Review: Suzuki JB Jimny (1998-on)

Review: Suzuki JB.I Jimny (1998-00)

Overview

Released in October 1998, the Suzuki JB Series I (JB.I) Jimny was a compact four-wheel drive that was initially available as a three-door hardtop. Manufactured in Hamamatsu, Japan, the Jimny was powered by a 1.3-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that was mated to either a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission.

The Jimny had a ladder-frame chassis and was 3625 mm long, 1600 mm wide, 1705 mm tall and had a 2250 mm long wheelbase. Furthermore, the Jimny had live front and rear axles, both with three-links and coil springs; the front suspension, however, also included a stabiliser bar.

4WD system

The JB Jimny was fitted with Suzuki’s ‘Drive Action 4×4’ system which enabled the driver to switch between two and four-wheel drive (high range) at speeds of up to 100 km/h. The JB Jimny also had dual range gearing.

Features: Jimny JX and JLX

Standard features for the Jimny JX included a four speaker sound system with CD player, air conditioning and split and flat-folding rear seats.

The Jimny JLX added power steering, remote central locking, power front windows and mirrors, roof rails and an immobiliser.

Review: Suzuki JB.II Jimny (2000-04)

Overview

Released in October 2000, the JB Series II (JB.II) Jimny introduced a new all-alloy 1.3-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with double overhead camshafts and improved safety equipment. In December 2000, the range was expanded with the introduction of a soft-top convertible.

Safety equipment

Compared to its JB.I predecessor, standard safety equipment for the JB.II Jimny included dual front airbags.

Features

Standard features were also extended to include tinted windows and an immobiliser.

Review: Suzuki JB.III Jimny (2005-12)

Overview

Released in January 2005, the JB Series III (JB.III) Jimny introduced a revised engine, transmissions and interior. The 1.3-litre four-cylinder petrol engine now featured variable valve timing and required premium unleaded 95 RON fuel, providing improved performance and fuel economy.

Inside, JB.III Jimny featured a new instrument panel, audio head unit, steering wheel and seat fabrics, while the 4WD modes could be selected via a button on the dashboard. Furthermore, the rear seats could be folded down in a single action.

Jimny updates

In October 2005, the JB.III Jimny underwent a minor update with a revised front bumper, body-coloured door mirrors and a vanity mirror for the front passenger.

In February 2008, the JLX variant was replaced by the Sierra.

Related links

• Brochure: Suzuki JB.III Jimny Sierra (September 2009)
• Specifications: Suzuki JB.III Jimny (September 2010)

Review: Suzuki JB.IV Jimny (2012-on)

Overview

Released in August 2012, the JB Series IV (JB.IV) Jimny Sierra could be identified by its new grille and bonnet scoop. Inside, there were new seat fabrics and revised head restraints.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the JB.IV Jimny Sierra consisted of dual front airbags and ABS.

From October 2014, the Jimny Sierra was fitted with electronic stability control as standard.

Features: Jimny Sierra

Standard features for the Jimny Sierra included 15-inch steel wheels with 205/70 R15 tyres, a radio and CD player, air conditioning, remote central locking, sliding and fully reclining front seats, reclining and folding rear seats, power windows and mirrors, a 12 volt power socket, roof rails and an immobiliser.

In October 2014, the Jimny Sierra was updated with a new instrument cluster, seat upholstery and steering wheel.

Brochure

• Brochure: Suzuki JB.IV Jimny (July 2012)

Related links

• Suzuki Australia: Suzuki Jimny
• Wikipedia.org: Suzuki JB Jimny