The Suzuki Jimny line-up has grown to five derivatives, with two fresh GL variants having quietly joined the range in South Africa. Here’s how much the newcomers cost…

Suzuki Auto South Africa, which posted yet another record sales month in February 2022, has expanded its Jimny range with the addition of a pair of mid-spec GL models.

When the fourth-generation version of the plucky little off-roader arrived in South Africa in 2018, the line-up comprised three derivatives: the base GA in five-speed manual form and the flagship GLX in both manual and four-speed automatic guise.

Back then, the Jimny was built exclusively in Japan, though with the Kosai facility struggling to keep up with surging global demand, waiting lists here in South Africa soon exceeded a year. However, Suzuki Auto SA recently started sourcing its Jimny stock from Maruti’s Gurgaon production line in India, which assembles the vehicle from what the company describes as “100% Japanese-sourced parts and components”.

With a larger, more reliable stream of vehicles now coming in from the subcontinent, local sales of the Jimny have picked up nicely, with the 394 units registered in February helping Suzuki Auto SA hit a new monthly sales record of 3 240 units. In fact, the Jimny was the third most popular Suzuki in February, behind the likewise Indian-built Swift (1 313 units) and Vitara Brezza (664 units).

So, what about the new GL derivatives? Well, they’re mechanically identical to their siblings – so, the naturally aspirated 1.5-litre four-cylinder K15B engine still delivers 75 kW and 130 Nm to all four corners, with a choice of manual (R336 900) and automatic (R357 900) cog-swappers – but they gain some extra kit over the admittedly basic GA model.

These upgrades include electric windows, electrically adjustable side mirrors, alloy wheels, audio controls on the steering wheel, Bluetooth functionality and remote central locking. While the single GA variantmakes do with a 2-year/30 000 km service plan, the GL features the higher-spec GLX’s more generous 4-year/60 000 km version. A 5-year/200 000 km promotional warranty applies to all models.

As a reminder, the range-topping GLX trim level is distinguished byautomatic LED headlamps, automatic climate control, cruise control, touchscreen system (with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality), a leather-trimmed steering wheel and a rear cargo “convenience package”, which includes an additional 12-volt socket, rear interior light and flat-floor luggage box.

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How much does the Suzuki Jimny cost in South Africa?

Suzuki Jimny 1.5 GA – R318 900

Suzuki Jimny 1.5 GL – R336 900

Suzuki Jimny 1.5 GL AT – R357 900

Suzuki Jimny 1.5 GLX – R356 900

Suzuki Jimny 1.5 GLX AT – R377 900