Suzuki Jimny 2021: no-frills Lite grade here in August

Suzuki has announced the 2021 Jimny Lite as a stripped-back entry-level grade that will go on sale in August of this year.

The Jimny small SUV was initially released in 2019 and has seen significant success with the sole GLX grade, which is traditionally the highest grade in the lineup for most Suzuki models.

Suzuki says the Jimny Lite will remain unchanged from a performance standpoint with the same naturally aspirated 1.5L four-cylinder under the bonnet making 75kW of power and 130Nm of torque, though the new grade will only be available with the five-speed manual.

While pricing has not yet been released, the new grade appears to be pursuing a lower entry cost with a notable amount of equipment stripped out to make it a proper no-frills 4×4.

Namely, this includes the fitment of a simple radio and CD player combination in place of the 7.0-inch touchscreen though you’ll still be able to use Bluetooth to play music and take calls.

On the outside, the Jimny Lite wears 15-inch steel wheels instead of alloys of the same size and black plastic mirror caps are used instead of body-coloured metal. 

Additionally, in place of the LED headlights Suzuki has fitted halogen bulbs and the fog lights are also no longer standard.

Of course, the main appeal of the Jimny, its sheer 4×4 ability, still remains with a ladder frame chassis, low-range gearing and three-link rigid axle suspension with coil springs that channels power through a proper four wheel drive system.

Carrying over from the existing Jimny GLX is equipment like air conditioning as well as safety features like AEB, lane departure warning and six airbags.

Pricing will be announced when the Jimny Lite goes on sale on August 1, though expect it to cost less than the current GLX at $28,490 (before on-road costs) – though demand has sent prices up to around $45,000 at some dealerships.

While high demand is expected, Suzuki maintained it would enforce a fair allocation process and require customers to form an orderly line as it attempts to clear a long backlog.

Suzuki Jimny 2021: prices in Australia

All prices listed are before on-road costs.

• Jimny Lite: TBA
• Jimny GLX (manual): $28,490
• Jimny GLX (auto): $29,990