THE NEXT-GENERATION JIMNY

The current Jimny has been around for quite a long time. First released around 1997-1998, the third generation Jimny is now almost 20 years old, so the fourth generation is way overdue, and is definitely coming. This page here covers everything we currently know about the upcoming fourth generation Jimny.

Rumours of Suzuki developing and planing to launch the fourth generation Jimny can be traced back to 2004. Back then, Suzuki stated that they were planning to launch 8 new models between 2005 to 2008, and the fourth generation Jimny was one of them.

Things changed when the Global Financial Crisis hit the world in 2007-2009. The crisis slowed down a lot of carmaker's market performance, including Suzuki's, which, in turn, dealt with it in a rather conventional way. Suzuki decided to cut costs and slow down product development, and a number of upcoming models, including the Jimny, were either postponed or canceled.

But it appears that the next generation Jimny is now back on the cards, with Suzuki's bosses confirming that it is coming.

Jimny's Position in Suzuki's Product Strategy

During an All-New Vitara test drive event, Suzuki GB’s head of sales and marketing, Dale Wyatt, revealed that Suzuki is planning a model offensive which will take place within the next three years. Suzuki will offer both a rational and an emotional product in each sector they compete in. In the compact SUV segment for instance, the SX4 S Cross plays it's role as the rational product, while the All-New Vitara will be the emotional product.

Dale Wyatt, Suzuki GB's head of sales and marketing

One of the models included in the model offensive is the next generation Suzuki Jimny, which will arrive in Europe around 2017. The Jimny will proudly sit outside of the dual-product strategy, and will continue to be positioned as a niche product. Looking at how Suzuki has a habit of unveiling a new model the year before it will be sold, this model could be unveiled at one of 2016's major motor shows.

Wyatt said that the next-gen Jimny will be equally practical and utilitarian to the current model. Although it might ditch the conventional Drive Action 4×4 system and get Suzuki’s new AllGrip all wheel drive system instead, the next-gen Jimny will remain lightweight and retain the straight sides, compact dimensions, and simplicity of the current model. The next generation Jimny will also feature some basic electronic assistance systems, such as Hill Start Assist and Hill Decent Control.

Click here for our latest posts on the Next Generation Jimny

Concept Cars Previewing The Next Generation Jimny

As we've said, plans for the fourth generation Jimny has been around for over a decade now, so a lot must've been done by Suzuki in developing the model. Below we list a number of concepts cars which did or at least could possibly preview the next generation Jimny.

Suzuki Landbreeze Concept

The Landbreeze Concept was first displayed at the 2003 Tokyo Motor Show. It was designed as a "compact SUV that coexists with the nature with advanced environmental technologies."



In their official press release, Suzuki said that the Landbreeze regards the nature not as what it has to conquer but as what it lives in harmony with. With its performance as an SUV untouched, the Landbreeze adopts recyclable materials and a hybrid system for better fuel economy.




Features of the Landbreeze concept:

• All-aluminum 0.66L DOHC engine installed with a hybrid system. It realizes satisfactory low- and mid-speed range torques and the better fuel economy in combination with a lightweight aluminum monocoque body. 
• Long wheelbase, rear sub doors and auto steps all contribute to more comfortable ingress and egress, and spacious cabin for 4 adults.
• Next-generation telematics to add to outdoor fun. The dome-shaped monitor shows two different images to convey the information for the driver and for the passenger at the same time.

Suzuki's officials of that time said that the Landbreeze was a study of how the next generation Jimny could look like, and addressed one of the main issues of the current generation Jimny experienced by it's owners, which according to a research Suzuki did, was inadequate access to the back seats. The Landbreeze had unique doors on it's sides, which included a smaller rear sub doors, to solve that.

Suzuki X-Lander Concept

The X-Lander was first displayed at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show. The car is based on the current Jimny's platform, and is intended for drivers who use their car in the city and sometimes go out to play in the field.

The X-Lander is equipped with a 1.3L engine and a newly developed automatically controlled manual transmission. It incorporates a compact lightweight hybrid system equipped with a highly-efficient motor built onto a 4WD system, achieving both up-to-date environmental performance and excellent running performance. The vehicle design is loaded with full of playful touches so that the vehicle looks like a fusion of off-road power and mechanical precision.

 



No official statements were made by Suzuki about whether they will make a production model based on the X-Lander concept or not. But either way, the concept car might give us a hint on what Suzuki had in mind about the next generation Jimny.

Next Generation Technologies

Within the past couple of years, Suzuki has introduced a number of new technologies, including a number of new engine technologies, and a new all wheel drive system. Below is a list of technologies that we think might make it to the next generation Jimny.

All Grip - All Wheel Drive System

ALLGRIP is Suzuki's new all wheel drive system aimed at delivering "driving pleasure and peace of mind in any conditions". The system provides four driving modes, each for different driving situations.




AUTO MODE
Prioritises fuel economy in typical driving conditions. The system automatically switches to 4WD if it detects wheel slippage.

SPORT MODE
Improves cornering performance by allocating more torque to the rear wheels. Engine response is improved by optimising the accelerator and torque characteristics in a CVT-equipped vehicle.

SNOW MODE
Optimal for snowy, unpaved, and other slippery surfaces. Enhances traction during acceleration and promotes stability.

LOCK MODE
For getting out of snow, mud, or sand. Apportions more torque to the rear wheels, while the ESP and other control technologies are optimised to get the car free.

The AllGrip All Wheel Drive system is currently available on two of Suzuki's latest four wheel drive models, the SX4 S Cross and the All-New Vitara.

DUALJET Engine

Suzuki's new DUALJET engine technology results in higher fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emissions by tampering with fuel injectors, piston crowns, and fitting a new type of EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation).



The DUALJET technology positions the fuel injectors very close to the engine inlet valves allows for a finer fuel atomisation (or mixture) which in turn provides a more effective transfer into the cylinder. Internal modifications to the engine include the use of a new type of inlet port and combustion chamber with other mechanical parts also modified to reduce frictional losses and facilitate smoother running.

The piston crowns have also been modified with a slight bowl shape to achieve higher air turbulence inside the cylinder, and the pistons have cooling oil jets to help reduce internal temperatures. Additionally, a new type of Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system is used which helps avoid abnormal combustion or ‘knocking’. These modifications have resulted in a higher compression ratio compared to non-DUALJET engines.

The DUALJET technology is now available on Suzuki's Swift and Celerio hatchbacks.

BOOSTERJET Engine

BOOSTERJET is Suzuki’s new low displacement direct-injection turbo petrol engine, which realises improvement of fuel efficiency by incorporating direct-injection technology, while boosting output and torque with a turbocharger.



Besides delivering excellent fuel efficiency and dynamic performance, this compact, lightweight engine features an optimised layout and weight-reduction technology in order to meet rigorous size and weight requirements in vehicle development.

Suzuki will begin manufacturing the BOOSTERJET engines and fitting them on their production models later this year.

Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki (SHVS)

SHVS is Suzuki’s new mild hybrid system incorporating an ISG (integrated starter generator), provides engine power assistance using the motor and achieves efficient power regeneration.



The SHVS system also features lithium-ion batteries. Coupled with a newly-developed high-efficiency ISG, this regenerative braking system is the perfect hybrid system for a compact car. As well as improving fuel efficiency, it also keeps down the size, weight, and cost.

The SHVS was first fitted on the Suzuki iM-4 concept car displayed at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show.

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