,500 and there are still waiting lists for all Jimny versions, with the longest wait being for the top spec Sierra models.

Safety Features

Standard Safari safety specifications include six airbags, Cruise Control, Automatic Light Sensing Headlamps, High Beam Assist, Hill Descent and Hill Hold Control, Dual Sensor Brake Support, Weaving Alert and Lane Departure Warning.

Amongst the safety systems, there are two sensors comprising a monocular camera and a laser sensor that determine if there is a risk of collision with a forward vehicle or pedestrian. On detection of a potential collision, the Jimny alerts the driver with an audible and visual warning. The Jimny then deploys brake assistance or alternatively applies strong automatic braking.

A timeless classic

Owners admire the styling icons from early generations, like the simple round headlamps, the independent indicators, and the clamshell bonnet. Owners also applaud the easy driving controls, great all-round visibility, and versatility. In addition, the Jimny offers imposing off-road credentials and appeals to those who will never take their vehicles beyond the city limits.

Suzuki became a pioneer of the small dual purpose Sport Utility Vehicle sector when the original Jimny broke new ground more than half a century ago. The square-rigged design of the latest Jimny model is a perfect mix of retro and modern that wins widespread praise.

For those looking for a simplistic hardy off-road workhorse perfect for the weekend jaunt off the beaten track then the Suzuki Jimny is a worthy candidate and is largely unbeaten for the price.

Check out our review of the standard Suzuki Jimny in 2019.

Safety systems

• Six Airbags
• Automatic Light Sensing Headlamps
• Dual Sensor Braking Support System
• Weaving Alert
• Lane Departure Warning
• Hill Decent and Hill Hold Function
• High Beam Assist 
• Daytime Running Lamps

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