It’s officially official: the 2019 Suzuki Jimny is now out in Japan. As the first model in over 20 years, excitement over this micro SUV is understandably high. And with that, Suzuki’s not taking any chances: it combines authentic off-road performance with a newly-developed 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine (you can check more images here and the complete specs here).

Styling-wise, this fourth-generation model takes on many of the Jimny’s heritage elements and gives them a modern twist. Some of the examples: round headlights with separate signal indicators, horizontal slits on the fenders, a clam shell hood, five vertical slats on the hood, and rear combination lamps located at the bumper. Inside, it features a simple, easy-to-use cabin that’s designed to be operated effortlessly even when wearing gloves.



Mechanically, it’s robust and dependable with its rigid ladder frame chassis, 3-link with coil spring suspension front and aft, Suzuki’s All-Grip 4WD system with low-range transfer case, and of course, a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine. It also gets stability control as standard equipment and with that, it gets Hill Descent Control and Hill Hold Assist. There’s even a Brake LSD Traction Control system that allows the Jimny to regain traction even when two wheels diagonal from each other lose grip.

Globally, the Jimny will introduce Suzuki’s Safety Support System—a complete suite of driver assist and crash preventive features. Among the features are: Dual Sensor Brake Support (DSBS) that uses a combination of a monocular camera and laser sensor to warn or automatically brake the car to prevent a frontal collision; High-Beam Assist; Weaving Alert; Lane Departure Warning; and Traffic Sign Recognition.



Again, Suzuki Philippines remains mum on when the Jimny will make its local market debut, it’s understood that dealers have actually run out stocks already. And given that the Jimny’s sourced from Japan—made at their Kosai Plant for the first time, Suzuki Philippines may get their hands on this cutesy off-roader sooner rather than later.