Suzuki Jimny XL arrives in Australia
Suzuki Australia has launched the ‘Jimny XL,’ with the 5-door companion to the popular 3-door Jimny 4x4 offering not only more passenger room and boot space, but also an increased standard specification level.
Aside from some strengthening of elements like the transmission and front suspension, the running gear and underpinnings are unchanged from the smaller Jimny. That means the XL is powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 75kW and 130Nm. Claimed fuel consumption of 6.4lt/100km (6.9lt/100km for the auto) is unchanged from the Jimny 3-door, which is odd, given the running gear has more to carry – 1185kg versus 1095kg (manual trans, +15kg for auto).
The naturally aspirated 1.5 engine is matched to either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic, while the ‘ALLGRIP PRO’ part-time four-wheel drive system features a two-speed transfer case - unchanged from the Jimny 3-door.
Against the 3-door, the 5-door’s wheelbase of 2590mm and overall length of 3985mm is an increase of 340mm in each instance, with the second-row seat area the main beneficiary of the extra length. Ground clearance is unchanged at 210mm, as is wading depth of 300mm, which is the only real negative with the off-road capabilities of either Jimny.
Naturally, the longer wheelbase impacts approach/breakover/departure angles, which are 36/24/47 degrees on the Jimny XL, compared to 37/28/49 degrees, while the turning circle increases from 9.8 metres to 11.4 metres.
Towing capacity is 1,300kg (unchanged from the 3-door), but the payload of just 360kg will almost entirely be gobbled up with adults in all four seats, leaving little margin for camping equipment or outdoor adventure gear. Cargo volume is listed at 211 litres with all seats occupied, compared to just 85 litres on the Jimny 3-door. With rear seats folded, Suzuki claim a maximum of 1,113 litres for the 5-door XL (against 830 litres for the 3-door), but this is loaded to the roof – 377 litres is more realistic.
Aside from the extra pair of doors, the Jimny XL is identified by a grey grille finish with chrome accents, while the body colour range includes two new options – Granite Grey and Sizzling Red; the latter coming with a black roof as standard. Carryover colours include Arctic White, Jungle Green, Chiffon Ivory (with black roof) and Bluish Black Pearl.
Extra safety tech on the Jimny XL that’s not offered on the regular model includes an updated Dual Camera Brake Support System, Adaptive Cruise Control (only with auto transmission) and rear parking sensors.
Inside, upgrades include a 9.0-inch touchscreen, DAB digital radio, wired Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity. This reflects the fact that the larger Jimny is essentially built to GXL spec.
Other standard features on the Jimny XL include auto LED headlights, foglights, 15-inch alloys (with a full-size spare), cloth seat trim, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, USB (1) and 12V (2) outlets.
Safety tech consists of ABS, AEB, Lane Departure Warning, Hill Descent Control, 2 x top tether and ISOFIX anchor points, a reversing camera and front, side and curtain airbags. The Jimny XL is yet to be ANCAP rated, but the same 3-star rating as the Jimny 3-door is likely.
“Jimny has a rich heritage not only in Australia, but globally. With its iconic design and unbeatable off-road performance, it has become the ultimate choice for enthusiasts worldwide,” said Suzuki Australia General Manager – Automobile, Michael Pachota.
“With the addition of XL to our Jimny line up we’re giving drivers the best of both worlds – legendary 4x4 performance and the extra space and versatility for that ‘eXtra Large’ adventure.”
Pricing for the 2024 Suzuki Jimny XL starts at $34,990 for the manual and $36,490 for the auto (+ ORCs), which is a $3,000 increase on the 3-door Jimny. Demand for the 5-door (more than 2,000 pre-orders) means there’s currently a wait of around six to nine months on all orders.
See your Suzuki dealer for more details.
