The Jimny Estate

The Jimny has many safety features. The commanding driving position is allied to excellent all-round visibility; power-assisted steering reduces response time and aids manoeuvrability; there are large front disc brakes linked to rear drums with a load-sensing proportional valve.

SRS airbags for both front occupants, side impact protection beams and height adjustable front seat belt anchorages are all standard.

The dramatic and powerful multi-reflector halogen headlamps combine with large rear lamp clusters and a high level rear LED brake light to let the driver see and - equally importantly - to be seen.

The entire design has been subjected to intense computer analysis to ensure that frontal impacts are absorbed and filtered away from the occupants. The strong, box-section chassis offers extreme rigidity in the event of a collision but it is also designed to absorb energy from all directions in a controlled manner.

Engine and transmission

Jimny is powered by a new 16-valve, 1.3-litre engine with electronic multi-point fuel injection. The unit is made almost exclusively from aluminium, bringing the benefits of light weight and fuel efficiency.

The in-line four-cylinder engine gives impressive performance, with 59kw/79bhp at 6000rpm and104Nm/76lb.ft of torque, peaking at 4500rpm but providing near maximum torque from as low as 2500rpm.

Power is transmitted via a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission*. The automatic gearbox features a mechanical lock-up function, thus eliminating torque slip and enhancing fuel consumption. A transfer box, which allows the use of high or low four wheel drive ratios, is operated by a lever behind the main transmission selector lever.

Jimny is also fitted, as standard, with Suzukiís Drive Select 4x4 system and with automatic free-wheeling hubs. Four wheel drive can be selected on the move whilst travelling in a straight line at speeds of up to 62mph/100kph.

Chassis and Suspension

Underneath the stylish body panels is a full box-section chassis. Eight body mounts securely attach the panels, forming a solid structure. Rigid axles front and rear are attached to the chassis, with a three-link arrangement. This well-proven design is configured to cope with all types of surface, and is controlled by coil springs and gas dampers.

Both springs and dampers are separated to give a longer suspension travel that is ideal for use on rough surfaces. On normal roads this arrangement gives a compliant ride whilst off the beaten track it is designed to deal with far worse obstacles.