Compact SUV kind on pocket

The Suzuki Jimny is the least expensive new all-wheel-drive vehicle in New Zealand.

A new entry-level version of the Suzuki Jimny four-wheel-drive hardtop adds an affordable edge to the sport utility vehicle market.

Despite its modest dimensions, the 1.3-litre three-door Jimny is a serious off-roader, and the JX version brings the economical Suzuki within financial reach of more buyers.

The JX is additional to Suzuki's four-wheel-drive line-up that also includes the higher specification Jimny JLX and Grand Vitara range.

With a recommended retail price of $16,990, the Jimny JX, with its five-speed manual transmission, is the least-expensive new all-wheel-drive vehicle available in New Zealand.

This compares with $19,990 for more comprehensively specified Jimny JLX five-speed manual or $21,500 when equipped with the four-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission.

Suzuki pioneered the small, low-cost four-wheel-drive vehicle in 1970. This model became the highly successful SJ series which developed into the better-equipped and more sophisticated Jimny.

Farmers, local bodies, companies and private motorists have asked for a lower specification Jimny which retains the same inbred qualities as the "go anywhere" mini SUV.

Mechanically identical to the JLX model, the JX retains the body colour flared wheel arches and side splash panels of the more expensive Suzuki.

It still has power assisted steering, a three-spoke urethane steering wheel, dual front airbags, lights-off reminder and key reminder warnings, cup holders, fabric seat trim, reclining front and rear seats and an accessory socket.

Also standard are halogen headlamps, intermittent wipers, rear wipers with intermittent function, and height adjustable front seat belts.

Unlike most "soft" off-roaders, the Jimny boasts a separate full-frame chassis for off-road work.

It has high/low ratio transfer gears and two reverse gear ratios, while the drive select transmission allows the driver to shift from two- to four-wheel-drive on the move.

During normal motoring in good conditions, the Jimny is in two-wheel drive, with drive to the rear wheels.

The Jimny JX is powered by a 1.3-litre, double overhead camshaft engine with four valves per cylinder and variable valve timing.

Maximum power of 63kW (84bhp) is developed at 6000rpm and the engine achieves 110Nm of torque at 4100 rpm.

In the official combined fuel cycle that includes both urban and highway operation, the Jimny averages 7.3 litres/100 km (38.7mpg).

Split folding rear seats fold forward for extra load carrying space when only the front seats are required for occupants.