Latest news with #SuzukiJimny
The South African
27-05-2025
- Automotive
- The South African
Into the WILD: 2025 Suzuki Jimny auto 1.5 GLX 5-door driven
When it comes to the 2025 Suzuki Jimny auto 1.5 GLX 5-door, it's safe say any dyed-in-the-wool motoring journalist will love it. And that's not necessarily because of the car. It's more about what the boxy-is-brilliant, cut-price 4×4 represents. You see, journalists love a driving challenge. It's kind how and why we got into this racket. We'll drive any weird, wonderful and downright odd car. That's because we love to find the character beneath the metal and try and understand it for what it truly is. And, right on cue, an acid-green Suzuki Jimny auto 5-door enters the group chat. A car that's so popular, other owners' wave and flash their lights at you constantly. I'll admit, it took a few days to notice this, so apologies if I offended anyone … The Suzuki Jimny 5-door cabin not only benefits from an extended wheelbase, but excellent fit and finish, too. Image: File Nevertheless, there are some issues that cannot go unaddressed in the 2025 Suzuki Jimny auto 5-door. You see, due to the 4-speed automatic gearbox, there are moments where it feels like time stands still. Neigh, time might very well be going backwards when you're behind the wheel. On the highway, the rev counter sits at 3 500 rpm and you're plodding on at barely 110 km/h. Floor the throttle for more oomph or an overtake and an ineloquent gearshift drops you down to third gear. Besides the raucous soundtrack, the spacing between third and fourth is too far apart. And the instant you release pressure from the gas pedal you're back in the no-go zone of fourth. I have to admit the auto is pretty gutless to drive on road. Throw in a slight gradient to the road you're on and the issues only become more pronounced. Worse still, the only manual override options to access power on your terms is second and first gears. As a result, the fuel consumption isn't the greatest when driving on the open road. We couldn't believe how economical the new Suzuki Swift was, for example. However, all that innate potential is lost because of the four-speed auto. Using every trick in the book we finally got down to 8.9 l/100 km, which is some way off the claimed 6.7 l/100 km. Fun fact, the front passenger seat folds fully flat for easy loading of long objects, making the Jimny 5-door surprisingly practical. Image: Ray Leathern Of course, the small Suzi has a celebrated 4×4 heritage. 210 mm ground clearance, excellent approach/departure/ramp-over angles (36, 47 and 24 degrees respectively) and downhill descent control. There's a low-range transfer case and top-notch wheel articulation. Therefore, it's only fair we give the 2025 Suzuki Jimny auto 5-door every chance to show what it's made of. There's a hidden-away trail where we can put it to the test. The route starts easily enough, light climbing on old forestry tracks that crisscross the valley. Forty minutes in and the really rocky section starts. Heavy rains have washed away the sand to reveal the sharp, slippery rocks. Being a great believer of rather do it over than overdo it, I lock the transmission into low range. And the Suzi starts to climb the track like a little mountain goat. Weighing just a smidge over 1 100 kg – which is remarkable for a 4×4 SUV – its compact footprint is ideal for narrow off-road tracks. Wheel placement is a cinch, and often you can simply drive around an obstacle bigger vehicles would have to plough straight over. Moreover, the drivetrain we moaned about on road feels like it's coming good. A compact 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four cylinder delivers 75 kW and 130 Nm of torque. It's in these low-speed ranges that modest power delivery matches throttle input, which allows for precise 4x4ing. Then, on the downhill descent, the mountain goat turns into a tough boerperd . The chassis takes plenty of heavy knocks in its stride with an assured, let's-keep-going attitude. This Suzi loves it when the going gets tough. Image: Ray Leathern After the frustration of its on-tar performance, the 2025 Suzuki Jimny auto 5-door well and truly comes good in the wild. Not one section of the off-road route posed a serious challenge to it. As such, we have nothing but praise for its 4×4 abilities. Because, plainly, the four-speed auto is happiest in lower-speed ranges. Therefore, if you're buying a 2025 Suzuki Jimny auto 5-door specifically for outdoors adventuring, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better car for the price. Luggage wise, the 211-litre boot capacity is up 126 litres over the 3-door. And by folding the rear seats down you all of a sudden gain 1 100 litres of utility space for all your outdoor-adventure needs. Therefore, the 2025 Suzuki Jimny auto 5-door is no conformist. It turns out to be an adventure mobile of note. Just be sure to wave at the others Suzis on your way out of town … 2025 Suzuki Jimny auto 1.5 GLX 5-door Engine: 1 482 cc, 4-cylinder petrol 1 482 cc, 4-cylinder petrol Power: 75 kW and 130 Nm 75 kW and 130 Nm Performance: 0-100 km/h n/a 0-100 km/h n/a Gearbox: 4-speed auto + low-range transfer case 4-speed auto + low-range transfer case Tyres: 195/80 R15 Bridgestone Dueller 195/80 R15 Bridgestone Dueller Economy: 6.7 l/100 km (claimed), 8.9 l/100 km (tested) 6.7 l/100 km (claimed), 8.9 l/100 km (tested) Price: R484 900 Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Man of Many
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- Man of Many
Chery's iCar Off-Road Brand Confirmed for Australia, Electric V23 Model On the Cards
By Ben McKimm - News Published: 23 May 2025 Share Copy Link Readtime: 4 min Every product is carefully selected by our editors and experts. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn more. For more information on how we test products, click here. Chery's off-road EV brand 'iCar' set to launch in Australia after the UK by next year Name changed to 'iCaur' due to trademark issue The first vehicle is likely to be V23 compact off-roader to rival the Suzuki Jimny Expected to be priced less than AUD$40,000 plus on-roads One of the stars of the Shanghai Auto Show, Chery's off-road brand 'iCar,' is confirmed for Australia. The first car to arrive for local markets will be the iCar V23, according to a company representative who spoke to 'Because Jaecoo has the 03 exported already, we're going to do the V23 under iCaur (for overseas markets).' The V23 is a compact electric off-roader and soon-to-be range-extender hybrid that will be available to 'global markets' from mid-2026. With Jeep Wrangler vibes and a length (4,220 mm) that would place it closer to a five-door Suzuki Jimny (3,965mm), the car will appeal to prospective buyers who want an off-road aesthetic, but will likely never leave the inner city streets of Sydney or Melbourne. The car, which reminds us of Apple's scrapped EV project, will arrive with a different name to avoid trademark issues. Set to be called 'iCaur,' the V23 will likely be followed by the larger Jeep Wrangler-sized V25 hybrid SUV in late 2026 before the smaller V21 electric SUV arrives in 2027. Here's everything you need to know! iCar V23 | Image: Supplied / iCar While it looks like a Temu car, it ticks all the usual SUV design cues with those chunky wheel-arches, slab-sided proportions and mean-looking front-end. Hence, despite being just 4,220mm in length, it sure does pack a punch in terms of sheer road presence. Despite its small stature, performance is just fine, and certainly better than a Suzuki Jimny because of that EV powertrain. Expect both the single and dual motor versions to arrive in Australia, and here's what power and range look like: Single-motor iCar V23 (China specifications) : 100kW/180Nm 47 kWh lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) battery Up to 300km range (CLTC) : Dual-motor Single-motor iCar V23 (China specifications) : 155kW 81 kWh (NMC) battery Up to 500km range (CLTC) : What stands out the most is that 300km range (CLTC) figure—it might not be enough. The CLTC cycle is far more lenient than the WLTP figure standard in Australia, and we'd only expect 250km of WLTP range when certified for our market. We don't see how this is enough to make it a true off-roader for Australia. It won't have enough range to make it out of the city, but the range-extender hybrid that's rumoured to arrive later could fix this issue. Despite the tough looks, off-road ability is limited. The iCar V23 has only 210mm ground clearance, which is similar to a Toyota RAV4 (213 mm). On a positive note, it does have 43- and 41-degree approach and departure angles, which should help it out on steep carpark entries and exits. iCar V23 | Image: Supplied / iCar On the inside, the interior looks reasonably plush, while the steering wheel looks like a Range Rover and is flanked by actual buttons and a massive 15.4-inch touchscreen, which is standard fare these days. The large infotainment system runs a Snapdragon 8155 chip in China, and you get safety features like ADAS, all-around cameras and more. Whether or not all of these features arrive in overseas markets like Australia is still up for question, but they usually do. Storage-wise, boot capacity is an ample 744 litres. Publications, including Autocar and Drive, say that the iCar V23 is going to arrive in the UK by next year, meaning we should expect an Australian market launch a bit later in the year. In China, the V23 is priced between 99,800 to 139,800 yuan (AUD$21,500 to AUD$30,000), which does suggest that it could arrive in Australia with a targeted price of less than AUD$40,000 before on-road costs. It all depends on how much it costs to swap that 'iCar' badge to one that says 'iCaur.' Strange name, isn't it?!
NDTV
21-05-2025
- Automotive
- NDTV
Maruti S-Presso Gets A Jimny-Inspired Makeover: Pics
The Indonesia Modification & Lifestyle Expo (IMX) 2025 has launched its Semarang Series, marking an important moment for the country's automotive and lifestyle industries. This event showcases innovative vehicle modifications and highlights the lively culture connected to cars. Recently, Indonesian tuner GH Style modified the S-Presso, taking inspiration from the classic Suzuki Jimny. This eye-catching update has sparked conversations about the future design of the S-Presso. Maruti Suzuki Jimny inspired S-Presso About The Event The Semarang Series of IMX 2025 highlights innovative automotive designs and modifications. A key feature is the third version of the "Indonesian Pride Bodykit," showcasing local talent in automotive design. The event also includes rare vehicles, special guests, and displays from local legends, providing an engaging experience for visitors. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Indonesia Modification & Lifestyle Expo (@indonesiamodificationexpo) The Modified S-Presso: Upgrades GH Style gives the S-Presso a rugged look similar to the Suzuki Jimny. The front is updated with new circular LED projector headlights, a classic grille with 'Suzuki' lettering, and a strong bumper with round fog lights. The sides have flared wheel arches and chunky cladding, along with off-road-style white wheels that emphasize its adventurous appeal. The rear has a redesigned bumper to match the overall theme. The Modified S-Presso: Powertrain Even with the changes in design, the vehicle keeps its original 1.0L 3-cylinder petrol engine, producing 66 hp at 6000 rpm and 90 Nm of torque, available with either a 5-speed manual or automated manual transmission (AMT).
7NEWS
14-05-2025
- 7NEWS
Young driver killed in multi-vehicle crash on Bruce Highway in Bajool, Queensland
A young man has died in a multi-vehicle collision on a major highway. The crash occurred about 2.40pm on Wednesday on the Bruce Hwy in Bajool, a rural town about 25 minutes south of Rockhampton in Queensland. A white Suzuki Jimny was travelling south on the highway when it collided with a white Toyota Hilux travelling in the opposite direction. A grey Toyota Hilux then collided with the white Hilux. The driver of the Jimny, a 24-year-old man, died at the scene. Both Hilux drivers, a 26-year-old man and a 28-year-old man, were taken to Rockhampton Base Hospital for treatment. 'Investigations are ongoing,' QLD police said. Anyone who witnessed the crash or has any relevant dashcam footage or information has been urged to contact Crime Stoppers.
Mail & Guardian
03-05-2025
- Automotive
- Mail & Guardian
The Suzuki Jimny five-door is an adventurer's dream – but a snail on the road
South Africans have come to love the Jimny but while it is fun to drive, it is severely underpowered The Suzuki Jimny is an adored adventure vehicle in South Africa. The three-door variant was well received and became a real enthusiast's car around the country. While the Jimny might not contribute the amount of sales that the Swift or Fronx do for the manufacturer, it is still a car that many off-road enthusiasts want or dream of having. The five-door Jimny has a longer wheelbase than the three-door but the body has not been re-engineered to accommodate the vehicle. However, I still think the Jimny looks great and it's also a vehicle that manages to look rugged and cute at the same time, no matter the colour. It always gave me mini Land Rover Defender vibes, and still does, with the wheel on the boot, the way that the boot opens outward and the round headlights that resemble those of the old Defenders. The interior could be slightly better. Suzuki gives you the same rugged look on the dashboard and pairs it with a seven-inch infotainment system that is very responsive. But you get a very outdated instrument cluster and, for a vehicle that's meant for adventure, the seats are not too comfortable. They are also only adjustable to slide forward or backwards, without the capability to recline. That was a slight disappointment for me. It's very clear that Suzuki has put effort into durability with the five-door Jimny, but in a time where a lot of manufacturers are giving consumers off-roaders, it could have done better with comfort. In terms of driving, we did some off-roading and this is where the Jimny was at the peak of its powers. You have the option to switch from a two-wheel-drive to four-wheel-drive on the fly and, off-road, the latter really serves its purpose. It makes the Jimny an effortless drive on all terrains. On the road, where we spend most of our time, it was a different story. The five-door Jimny, like its three-door sibling, is a snail. Powered by a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre engine, it produces 75kW of power and 130Nm of torque. It struggles to pick up speed and sometimes- you have to floor your foot to maintain speed. While I can only imagine how nervous the three-door variant feels on the road, the five-door was very stable, but I struggled with how underpowered it was. It even sounds like the small Jeeps that I used to drive around the house when I was a child. I was driving the four-speed automatic Jimny. I suppose that the manual might feel a lot better on the road as dropping gears to pick up speed might help overcome the little power you are getting out of the vehicle. All that pressing also brings your fuel consumption higher than the claimed figure of 6.4 to 6.8 litres/100km. I was averaging 8 litres/100km on the open road while sticking to the speed limit. There was another small issue that I faced with the Jimny. With the long wheelbase and heavy steering, I found myself misjudging parking spaces. I often had to back out and then move into a parking spot at the second attempt. Overall, the five-door Jimny is a solid and durable car that is great for the adventurer, comfortable and more than capable off-road. The interior makes sure that you know that you are in something rugged but it needs some work. I can see why it has become such a loved vehicle in South Africa — we love things that are fun to drive. However, the vehicle is not flawless by any means, especially on the road. Suzuki has much work to do to make this vehicle easier to drive on the tar. The Jimny five-door comes in three variants: 1.5 GL MT priced at R429 900, 1.5 MT GLX MT priced at R457 900 and a 1.5 AT GLX priced at R479 900.
