Suzuki Jimny deliveries ramp up as queues begin to shorten

More Suzuki Jimnys are arriving to satisfy intense demand … but some models are still seeing buyers wait until 2024.

Kitted out versions of the Suzuki Jimny have sold for more than double the original showroom price.

The pint-sized off-roader was a sales sensation throughout the pandemic and the Japanese marque struggled to keep up with demand.

While wait times had ballooned to almost two years, this year Jimny supply has dramatically improved.

Buyers that get in the queue now and order a manual version in a single colour – not the two-tone option of having a black roof – could have one within months.

Expect to see automatic versions midway through 2024.

During the first quarter in Queensland, almost 500 new Jimnys were registered.

That’s more than the entire year of 2019 when the go-anywhere
three-door was first launched.

Used Jimnys are still bringing big dollars. Some with more than 10,000km on the odometer are commanding north of $38,000.

This 'Zombie' Suzuki Jimny has an asking price of $65,990 drive-away, with a raft of Ironman additional and cool accessories. Picture Car Sales

Nundah Suzuki sales manager Matt Hartley has created a series of special Jimnys that have been incredibly popular, including a Zombie model, another which was raffled with matching pink teardrop caravan, and a latte coloured version complete with leather seats.

The Zombie model, kitted with a raft of Ironman equipment, including a snorkel, light bars, bullbar, Suzuki genuine extras and an Alpine stereo is on the lot for $65,990.

Given supply has started to improve, we returned to the Jimny to see how it stacks up.

Inside the Suzuki Jimny special ‘Zombie’ edition.

WHAT WERE YOUR FIRST IMPRESSIONS?

Back when Corona was just a beer, you could have the basic version in your driveway for just over $20,000 for a 2019 model.

Now, the basic GL Lite versions start from about $34,000 once
on-roads are settled.

Our test drive was in the auto GLX which shifts closer toward $37,000 drive-away, but our test vehicle had $8389 worth of genuine Suzuki accessories – fitting would cost extra.

Jimnys turn heads and generate smiles.

Driving into junior footy training, the little off-roader was quickly besieged by a gaggle of youngsters keen for a look inside.

Cabin features are basic, with the highlight a seven-inch touchscreen featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Niceties extend to a
leather-wrapped steering wheel (which only has vertical adjustment, no reach), auto aircon and a USB charging point.

Inside the Suzuki Jimny GLX.

HOW WAS THE DRIVE?

The Jimny has to work on the highway. Travel at 110km/h and the 1.5-litre four-cylinder’s heart is racing at 3500rpm and inclines saw the husky engine soundtrack turn into a high-pitched scream.

Having sampled both the
five-speed manual and four-speed auto, the former would be my choice for greater control.

With ample play in the steering, there was a nostalgic feeling behind the wheel that you really had to drive. Many modern offerings just about do the job for you.

Stepping off the bitumen is where the Jimny does its best work. Beach activities are a cinch and it’ll skip across tough terrain that other four-wheel drives find challenging and soft-roaders wouldn’t dare consider.

This version of the Suzuki Jimny has more than $8000 worth of optional accessories.

There’s no flashy safety kit such as radar cruise control or lane-keeping assist (it will warn you if stray toward the lines or weave), while even parking sensors are optional and cost about $580.

Fuel consumption averaged 7.8 litres per 100km on test, about one litre higher than the official figure.

Originally published as Suzuki Jimny deliveries ramp up as queues begin to shorten