Product Showcase

A closer look at Suzuki’s Jimny

Zest Magazine takes a closer look at Suzuki Jimny JLX – MT.

Published

8 years ago

February 23, 2017

M.D. dela Cruz Tan

Butch.

The one word to describe Suzuki Jimny. That was my first impression of it, that first time I saw a unit traversing the roads of Tagaytay, seemingly calling for attention as a somewhat masculine – albeit in a cute way – car a la Jeep Wrangler.

That word returned to me when the unit to test arrived in Las Piñas.

Look-wise (from outside), the Jimny is somewhat of an attention-grabber, with a rugged retro look that could easily remind one of the likes of the early Wranglers or early RAV4 or – perhaps also more aptly – those locally-made owner-type jeeps (particularly in provinces) that served as the very first vehicle driven by oh-so-so many. With fog lamps, hood scoop, roof rails, 15″ alloy wheels and “masculine” color options (i.e. Superior White, Silky Silver Metallic, Granite Grey, Bluish Black Pearl and Cool Khaki Pearl Metallic), this one’s somewhat of a hot item when seen.

Inside Jimny, though, it’s a different story. The word that comes to mind is… functional; in a tight (if not cluttered) space. The seats – which use synthetic leather upholstery – are stiff. The headrest for the front seats are awkwardly positioned, so that the user is forced to firmly sit; no slouching or even comfy napping/sleeping can be done here (this perky position can be good for the driver as it keeps one awake; but it can be tiring when doing long drives).

At the back, two passengers (as there are only two seatbelts there) will have to fight for space to be comfy, and forcing three can be a nightmare (if they fit at all, depending on the built and weight of the passengers; though small kids should do). The back seats can fold (for luggage), and truth be told, layout may have been better this way – i.e. turn it into a two-seater, or (if this isn’t an option at all) with the back passengers facing each other and the empty space in front of them serving as space for stuff/luggage (much like the owner type jeeps); at least if this is the layout, legroom may be bettered.

There are definitely numerous pluses – e.g. fully-trimmed (albeit plastic-looking/feeling) dashboard, well positioned meters (easy reading indeed), high seating position (oozes with sex appeal; aside from allowing you to actually see your hood, like some lord/lady overseeing his/her space), cool A/C (I suppose for the small space this isn’t surprising), dual front airbags, multiple storage spaces (the sides for the back passengers have the armrest, for instance), and 2WD/4WD/4WD-L options. And – this has to be stressed – HUGE windows that seem to place who’s inside the Jimny outside, too. It’s almost like being in a room with floor-to-ceiling windows.

Let me state, though, that perhaps because of its size, the Jimny is also seen as “cute”. I’ve lost count how many times the Jimny has been complimented as “way nice” – e.g. truck drivers in Agoncillo, Batangas; traffic enforcers in Lucban, Quezon; passersby in Balayan, Batangas; and even pedestrians in Bacoor, Cavite. If combining “cute” and “butch” is possible, then the Jimny’d be the exemplification of that…

The Jimny’s size bodes well in city driving (I have seen smaller cars in the streets of San Francisco; but this comes close). Squeezing in the unrealistically tight parking spaces of, say, Cybergate in Mandaluyong City (behind Robinson Forum) or Greenbelt is somewhat breezy.

But with the reservations re the Jimny’s compactness (here mainly because it really is TIGHT), how it performs matters big time.

And the Jimny has an all-aluminum engine, with the twincom 1,328cm3 powerplant spinning to high revs to provide lots of torque and instant response (e.g. traverse EDSA and fight for street space with the buses or truck there, and note the Jimny’s more than apt handling, braking and accelerating).

But of course this is also being sold as an all-terrain vehicle. Specifically:

Press the 2WD button to disengage the front driveshaft and reduce noise and vibration;
Press the 4WD button to engage the 4H setting, which is ideal for off-road surfaces; and
Press the 4WD-L button, which engages the 4L setting, for even rougher terrain.

#1 was easy; that’s basically the “normal” driving with the Jimny – e.g. Coastal Road (from Baclaran to Las Piñas), where (true to form) noise and vibration were reduced.

I’d say fuel consumption for city driving wasn’t as good as other Suzuki offerings (at least in my experience, think Ciaz and Celerio), with a full tank covering approx. 300kms. This is no gas guzzler, yes; but seeing how fast that dial went down from “F” to “E” gave me (as always) that anxious feeling…

For #2 and #3, off we went to the south to try the Jimny. The off-road capabilities of the Jimny were tested at Naculo Falls, a somewhat hidden and not-that-often visited destination in Cavinti, Laguna (not too far from Pagsanjan). I didn’t know until late(r), but – as per local chika (storytelling) – the road wasn’t that good there that a van just stopped running; the same van is still there, left in the middle of (almost) nowhere. When there, the locals (they carry gravel from the area near the falls to the upper areas of Cavinti) just said the roads are “madulas (slippery)”. Only when we were trying to maneuver out of the “putik (mud)” did they say: “Puwedeng iwanan ang sasakyan sa taas (You can leave the car in the upper area).” But the Jimny held well; able to traverse the slippery slopes.

Perhaps worth noting was the benefit of the size of the Jimny in this situation. Because it was small-ish, the center of gravity was a-OK; and chances of turning over didn’t even occur to me. And then when there was an area where the Jimny could be turned around (instead of just attempting to get out of the literally sticky situation by reversing), the unit fitted the tight spot well.

But rough(er) roads weren’t the only contexts that used the 4WD and 4WD-L capabilities of the Jimny. From Cavinti back to Las Piñas, we traversed the less frequented roads that allow tourists (like moi!) to enjoy the small towns that thrive along Taal Lake – e.g. Laurel, Agoncillo and Nasugbu. There, the roads were, I’d say, almost pasted on irregularly shaped hills, so that driving meant needing power. Smaller inclines only needed 2WD; but 4WD (and at times 4WD-L) helped a lot for the sharper climbs.

Road surface-wise, I noted, too, how Jimny was “malikot (moved a lot)” on concrete road; but wasn’t on asphalt. Outside the city, fuel consumption got better. From full tank to nil, well over 400kms were covered.

I still think Jimny’s one butch/masculine car. Or perhaps that’s just because I’m nostalgic for a retro-looking offering (?). But looks – as we know – aren’t everything when buying cars. And here, Jimny can be said to be… lacking, e.g. the cramped space inside, ultra-basic offerings (I don’t know why but the AM/FM player reminds me of the tow vehicles in outback Australia), no accessories that should be (as we say in tech world) OOTB (“out of the box”; such as that much-needed USB outlet), not-that-comfy driving (check the aforementioned stiff seats and non-adjustable headrests), not even a driver’s seatbelt reminder lamp, singular inside light, no fuel consumption gauge, tunog lata sound system, et cetera.

Yes, it delivers on the 4×4 experience it promises – to an extent. And yes, it does have its pluses (also as earlier mentioned).

And so, I suppose, the Jimny’s appeal will be very… personal.

I’m trying to find a fitting analogy cum summation here…

So now let me put it this way: If, for instance, you are a bachelor only looking to drive a somewhat mean-looking car (with the 4WD promise to boot), then by all means, consider the Jimny.
But the moment you want to take someone home with you, and you’d already need that comfy passenger seat (as well as the other she-bangs) to accommodate the other party/parties, then the Jimny becomes a tricky proposition.

This may not be the coolest analogy/summation (I know, I know…), but you get the point…

Jimny comes in three variants: JX 1.3L – M/T (selling for P738,000); JLX 1.3L – M/T (P790,000); and JLX 1.3L – A/T (P845,000).

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M.D. dela Cruz Tan

M.D. dela Cruz Tan is the founder of Zest Magazine. And no, the initials (i.e. M.D.) do not make him a "medical doctor" (as many have erroneously thought in the past); he is actually a graduate of Bachelor of Arts (Communication Studies) of the University of Newcastle in New South Wales Australia (just don't ask when, he says). He can: photograph, do artworks with mixed media, write (of course), shoot flicks, community-organize, facilitate, lecture, research (with pioneering studies under his belt)... this one's a multi-tasker, who is even conversant in Filipino Sign Language. Cross his path is the dare (read: It won't be boring).

Product Showcase

Policymate offers dengue insurance amidst rising cases

Advanced Abilities’ online insurance platform, Policymate, is offering Dengue Insurance with Select DengueGuard Medical Insurance by Pacific Cross. This provides PHP 10,000 worth of coverage for in-patient and out-patient treatments.

Published

3 days ago

October 1, 2024

ZestMag.com Staff

The rainy season has begun in the Philippines, which means Filipinos need to be more mindful of dengue symptoms that might arise. There has been a boost in dengue cases this 2024, with a 68% increase in comparison to 2023. Given the uptrend, it has become more crucial to be mindful of possible dengue symptoms, such as high fevers, severe migraines, and body pain.

“With the rising dengue cases, it’s very pressing now to be prepared for whatever symptoms you may experience. We’re pleased to share this opportunity and support Filipinos in their times of need with our dengue insurance coverage on Policymate. Sudden illness can be alarming, and with our offerings, we hope to ease our clients’ worries,” says Angelo Antonio “AA” Buendia, CEO and President of Advanced Abilities.

Aside from Dengue Insurance, Policymate also offers a holistic array of Medical Insurance options from Pacific Cross to suit a variety of emergencies. Users may opt to avail of more than one type of policy in order to gain more coverage, which may vary from emergency medical conditions, COVID treatment, and even post-hospitalization medication coverage.

For instance, a client confined for dengue may purchase the Select DengueGuard policy, then on top of that, they may also purchase Select Assist in order to boost coverage for their final hospital bill. This way, clients may also maximize different benefits from the two products.

With Policymate’s user-friendly platform and interface, users are able to browse and select their preferred Medical Insurance policy as needed. This hassle-free process makes filing for claims and tracking updates as easy as possible, with insurance coverage being made accessible for all Filipinos.

“One of our goals has always been to bring modern services to Filipinos all over the country,” shares Buendia. “With Policymate, anyone can easily purchase the insurance policy they need and treat their illnesses as immediately as possible.” Policymate also provides options for Travel Insurance, Accident Insurance, Property Insurance, Automobile Insurance, and Pet Insurance.

Product Showcase

‘Manulife Stories’ video series launched

In this three-episode series, Manulife customers Peach Abella, Mark David, KL Fernando, Marielle Malaga, Yvonne Reyes, and Manulife brand ambassador and policyholder Anne Curtis share their personal stories of resilience and how investing in themselves paid off over time.

Published

6 days ago

September 28, 2024

ZestMag.com Staff

Manulife Philippines proudly presents “Manulife Stories,” a video series that celebrates the achievements of realized dreams and the challenges overcome to reach them. This campaign reinforces Manulife’s new brand strategy and global tagline, “Where will better take you.”

“At the core of every insurance policy is a very human story. No matter the situation, we want our customers to feel supported and know we are looking after their dreams and those of their families,” said Sonali Verma, Chief Marketing Officer, Manulife Philippines.

“It is heartwarming to hear our customers talk about how the Manulife team gave them the support and encouragement when they needed it most. Through ‘Manulife Stories,’ we hope to inspire more Filipinos to take proactive steps toward their financial security, knowing that Manulife will be their trusted partner in securing a better future.”

The joys and tears of motherhood

When KL purchased her first Manulife policy, she never imagined its living benefits would play a crucial role in helping her and her husband start a family.

“My husband and I have been married for 14 years. We always wanted to have a baby. We tried everything and in vitro fertilization (IVF) was our last hope. I asked my financial advisor if I could withdraw from my policy to help pay for the procedure. She said yes and helped me with the whole process. A few months after, we had our son, Pedro,” KL shared.

Like KL, Anne Curtis credits her early financial planning for helping her better manage her pregnancy with her daughter Dahlia during the pandemic.

“Everyone was in lockdown, it was a scary feeling. Lalo na I wasn’t working na so may fear of, “paano ‘to?” Of course, I had my husband to help me through it and I had that security also of the insurance that I had in case anything would happen to me. That’s why sobra akong saya (I’m so happy) that at an early age, I decided to prepare. I feel that Manulife has helped me feel assured. From being a single person who loved to travel, now I’m prepared for my own family,” Anne said.

Legacies that save a child’s future

Losing a loved one is destabilizing and it comes with financial and emotional challenges that some families may not be fully prepared to handle. Two families share how their lives were made more secure in the long term with a proactive insurance plan.

Yvonne lost her husband when she was 30, leaving her a grieving single parent to a young daughter. Thanks to her Manulife insurance plan, Yvonne was able to put her daughter through nursing school. “That was when I realized, maybe there was a reason I had to get and keep that plan. Now, as a single parent, I can use the benefit payouts for my daughter’s tuition,” Yvonne shared.

Similarly, Marielle thought she would have to put her dreams of becoming a healthcare professional on hold to financially support her family, spending a month looking after her hospitalized mother. But, in Marielle’s words, she “luckily didn’t have to make that choice” after all. “The money from three combined (Manulife) policies was enough to help pay for her (stay in the) ICU, for the medical expenses, and allowed me to continue (studying) medicine,” Marielle said.

Providing for unique needs

Securing insurance for those with pre-existing conditions, can be challenging. Peach, who is HIV-positive, and Mark, who cares for his son with autism, intellectual development delay, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), found hope with Manulife.

“We weren’t able to find that security. Alam kong, hindi kaya [ng anak ko] na siya lang (I know that my son can’t do it on his own),” Mark shared. “He’s already disadvantaged. We want to give him every opportunity, everything that we can give him,” he added.

Filled with determination to financially secure themselves and their loved ones, both Mark and Peach found Manulife financial advisors who collaboratively worked with them to find the right insurance plan and became a good friend to them.

“Siya po yung tumulong, at siya ang rason, kung bakit ako may insurance policy. Hindi ko pababayaan. Sobrang thankful ko na secured na ako ngayon,” Peach said.

(“She helped me find the right insurance policy. She’s the reason I have one. I won’t let this go to waste, and I’m so thankful to be secured now.”)

Product Showcase

Pioneering physical rehab clinic Vital Kinetics opens new branch in MOA Complex

Vital Kinetics offers comprehensive rehabilitation services to those diagnosed with neurologic and musculoskeletal issues or injuries like movement disorder, stroke, sports, and spinal cord injuries.

Published

6 days ago

September 28, 2024

ZestMag.com Staff

Expanding its reach to provide cutting-edge physiotherapy and rehabilitation services to Filipinos, Vital Kinetics recently opened its newest branch at Five ECom Center, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City. The clinic’s other location is at Spark Place Mall, Cubao.

Vital Kinetics offers comprehensive rehabilitation services to those diagnosed with neurologic and musculoskeletal issues or injuries like movement disorder, stroke, sports, and spinal cord injuries. The clinic boasts a wide range of modern equipment that include therapeutic ultrasound, shockwave therapy, and dry needling – a technique, which targets affected muscles or trigger points, is not commonly available in other clinics due to its specialized certification requirement. To ensure patients receive comprehensive expert care, the clinic has assembled a highly qualified team of physiotherapy therapists and in-house orthopedic and rehabilitation doctors.

“Opening our new branch is an exciting milestone for us,” Vital Kinetics clinic manager Princess Pepito said. “It will allow us to serve more patients who need our services, especially in the fast-growing and highly urbanized MOA district.”

She added that with the expansion, they “hope to continue setting the standard for physiotherapy services in the Philippines, with the goal of giving Filipinos access to high-quality recovery care that aims to help them get back to their best physical condition as quickly and safely as possible.”

Vital Kinetics accepts bookings, walk-ins, home services, and PhilCare members. To know more about Vital Kinetics or to schedule an appointment, visit their branch or call 09618703148 or contact Ms. Princess Pepito at 09950549922.