Suzuki Samurai lives on with new Jimny facelift

Thu, 15 Nov 2012

The Suzuki Jimny is "sold across 188 global markets," but one of them isn't ours. For UK buyers who can buy a Jimny in SZ3 or SZ4 trims, the 2013 model has just been introduced with tweaks peppered throughout the vehicle. First among them is a soft redesign up front, a new bumper, grille and hood updating the face and adding an extra 30 mm to the length of the little SUV. Breeze Blue metallic paint is a new hue but it's only available on the more expensive SZ4.

Inside, customers will find new headrests and ISOFIX child seat fasteners for both Jimny versions, and for the SZ3, new seat fabrics. The 1.3-liter engine with variable valve timing growls out 84 horsepower and 81 pound-feet of torque, returning 39.8 Imperial combined mpg if fitted with a manual, 38.7 Imperial mpg combined in the automatic.

On-the-road prices are £11,995 ($19,016 US) for the SZ3, £12,900 ($20,451 US) for the manual-equipped SZ4, £13,800 ($21,877 US) with the automatic. More information can be found in the press release below.

NEW FACE FOR JIMNY FOR 2013 WITH NO EXTRA COST

- New exterior and interior design updates for Suzuki's compact SUV – on sale now.
- 43rd Anniversary of Suzuki's first compact SUV in 2013
- Global sales of 2.6million, sold across 188 global markets
- Euro 5 emissions fuel efficient 1.3-litre petrol engine with variable valve timing gives 39.8mpg combined fuel consumption and CO2 emissions of 162g/km (manual transmission)
- SZ3 model priced at £11,995 on the road
- Higher specification SZ4 model priced at £12,900 with manual transmission or £13,800 with automatic transmission
- SZ4 features synthetic leather/cloth front seats with 'Jimny' logo emblems, air conditioning, alloy wheels, leather trim steering wheel and rear privacy glass as standard equipment
- A genuine compact off-roader with push-button selectable four-wheel drive and high and low gear ratios

13/11/12 -- Suzuki GB PLC is pleased to announce some styling refreshments to its highly popular Jimny compact 4x4 model. The 2013 model receives a number of exterior and interior design updates to help modernise appearance whilst maintaining the long established tough and capable reputation Jimny has amongst its 20,000 loyal owners in the UK.

Design revisions include a new front bumper and grille design, new design bonnet shape incorporating central air intake as well as repositioning of the front fog lamps. The new front bumper design has resulted in a slight increase in overall length of 30mm to 3,675mm – although Jimny easily remains the most compact SUV on sale in the UK.

For the interior, a new seat fabric trim has been adopted for the SZ3; both SZ3 and SZ4 models have new design front and rear headrests as well as ISOFIX child seat mountings fitted as standard to the rear seats.

Breeze Blue has now been added to the optional metallic paint range of four colours available for the higher specification SZ4 model with three metallic and one solid colour available for SZ3. Metallic paint is a £399 option.

Jimny has a neat and practical look and since sales began in 1998, it has accumulated a loyal following of repeat customers who enjoy a quirky alternative to a supermini or crossover SUV. The Jimny exceeds expectations off road whilst still being more than capable in any urban area, ideal for customers who want the best of both worlds.

The all-alloy 16-valve 1.3-litre engine benefits from variable valve timing, ensuring lively performance, and strong fuel economy. Maximum output is 85PS, with 81lbft of torque delivered at 4,100 rpm; a flat torque curve means near maximum torque is delivered from as low as 2,500 rpm, giving Jimny the kind of flexible driving character and pulling power that are integral to a successful SUV.

There are clear benefits in terms of fuel efficiency and exhaust emissions: with the manual transmission model returning an official 39.8mpg in combined cycle driving (38.7mpg for the automatic); respective CO2 outputs are 162 and 167g/km.

All Suzuki models are covered by a three-year/60,000-mile new vehicle warranty, one year AA Suzuki Assistance, providing 24-hour UK and European roadside assistance, recovery and associated services; and by a 6-year perforation warranty.

On the road prices include VAT, delivery to dealer, number plates and First Registration Fee.

By Jonathon Ramsey