Suzuki has increased the appeal of its Jimny range with the introduction of a midrange GL specification level.
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.
“No one, our team included, could have predicted the success of the Jimny in South Africa and across the globe. As a fully off-road capable SUV, it is as comfortable in the inner city as it is on the dunes of the Namib. And at a starting price of only R336 900 for the GL manual and R357 900 for the GL auto, it will the dreams of adventure a reality for thousands of people,” says Brendon Carpenter, Brand Marketing Manager at Suzuki Auto South Africa.
(Photo by Cornel van Heerden)
www.cornelvanheerden.com
Carpenter 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 the outside, the GL shares many of its GLX sibling’s features. Chief among these are the hardened off-road-ready alloy wheels, finished in 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.
Lastly, all Jimny models have Hill Descent Control, which electronically controls the engine and brakes during steep descents, allowing the driver to focus on steering inputs.
Rhino Edition Now Available
First announced in late 2021, the special Rhino Edition Kit will arrive at dealers at the same time as the new GL in manual and automatic options.
The kit resurrects the well-known Jimny Rhino logomark that first appeared on the Suzuki SJ series exactly 40 years ago. It has since become synonymous with the durability, plucky and go-anywhere nature of the Jimny.
The Rhino Edition adds the following design elements to a Jimny:
- Exclusive Rhino decals
- A Rhino-branded soft spare wheel cover
- The Suzuki Heritage grille
- Red Suzuki mud flaps
- Rain and wind deflectors
Suzuki Auto South Africa will also partner with its global parent company and affiliates across the world to support rhino conservation in South Africa and across the continent.
END
