Suzuki Cars Malaysia telah memperkenalkan Suzuki Fronx Sport baharu, bersama Suzuki Jimny Allgrip Plus dan Jimny Rhino Plus yang dikemas kini untuk pasaran Malaysia.

Pada masa yang sama, Suzuki turut menurunkan harga Fronx Hybrid standard. Crossover mild-hybrid yang dilancarkan di Malaysia pada November lalu itu kini berharga RM118,888 atas jalan tanpa insurans. Fronx Sport baharu pula berharga RM130,888 atas jalan tanpa insurans, menjadikannya RM12,000 lebih mahal berbanding Fronx Hybrid standard.

Fronx Sport diasaskan daripada Fronx Hybrid sedia ada, tetapi menerima pakej luaran yang lebih agresif. Ini termasuk sambungan front bumper lower lip, side skirts, gril hadapan dan logo berwarna hitam, rim aloi 17 inci pilihan dengan tayar Continental UltraContact UC7 bersaiz 215/50R17, rear diffuser, spoiler pada tailgate dan pelekat sisi Fronx Sport.

Dari segi mekanikal, Fronx Sport kekal tidak berubah. Ia masih menggunakan enjin petrol aspirasi natural empat silinder K15C 1.5 liter dengan integrated starter generator (ISG). Sistem mild-hybrid ini menghasilkan 103 PS pada 6,000 rpm dan 138 Nm pada 4,400 rpm, dipadankan dengan transmisi automatik enam kelajuan yang memacu roda hadapan.

Tetapan suspensi juga kekal sama, dengan MacPherson struts di hadapan dan torsion beam di belakang. Sistem brek pula menggunakan cakera ventilated di hadapan dan drum brake di belakang.

Di dalam, Fronx Sport mengekalkan rekaan papan pemuka yang sama seperti Fronx Hybrid standard, tetapi ditambah dengan dashcam 4K hadapan dan belakang. Kelengkapan lain termasuk stereng tiga jejari balutan kulit dengan paddle shifters, pelarasan stereng tilt dan telescopic, skrin infotainmen sentuh sembilan inci dengan Apple CarPlay dan Android Auto, serta pengecas tanpa wayar.

Kelengkapan keselamatan juga dibawa daripada Fronx Hybrid standard. Ini termasuk enam beg udara, kawalan kestabilan elektronik, ABS dengan EBD dan brake assist, hill hold assist, high beam assist dan sauh kerusi kanak-kanak Isofix.

Suite ADAS pula merangkumi adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert, lane change assist, lane departure warning, lane departure prevention, lane keep assist dan vehicle sway warning.

Suzuki Fronx Sport diimport sepenuhnya (CBU) dari Indonesia dan ditawarkan dalam dua pilihan warna, Pearl Snow White dengan Cool Black, serta Cool Black. Ia dilindungi waranti kenderaan tiga tahun atau 100,000 km, bersama waranti bateri lima tahun atau 100,000 km.

Selain Fronx Sport, Suzuki Cars Malaysia turut melancarkan varian tiga pintu Jimny Allgrip Plus dan Jimny Rhino Plus yang dikemas kini.

Jimny Allgrip Plus berharga RM158,900, manakala Jimny Rhino Plus pula berharga RM173,900. Kedua-dua harga adalah atas jalan tanpa insurans. Jimny Allgrip Plus mempunyai harga sama seperti Jimny Allgrip Pro sedia ada, yang masih dijual di Malaysia sementara stok masih ada.

Kedua-dua varian Jimny yang dikemas kini ini menerima tambahan ciri keselamatan, keselesaan dan kemudahan. Ini termasuk kamera undur dengan radar millimetre-wave, Dual Sensor Brake Support II, lane departure warning dan prevention, weaving alert, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beam, emergency stop signal, beg udara sisi dan curtain, sensor parkir hadapan dan belakang dengan clearance sonar, cermin sisi lipat elektrik dengan fungsi pemanas, serta unit display audio sembilan inci.

Jimny Rhino Plus pula menambah beberapa ciri luaran berbanding Allgrip Plus. Ini termasuk rim aloi polished 15 inci, penutup tayar simpanan dengan logo Rhino, gril hadapan, front bumper under garnish, side under garnish, door visors, serta mud flaps hadapan dan belakang berwarna merah.

Kedua-dua varian Jimny baharu ini dikuasakan enjin petrol aspirasi natural empat silinder K15B 1.5 liter VVT yang menghasilkan 102 PS dan 130 Nm. Ia dipadankan dengan transmisi automatik empat kelajuan dan sistem pacuan empat roda part-time dengan mod 2H, 4H dan 4L.

Jimny terus menggunakan casis ladder-frame dengan suspensi rigid axle, manakala tayarnya bersaiz 195/80R15 pada rim aloi 15 inci.

Kelengkapan standard untuk kedua-dua varian Allgrip Plus dan Rhino Plus termasuk lampu utama LED automatik dengan washer, auto high beam, stereng tiga jejari balutan kulit, pelarasan stereng tilt, tempat duduk fabrik, tempat duduk belakang lipat 50:50 dan tingkap elektrik.

Skrin infotainmen sentuh sembilan inci menyokong Apple CarPlay dan Android Auto, bersama sambungan Bluetooth, USB, auxiliary audio input dan radio.

Pilihan warna untuk Jimny termasuk Kinetic Yellow dengan Bluish Black Pearl dan Chiffon Ivory Metallic dengan Bluish Black Pearl, kedua-duanya dengan caj tambahan RM1,000. Warna lain yang ditawarkan ialah Jungle Green, Medium Grey, Bluish Black Pearl dan Pure White Pearl.

Untuk Malaysia, Suzuki Jimny Allgrip Plus dan Jimny Rhino Plus yang dikemas kini ini diimport sepenuhnya dari Jepun dan hadir dengan waranti tiga tahun atau 100,000 km.

Suzuki Cars Malaysia has introduced the new Suzuki Fronx Sport, alongside the updated Suzuki Jimny Allgrip Plus and Jimny Rhino Plus in Malaysia.

At the same time, Suzuki has also reduced the price of the standard Fronx Hybrid. The mild-hybrid crossover, which was launched in Malaysia last November, is now priced at RM 118,888 on-the-road without insurance. The new Fronx Sport is priced at RM 130,888 on-the-road without insurance, positioning it RM 12,000 above the standard Fronx Hybrid.

The Fronx Sport is based on the existing Fronx Hybrid, but adds a more aggressive exterior package. This includes a front bumper lower lip extension, side skirts, a blacked-out front grille and logo, optional 17-inch alloy wheels with 215/50R17 Continental UltraContact UC7 tyres, a rear diffuser, tailgate-mounted spoiler and Fronx Sport side decals.

Mechanically, the Fronx Sport remains unchanged. It continues to use Suzuki’s K15C 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine with an integrated starter generator (ISG). The mild-hybrid powertrain produces 103 PS at 6,000 rpm and 138 Nm at 4,400 rpm, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission driving the front wheels.

Suspension setup also remains unchanged, with MacPherson struts at the front and a torsion beam layout at the rear. Braking is handled by ventilated front discs and rear drums.

Inside, the Fronx Sport carries over the same dashboard design as the standard Fronx Hybrid, but adds a 4K front and rear dashcam. Other equipment includes a leather-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel with paddle shifters, tilt and telescopic steering adjustment, a nine-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as wireless phone charging.

Safety equipment is also carried over from the standard Fronx Hybrid. This includes six airbags, electronic stability control, ABS with EBD and brake assist, hill hold assist, high beam assist and Isofix child seat anchors.

The ADAS suite includes adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert, lane change assist, lane departure warning, lane departure prevention, lane keep assist and vehicle sway warning.

The Suzuki Fronx Sport is fully imported (CBU) from Indonesia and is offered in two colour options, Pearl Snow White with Cool Black, and Cool Black. It is covered by a three-year or 100,000 km vehicle warranty, along with a five-year or 100,000 km battery warranty.

Alongside the Fronx Sport, Suzuki Cars Malaysia has also launched the updated Jimny Allgrip Plus and Jimny Rhino Plus three-door variants. The Jimny Allgrip Plus is priced at RM 158,900, while the Jimny Rhino Plus is priced at RM 173,900. Both prices are on-the-road without insurance. The Jimny Allgrip Plus is priced identically to the existing Jimny Allgrip Pro, which continues to be sold in Malaysia while stocks last.

Both updated Jimny variants receive additional safety, comfort and convenience features. These include a reverse camera with millimetre-wave radar, Dual Sensor Brake Support II, lane departure warning and prevention, weaving alert, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beam, emergency stop signal, side and curtain airbags, front and rear parking sensors with clearance sonar, electrically foldable and heated side mirrors, and a nine-inch display audio head unit.

The Jimny Rhino Plus builds on the Allgrip Plus with several additional exterior features. These include 15-inch polished alloy wheels, a spare wheel cover with Rhino logo, front grille, front bumper under garnish, side under garnish, door visors, and red front and rear mud flaps.

Powering both new Jimny variants is the same K15B 1.5-litre VVT naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine, producing 102 PS and 130 Nm. This is paired with a four-speed automatic transmission and a part-time four-wheel drive system with 2H, 4H and 4L modes. The Jimny continues to use a ladder-frame chassis with rigid axle suspension, while rolling stock consists of 195/80R15 tyres on 15-inch alloy wheels.

Standard equipment on both Allgrip Plus and Rhino Plus includes automatic LED headlamps with washers, auto high beam, a leather-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel, tilt-adjustable steering column, fabric seats, 50:50 split-folding rear seats and electric windows.

The nine-inch touchscreen infotainment system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with Bluetooth, USB, auxiliary audio input and radio.

Colour options for the Jimny include Kinetic Yellow with Bluish Black Pearl and Chiffon Ivory Metallic with Bluish Black Pearl, both priced with a RM 1,000 surcharge. Other colours include Jungle Green, Medium Grey, Bluish Black Pearl and Pure White Pearl.

For Malaysia, the updated Suzuki Jimny Allgrip Plus and Jimny Rhino Plus are fully imported from Japan and come with a three-year or 100,000 km warranty.

A Celebration of Adventure and Innovation

Speaking at the launch, Mohamad Irwan Shahril highlighted the significance of the Jimny Arctic’s unveiling, calling it a “milestone for Suzuki Cars Malaysia.” He emphasised the brand’s commitment to offering vehicles that cater to off-road enthusiasts while maintaining Suzuki’s hallmarks of quality, reliability, and style.

He added, “The Jimny Arctic is a testament to our dedication to providing exceptional vehicles tailored for our local customers. With its unique design enhancements and features, it brings a fresh level of excitement to the SUV market in Malaysia.”

Exclusive Features and Pricing

The Jimny Arctic is priced at RM167,900 (before insurance) and is accompanied by an early bird promotion offering up to RM7,000 in rebates. Designed with a focus on rugged elegance and practicality, the Arctic edition includes:

• Exterior upgrades:
  • Sleek door visors
  • 3-panel glass tint for added comfort
  • Arctic-themed soft tyre cover
  • Black mud flaps for off-road readiness

  

  • Interior enhancements:
    • Premium audio garnish bumper
    • Deluxe carpet mats
    • Two-tone Nappa leather seats for a luxurious feel

    

    These features combine to create a refined yet adventure-ready vehicle that stands out in the compact 4×4 segment.

    New Colors for the Jimny 3-Door All Grip

    Naza Eastern Motors also introduced two new color options for the Jimny 3-Door All Grip variant: Pearl White and Chiffon, further expanding choices for Malaysian buyers.

    

    Jimny Lifestyle Drive: Building Community Bonds

    The Jimny Lifestyle Drive not only showcased the brand’s latest innovations but also strengthened the connection between Suzuki and its community of adventurous drivers. The convoy provided participants an exclusive hands-on experience with the Jimny Arctic, further deepening their engagement with the Suzuki brand.

    

    This event reflects Naza Eastern Motors’ commitment to customer satisfaction and fostering a sense of belonging among Suzuki enthusiasts. With its launch of the Jimny Arctic and continued efforts to engage its passionate community, Suzuki Cars Malaysia is raising the bar in the compact 4×4 market, offering a perfect blend of toughness, style, and the spirit of exploration.

    ]]> https://thepistonshow.com/2024/04/19/review-suzuki-jimny-old-school-charm-is-hard-to-resist/ Fri, 19 Apr 2024 06:37:00 +0000 https://www.piston.my/?p=139819 Big brands know this and also know how to use heritage to their benefit as well. Volvo milks its safety related heritage while Mercedes-Benz talks about how innovative it has been. Lexus likes to show how far they have come when it comes to building one of the most refined cars in the market while Rolls-Royce and Bentley can’t seem to stop talking about how long they have been in the business for.

    

    Then on the other hand of the spectrum of luxury and heritage, you have cars like the Suzuki Jimny, which has largely remained unchanged for the better part of 40 years.

    Just like the shape of the iconic Volkswagen Beetle, the general silhouette of the Jimny too has been the same and unchanged over the years.

    

    That same boxy design with thin tyres and a spare mounted at the back on the third door, a feature that has persevered since the original was introduced in 1970s. The interior remains small with barely enough room for three adults and their luggage.

    Powering the little Jimny is a humble 1.5-litre, naturally-aspirated engine making 100hp and 130Nm of torque. Sending power to the wheels is a four-speed gearbox, which can only be described as ancient when compared to the multi-ratio gearboxes in similarly priced pick-up trucks.

    

    It is also a part-time four-wheel-drive machine, but you need to work the lever of the low range transfer case to select four-wheel-drive (four high or four low) or two-wheel-drive. That is something this writer has not had to do since the 90s when I almost showed an Isuzu Invader the bottom of a mining pool.

    There is not much in terms of comfort inside the Jimny either. Because the interior is small, you sit shoulder-to-shoulder with adult passengers. The rear seats are only good for kids, pets, luggage or groceries.

    

    The audio system too seems like it is stuck in the 80s, and it takes a very brave development team to introduce a car with only two-speakers in the 2020s.

    But all is not lost for the Jimny, it may seem like a lost cause on paper, but in reality, it is an incredibly charming car to own and to drive. And despite the odds being so obviously stacked against it, I used to look forward to driving the car.

    

    So what makes it so charming then? The design for one is a blast from the past. In a time and age when car makers talk about co-efficiency of drag and how their aerodynamically slippery cars help to increase the range of their cars, the Jimny is a brick in your rear view mirror.

    The Jimny does not care about conforming but at the same time, it does try. The lights for one are LED’s which is quite modern for a car that seems to be stuck in the 90s.

    

    There is also cruise control, a seven-inch touch enabled infotainment system complete with Bluetooth, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

    But that is as far as it goes, you don’t even get reverse sensors. You do however get a reverse camera that looks like it has been installed at an accessories shop that prioritises revenue over customer satisfaction.

    

    But driving the Jimny is a true occasion, and a big part of its charm. As soon as you step behind the wheel, you will notice how far the windscreen is placed away from the driver and front passenger.

    The near 90-degree rake of the A-pillars too are not something you see very often, well, probably in a Mercedes-Benz G-Class or a Jeep Wrangler. This is an essential element for the classic, squarish, jeep design.

    

    Starting the Jimny is a very traditional sequence. You have to first reach into your pocket to search for that all important key, prod it into the key slot and twist it. A sequence that is almost alien these days, and something that modern drivers don’t have to do anymore unless they have an old-ish car at home. I for one, can’t remember the last time I started a car that was made in the 2020s, with a physical key.

    On the move the Jimny again shows that it still has its heart stuck in the old days. The steering wheel is powered but not electronically. Instead the steering rack is made up of an old-school high-geared recirculating ball configuration, and that means that you have to turn the steering wheel more than usual to take on simple turns.

    

    That makes it feel like you have to work the steering harder than what you usually would in a modern day car. Newer, younger drivers may not like the steering feel of the Jimny. For the uninitiated, it may feel like there is something wrong with the steering, but those who have driven older cars will recognise the feel, and perhaps even love it.

    The ladder frame chassis of the Jimny further adds to its character. It too adds to the old school feel and those who have driven the early day pick-up trucks which had stiff suspension that jiggled the car (and its occupants) at every given chance and provided for sloppy handling will find the Jimny to be the same as well.

    

    The ride and handling quality of the of the Jimny is typical of olden day cars. It is comfortable when you are driving around town or on kampung roads, but as soon as you try to push it, that is where it starts to feel .. scary.

    The tall centre of gravity, softish suspension and lack of steering feel can make tackling corners a rather dauting task. I also found it difficult to lay my trust in the skinny 195/80/R15 tyres, especially in the wet. With such numb steering feel that is typical of 90s off-roaders, I didn’t think I would feel the Jimny breaking grip fast enough to correct it. So I had to tune my driving style to match the character of the Jimny, and that is where I truly fell in love with it.

    

    To appreciate the Jimny, you have to slow things down a couple of notches. It has a top speed of 140km/h but it is at its best between 100-110km/h.

    In town, you learn to take it slow but you can easily keep up with traffic. It’s tall ride height provides for an excellent vantage point of everything around you and its small size and short wheelbase makes it easy to park just about anywhere. It also does not take much space on the road, which allows you to weave through traffic just like you could in a Myvi or in an Axia.

    

    The Jimny, despite feeling like it is stuck in the 90s, is a refreshing prospect in a world dominated by EV’s and advanced tech. It reminds me of how life once was and that it is absolutely okay to slow down and turn things down a couple of notches.

    And despite staying true to its roots, the modern Jimny comes with safety features such as ISOFIX mounts, side impact door beams, ABS brakes, Electronic Stability Program, LSD, Hill Hold, Hill Descent Control and dual airbags.

    It is undoubtedly a charming car to drive and to go about your daily business in. The only downside to it is its price.

    

    The model you see here is called the Jimny Black Edition. It differentiates itself from the standard model with a multi roof rack, carbon fibre finish on many of the interior and exterior panels, it also has dual-tone Nappa leather seats, tinted glass and blacked out elements inside and outside the car.

    The Suzuki Jimny Black Edition sits second in the local line-up of four variants and is priced at RM171,900. The base model on the other hand will set you back RM158,900 but you lose out on a number of things and you get fabric seats. The top of the line model is called the Rhino and it is priced at RM174,900 and you get more features like a differential box guard and a Suzuki Heritage grille.

    

    You could turn to the parallel-import market but the price is not much different and you lose out on the official three year of 100,000km warranty.

    That is why you see a number of Jimny’s on the road but particularly in upmarket areas like Damansara and Bangsar. The rich folk seemingly don’t mind forking out for the Jimny, and that is also why it is Suzuki Malaysia’s best-selling model. It may not be perfect, but it is an expensive toy, though an extremely fun one.

    Specifications:
    Engine: 1.5-litre with Variable Valve Timing
    Power: 100hp@6000rpm
    Torque: 130Nm@4000rpm
    Transmission: 4-speed auto
    Suspension: 3 link rigid axle with coil spring
    Price (as tested): RM171,900

    We like: Character, convenience
    We don’t like: Two-speaker sound system, no keyless entry and push start button

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