Suzuki Jimny 2021: price jumps by $2,500 amid dealer mark-ups

---

Suzuki has put up the price of the Jimny small SUV in Australia with its entry price now starting at $28,490 (before on-road costs).

The Jimny is available as a single GLX grade here in Australia with the manual jumping up $2,000 to meet the new entry price and the four-speed automatic tacking on $2,500 for a new $29,990 price (before on-road costs).

While that may not seem like good news, the numbers put out by Suzuki Australia are unlikely to make much of a difference with dealers charging prices that are far higher than expected due to high demand.

Across Australia, dealers are charging upwards of $45,000 driveaway for a Jimny, with slightly used and modified versions seemingly taking no hit in depreciation and charging similar prices.

And it’s not hard to see why. The Suzuki Jimny is extremely unique in its segment offering genuine off road capability for little up-front cost. Arguably its closest competitor is the Jeep Wrangler but that starts at $52,750 (before on-road costs).

To achieve this off road capability Suzuki started with a ladder-frame chassis, low-range gearing and three-link rigid axle suspension with coil springs that absorb the bumps absorbed through the 15-inch wheels on chunky off-road tyres.

Aside from making it unique, the boxy frame also helps gives it an impressive approach, breakover and departure angles rated at 37, 28 and 49 degrees respectively, numbers that are similar or better than the far more expensive Ford Bronco.

Under the boxy bonnet is a naturally aspirated 1.5L four-cylinder petrol engine which only makes 75kW of power and 130Nm of torque, but with only 1,090kg of kerb weight to shift it doesn’t need much.

While it technically seats four, drivers will likely spend most of the time with the rear seats folded down to create a more usable flat floor in the 377-litre boot, with screw holes and a power socket to fit all kinds of 4×4 accessories. 

When the Jimny was tested in 2018 it only received a three-star rating from ANCAP but the little 4×4 still packs a number of active safety features such as AEB, lane departure warning and weaving alert and six airbags to give driver’s some peace of mind.

Upfront, Suzuki has fitted a 7-inch touchscreen display with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with hardy fabric material on the seats and on the floor to help you get rid of dirt when the going gets tough.

Suzuki Jimny 2021: prices in Australia

All prices listed are before on-road costs.

• Jimny GLX (manual): $28,490
• Jimny GLX (auto): $29,990