News Release

Design Award for Suzuki's Green Jimny Four Wheel Drive

15 December 2008
New Zealand’s most environmentally friendly four-wheel-drive lifestyle vehicle has won another international award.

The iconic Suzuki Jimny has been presented with the 2008 Long Selling Good Design Award by Japan’s Ministry of International Trade and Industry.

The annual award is the only comprehensive design evaluation and endorsement accolade in Japan and aims to improve lives and advance industry through good design.

Originally launched in 1970 as the first small motor vehicle with genuine four-wheel-drive off-road capability, the Jimny has proved popular not only in Japan but internationally.

Part of the Jimny’s widespread appeal is its application in difficulty terrain, its practicality as a police patrol, for postal deliveries and local body uses, and as a lifestyle car for off-roading and other leisure activities.

The current model is the third generation version with timeless styling that has won the praises of independent judges.

A special award was conferred on the Jimny to honour and highlight a product that not only enjoys long-lasting popularity but also continues to inspire fresh thinking about manufacturing and lifestyles.

Many recipients have been manufactured and marketed in accordance with their original product concept for ten years and more.

“In line with the key words ‘small’, ‘light’ and ‘powerful’, the Jimny gives brisk performance and embodies excellence as a compact, lightweight four-wheel-drive vehicle,” said the Japanese judging committee.

“Its on-going evolution is characterised not only by improvements in quality and performance but also by efforts to accommodate contemporary needs through improvements in lightness, fuel economy and recyclability,” said the judges.

Not only does the Jimny emit the lowest CO2 emissions of any petrol four-wheel-drive Sport Utility Vehicle sold in New Zealand, but the 7.2 litres/100 kilometer combined fuel cycle average makes it highly economical.

Tom Peck, General Manager of Marketing for Suzuki New Zealand Ltd, said the enduring design of Jimny had clearly been a factor in determining the latest award.

“As well as being a good looking vehicle, Jimny’s practical benefits and easy driving manners have won high praise from owners.

“While the styling of the Jimny is little changed from when the model launched in New Zealand in 1999, it is still as fresh and as appealing as it was a decade ago,” he said.  

Powering this smallest of the Suzuki 4WD models is the proven M13A multi-valve engine, producing 63 kW of power and 110 Nm of torque.

For added strength and durability, the Jimny boasts a separate body on chassis construction. All-round coil suspension is fitted and the Drive Select 4WD system allows the Suzuki to tackle much tougher driving conditions than many “soft-roader” SUVs.

An overall length of 3,625mm, a high driving position and a tight 9.8 meter turning circle allow it to be maneuvered about town and parked with ease in tight spaces.

Three versions of the 1.3-litre Jimny are available in New Zealand, with the JX manual carrying a recommended retail price of $17,800.

A higher specification Jimny Sierra manual, with standard anti-lock brakes, is $21,500, or $22,900 when specified with automatic transmission.