Photo: Suzuki Malaysia / edited
The body-on-frame sport utility vehicle isn't merely a pickup truck with a bed topper. Certain body-on-frame SUVs are designed from the outset as sport utility vehicles, and one great example in this regard is the long-running Suzuki Jimny.
Almost killed off in Europe by Euro 6 regulations, the mountain goat from the Land of the Rising Sun has recently lost its rear seats in this part of the world. Now classified as a light commercial vehicle, a category whose fleet average CO2 emissions target is far more lenient, the cutesy little Jimny also spawned a long-wheelbase variant with five doors in India.
An electric version is also under development over the upcoming Euro 7 regulations, which are considered a de facto ban on the sale of the sale of new combustion-only vehicles. Both automakers and unions like to exaggerate the effects of Euro 7, but still, Suzuki understands that pivoting to electric vehicles as soon as possible will pay dividends in the future.
In the meantime, the combustion-engined Jimny we all know and love has received yet another special edition. The Rhino carries a sticker price of 174,900 ringgit, which converts to circa $37,610 or €34,290 at current exchange rates. Other than the Rhino graphic on the spare wheel cover and Rhino badge on the swing gate, prospective customers are presented with decals over decals for the hood and doors.
The decals proudly state "Real Offroader" in uppercase letters, which is redundant given that everyone knows how capable the Jimny is off the beaten path. The cringey decals are offset by front bumper and side under garnish, look-at-me mud flaps in red, as well as the black-finish Heritage Grille.
With so many SUVs taking themselves too seriously nowadays, a colorful off-roader like the Jimny Rhino definitely stands out in the crowd. A differential guard is also standard, plus textile floor mats and touchscreen infotainment with Apple CarPlay. Built around a robust ladder frame, the Rhino features the same three-link rigid axle coil-sprung suspension as every other version of the Japanese model.
Equipped with low-range transfer gear part-time 4WD, brake LSD traction control, drum brakes for the rear axle, and a four-speed automatic, and 50:50 split-folding rear seats, the Rhino tops 140 kilometers per hour (87 miles per hour) and uses around 6.8 liters of fuel every 100 kilometers (34.6 mpg).
As with the previous generation, the Jimny's biggest issues are the lack of a six-speed transmission and powerful engine options. There is a turbo three-pot available for the kei version of the Jimny in Japan, but that one's underpowered as well.
The 1.5-liter I4 of the Rhino is a naturally-aspirated lump that belts out a puny 100 ps at 6,000 revolutions per minute and 130 Nm at 4,000 revolutions per minute, as in 99 horsepower and 96 pound-feet. Despite these small inconveniences, the Jimny is in a class of its own when it comes to fun factor.
Those intent on putting a deposit down on the Rhino need to act fast cos Suzuki Malaysia has only 30 examples of the breed in the offing.
An electric version is also under development over the upcoming Euro 7 regulations, which are considered a de facto ban on the sale of the sale of new combustion-only vehicles. Both automakers and unions like to exaggerate the effects of Euro 7, but still, Suzuki understands that pivoting to electric vehicles as soon as possible will pay dividends in the future.
In the meantime, the combustion-engined Jimny we all know and love has received yet another special edition. The Rhino carries a sticker price of 174,900 ringgit, which converts to circa $37,610 or €34,290 at current exchange rates. Other than the Rhino graphic on the spare wheel cover and Rhino badge on the swing gate, prospective customers are presented with decals over decals for the hood and doors.
The decals proudly state "Real Offroader" in uppercase letters, which is redundant given that everyone knows how capable the Jimny is off the beaten path. The cringey decals are offset by front bumper and side under garnish, look-at-me mud flaps in red, as well as the black-finish Heritage Grille.
With so many SUVs taking themselves too seriously nowadays, a colorful off-roader like the Jimny Rhino definitely stands out in the crowd. A differential guard is also standard, plus textile floor mats and touchscreen infotainment with Apple CarPlay. Built around a robust ladder frame, the Rhino features the same three-link rigid axle coil-sprung suspension as every other version of the Japanese model.
Equipped with low-range transfer gear part-time 4WD, brake LSD traction control, drum brakes for the rear axle, and a four-speed automatic, and 50:50 split-folding rear seats, the Rhino tops 140 kilometers per hour (87 miles per hour) and uses around 6.8 liters of fuel every 100 kilometers (34.6 mpg).
As with the previous generation, the Jimny's biggest issues are the lack of a six-speed transmission and powerful engine options. There is a turbo three-pot available for the kei version of the Jimny in Japan, but that one's underpowered as well.
The 1.5-liter I4 of the Rhino is a naturally-aspirated lump that belts out a puny 100 ps at 6,000 revolutions per minute and 130 Nm at 4,000 revolutions per minute, as in 99 horsepower and 96 pound-feet. Despite these small inconveniences, the Jimny is in a class of its own when it comes to fun factor.
Those intent on putting a deposit down on the Rhino need to act fast cos Suzuki Malaysia has only 30 examples of the breed in the offing.
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