Out in the Zambales wilderness, this offroad critter performed exceptionally and here are the 5 things we loved about it
The Suzuki Jimny truly resembles the Filipino’s spirit for adventure and the wild outdoors. However, through all the years that this writer has been joining Suzuki Philippines in its media drives, never have we gone as far as the confines of the hard, asphalt road. We’ve been to Bataan, Tagaytay, Baguio, Cavite, and even the race tracks of the Batangas Racing Circuit- all these destinations onboard the brand’s other vehicle models.
But never on an off-road trail.
And so, recently, when we learned that the Japanese automaker was taking the local motoring media, onboard its newest five-door Suzuki Jimny, to Lake Mapanuepe in San Marcelino, Zambales, we were in a frenzy.
“Finally, we’re taking the local motoring media to the offroad trails. This time, we’re off to the terrains of Zambales,” said an excited Suzuki Philippines senior marketing manager, Odessa Gan on the first day of the two-day media drive.
“As you all know the Suzuki Jimny is an authentic offroad vehicle and is well-loved by everybody. And this latest edition five-door Jimny has been receiving very positive feedback since its launch. We really wanted to try its capabilities in the real outdoor jungles,” she added.
Thus, speaking of good feedback, we in the media, to cut the story short–likewise– loved how the Suzuki five-door Jimny performed, not just on the off-road trails, but on the pavements, as well. In fact, here are five things we loved about it.
More length, more ‘gwapo’
This newest five-door Jimny is still the usual Jimny that everyone loves with its practical design and features. Its squarish body is meant for off-road capability and durability. A-pillars and flat clamshell bonnet improve visibility, while the dipped lines of the driver and passenger windows extend visibility from the side.
Specifically, this five-door version comes with chrome accents on the front grille, distinguishing the grille’s unique 5-slot design. Moreover, signature round headlamps and 15-inch dark-metallic alloy wheels further boost its rugged and robust exterior styling.
Moreover, since it’s longer with an overall length of 3,820 mm, it looks more “mature” and more anchored, providing that sense of safety and security. Imagine a 20-year-old Tom Cruise compared to the 30 or 40-year-old version of him.
Also, it has six airbags, too.
More stable handling
We all know that the Suzuki Jimny–truly–is meant for the off-roads. However, when we drove the old three-door Suzuki Jimny back in 2018 out in the open highway in one of our individual test drives, the result was somewhat a run-of-the-mill. But for the five-door Suzuki Jimny–this time–it was a different story. You see, our media drive started from the Suzuki Caloocan dealership along EDSA. From there, the 15-vehicle pack of Suzuki’s traversed the North Luzon Expressway and onto the Subic Clark Tarlac Expressway before reaching Zambales. It was a fairly two-hour drive going there. Here, we were able to experience first-hand how the vehicle behaved on long straights and asphalt roads.
Yes, it was much more stable compared to the three-door variant we drove back then. Probably this is because of a longer wheelbase of 2,590mm, or 340mm longer compared to the 2,250-mm wheelbase of the 3-door spec. Also, it’s 105 kg heavier than the 3-door. That’s why it feels more planted both on the road and off it.
More comfortable and convenient ride
Since it’s more planted, it provides a more comfortable ride, a lesser feel of the bumps, and probably better NVH levels, as well.
Plus, since it’s a five-door vehicle, entry and exit are way easier and more convenient. It also has power-folding side mirrors.
Space-wise, it’s 40 percent bigger than the three-door, particularly its luggage space with 211 liters.
Same old superb performance, if not better
During an interview at Lake Mapanuepe in Zambales, the company’s head for product planning and development, Kennedy Adia said that the five-door Jimny also has the same powerplant as the three-door version, a potent K15B 1.5-engine that produces 100 hp at 6,000rpm and 130N-m of torque at 4,000rpm.
“It’s tuned to deliver the highest torque to suit any given terrain. Earlier, we tackled river crossings, sand and various harsh trails; and as you can see, it is very much capable,” he shared.
“It can overcome obstacles with ease. It’s very tough and robust since it’s equipped with the All-grip Pro technology of Suzuki. It features a ladder frame with crossmember, with increased torsional capabilities, with superb approach and departure angles.”
9-inch infotainment system
Now, I believe the reason why Suzuki introduced the five-door Jimny is practically for the simple logic that off-roaders nowadays want to bring in more people to the fun of the outdoors. Hence, they bring in the barkada; and most especially, they bring in their families. And the 9-inch infotainment system, in particular, makes the whole trip more fun for everyone. Imagine listening to your favorite music while enjoying the view from the window. Now, wouldn’t that be one holistic kind of adventure.
