RM 200k Suzuki Jimny sold out in Thailand, what about Malaysia?

The all-new fourth-generation Suzuki Jimny made its global debut in July 2018 and gradually made its way to various markets a few months later.

It was introduced in Thailand in March 2019, with prices ranging from THB 1.55 million to THB 1.65 million (that's roughly RM 205k, mind you). For context, the CBU Japan Suzuki Jimny is priced more than the Honda Accord (THB 1.475 million onwards) and Honda CR-V (from THB 1.369 million) in Thailand.

Despite these prices, all 90 units allocated for Thailand were sold out.

Although the Suzuki Jimny is no more in Thailand, other countries in this region continue to sell the Jimny, including Singapore, Philippines, and Indonesia.

Speaking of Indonesia, the Suzuki Jimny was introduced there in mid-2019 and has been very well-received. In fact, the Suzuki Jimny is so well received that the waiting period currently stands at 2 years.

To recap, the fourth-generation Suzuki Jimny is available with two body styles. The first is the narrow-body kei car version that is sold exclusively in Japan, while the other is the wider Jimny Sierra.

Also Read: Suzuki to return to Malaysia, which models are coming?

Powering the cute-looking kei car version of the Jimny is a turbocharged 660-cc three-cylinder petrol engine that does 64 PS and 96 Nm, mated to a four-speed automatic or a five-speed manual.

The Jimny Sierra is sold as the Jimny outside of Japan and is powered by a naturally-aspirated 1.5-litre petrol engine that dispenses 102 PS and 130 Nm. Transmission choices mirror the kei car version of the Jimny.

Also Read: One of the world’s largest carmakers is making a comeback, does Malaysia have room for it?

What about Malaysia?

Chances of the Suzuki Jimny being sold officially in Malaysia is very likely, but don't expect it to be cheap. 

Since 2019, recond car dealers in Malaysia have begun selling both versions of the Suzuki Jimny. The kei car Jimny is priced from RM 145k, while the wider Jimny Sierra is priced from RM 155k. 

These prices put the tiny Suzuki Jimny well above the larger Honda HR-V (RM 104k to RM 118k) and Toyota Corolla Cross (RM 124k to RM 134k), appealing to those who has really deep pockets for a niche model like this.

While several recond units of the Suzuki Jimny have found new homes in Malaysia, its popularity here is no match for Thailand and Indonesia - even with its exorbitant prices or long waiting period in those countries.

That's really a lot of money for something this small leh

Though pricey, the Suzuki Jimny offers something the mainstream HR-V and Corolla Cross lack - character. Just look at the Jimny's retro-inspired design, no other modern-day SUV is able to replicate it as well as the Jimny.

But don't let its cutesy looks fool you into thinking that the Jimny is all looks and no go; the Suzuki Jimny is far more capable doing off-road stuff than any modern-day "SUV" could ever imagine. All of these are courtesy of the Jimny's ladder-frame platform and part-time 4WD system. 

Just look up videos of the Jimny strutting along in an off-road course and tell us you're not impressed with how the little thing just tackles it with ease. Adding to its appeal is watching the Jimny's front-end just bobbing around as it goes along.

The Suzuki Jimny is not a car that needs your validation. No, it's a statement from Suzuki that modern-day cars still can have character in a sea of soulless machines.