Suzuki updates Jimny range with GL model
We love the Suzuki Jimny! Its iconic design and somewhat cult status has made it extremely popular over the years and the latest one even more so. Suzuki has realised this and has taken the decision to expand the current offering. The Jimny range now features a mid-range GL specification level and here are the details.
Designed to bring many of the must-have luxuries of the GLX to a wider audience, the GL slots in just above the utilitarian GA model and brings with it the option of an automatic transmission to the mid-range buyer.
Suzuki South Africa says that while sales of both the GA and GLX models have far exceeded their initial supply, they have spoken to many customers who would love more amenities than the GA provides but who cannot fully stretch their budgets to the GLX. This is especially true for customers looking for an automatic version.
In response to this demand, and in partnership with its Japanese Head Office and Indian manufacturing facility, Suzuki Auto South Africa has created the GL range.
Viewed from outside, the GL shares many of its GLX sibling’s features. Chief among these are the hardened off-road ready alloy wheels, finished in a smoky chrome trim and with an alloy-equipped full-size spare wheel. It also shares the flagship’s front fog lights in the squared-off front bumper. The GL will also be available with a choice of all body colours and the two-tone paint option, where the roof is finished in a contrasting colour to the rest of the body.
Inside the Jimny is where the GL answers all the questions posed by mid-range customers. The model is available with the choice of either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission, air conditioning and power steering as standard.
Also standard in the GL are electric windows, electrically adjustable mirrors and a Suzuki audio system with Bluetooth and USB connectivity, and steering wheel controls. Not finished, Suzuki has also added a 50:50 split rear bench seat and remote central locking as standard.
All Jimny models are fitted with a 1.5 litre petrol engine with variable valve timing and multi-point injection that delivers 75kW and 130Nm of torque at. This engine is rated at a frugal 6.3 litres/100 km for the manual model and 6.8 litres for the four-speed automatic version. All models are fitted with a ladder frame chassis, rigid axles in the front and rear with a three-link suspension system and a fully mechanical low range transfer case.
We can't wait to get our hands on this new derivative to see how it stacks up. Make sure you keep an eye on our social pages for more updates.
Also worth a look: the Suzuki Swift and the Suzuki Starts 2025 with Record-Breaking Sales in South Afric.
FAQ
Q: What does the Suzuki Jimny GL cost in South Africa?
The Suzuki Jimny GL starts at around R389,900 for the manual transmission version, while the automatic GL variant will set you back approximately R419,900, positioning it perfectly between the entry-level GA and the flagship GLX models.
Q: What are the key differences between the Jimny GL and GLX models?
The GL gets most of the GLX's exterior goodies like alloy wheels, fog lights and two-tone paint options, plus essential kit like aircon, electric windows and Bluetooth audio, but misses out on some of the GLX's premium interior touches and advanced features to keep the price more accessible.
Q: Is the Suzuki Jimny GL available with automatic transmission?
Yes, the Jimny GL is the first mid-range Jimny to offer a four-speed automatic transmission option alongside the standard five-speed manual, making it perfect for buyers who want convenience without stretching to GLX money.
Q: What standard features does the Jimny GL include?
The GL comes standard with air conditioning, power steering, electric windows, electrically adjustable mirrors, alloy wheels with full-size spare, front fog lights, and a Suzuki audio system with Bluetooth connectivity and steering wheel controls.
Q: Is the Suzuki Jimny GL worth buying in 2024?
Absolutely, the GL fills a crucial gap in the Jimny lineup by offering most of the desirable features from the GLX at a more reasonable price point, making it the sweet spot choice for buyers who want proper kit without breaking the bank.
Should You Buy It?
The best compact 4x4 under R420,000 in South Africa is definitely the new Suzuki Jimny GL. At R389,900 for the manual and R419,900 for the auto, it strikes the perfect balance between the basic GA and the fully-loaded GLX. You get the iconic Jimny looks, legendary off-road capability, plus all the modern conveniences like aircon, electric windows and Bluetooth audio that make daily driving bearable. The GL is a brilliant buy for anyone who wants a proper little 4x4 that can handle both the Sandton traffic and a weekend camping trip to the Drakensberg without requiring a second mortgage.
