Stretched off-roader will be available here in one trim level, with the option of a manual or automatic transmissions
The 2023 Suzuki Jimny 5-Door has been approved for Australian roads and official government homologation data reveals the long-awaited long-wheelbase compact off-roader will be offered Down Under in both manual and automatic guises, albeit with the same trim level.
Exactly which equipment grade that is remains to be seen, but odds are it will be the same GLX specification that accounts for the bulk of Jimny 3-Door sales here, judging by the LED exterior lighting and alloy wheels shown in the sample image accompanying the homologation data.
As we reported at its global reveal, the five-door Jimny shares all of its key mechanical details with the three-door, but obviously rides on a longer wheelbase and adds a pair of rear doors, meaning the whole family can enjoy the iconic small 4×4’s rugged capability without being squeezed in like sardines, especially on a camping trip or if the dog comes too.
The five-door is specifically 340mm longer than the three-door (3985mm v 3645mm) and all that extra length can be found between the axles. And according to the homologation data, this adds 82kg to the Jimny’s kerb weight when compared like-for-like.
There’s no change to the vehicle’s 1300kg braked towing capacity, 210mm ground clearance or width (1645mm), however, the five-door is listed as standing 20mm shorter than the three-door despite being fitted with identical 15-inch rolling stock.
The publishing of the five-door Jimny’s homologation data means Suzuki Australia is now clear to proceed with the model’s local introduction and suggests it could be in local showrooms by the end of the year, pending supply.
Suzuki Australia managing director Michael Pachota has spoken previously of his desire to launch the new Jimny variant by the end of the year, but conceded an early 2024 arrival was more likely.
carsales has contacted the Japanese brand for an update on the model’s local timeline and will amend this article if or when we get confirmation.
In May, the Jimny 3-Door set a new monthly sales record in Australia, notching up 748 deliveries despite the fact the more popular automatic version was pulled from sale earlier this year due to a backlog of customer orders.
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Keyword: Suzuki Jimny 5-Door approved for Australia