Suzuki Jimny demand outstrips production

The Suzuki Jimny SUV is receiving huge demand from buyers in the European markets. According to our sister publication Autocar UK, 4,500 people have signed up as “interested” in the new Jimny on Suzuki UK’s website.

This poses a bittersweet problem for Suzuki as demand in Japan has been staggering as well. This means that the Jimny will be available in limited numbers for customers to buy. Suzuki UK’s boss Dale Wyatt estimates that 1,100 cars will be available in the first year, followed by 2,000 cars per year thereafter for the UK.

For the European market, the Jimny is available with a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine that develops 102hp and 130Nm of peak torque. The motor comes mated to either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed torque converter automatic, which sends power to all-four wheels.

The new Jimny features a ladder frame chassis, three-link rigid axle coil spring suspension and a four-wheel drive system. There is new tech on offer such as hill-hold and descent control, brake support and a host of driver assistance systems that make the new Jimny even more capable than the oler model. Inside, the top-spec Jimny gets a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, automatic climate control, rear privacy glass and heated front seats.

In terms of safety kit, the Euro-spec Jimny comes with six airbags, Isofix child seat mounts for the rear seats, autonomous emergency braking (AEB), a seat belt reminder and a lane assist system. The Jimny has also received a crash rating of three stars by Euro NCAP.