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A closer look at Suzuki’s Jimny

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

Published

8 years ago

on

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:

  1. Press the 2WD button to disengage the front driveshaft and reduce noise and vibration;
  2. Press the 4WD button to engage the 4H setting, which is ideal for off-road surfaces; and
  3. 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 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), and Master of Development Communication from the University of the Philippines-Open University. 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).

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Nippon Paint unveils Weatherbond Quartz series

The product launch reflects Nippon Paint’s commitment of producing forward thinking solutions in response to Filipinos’ need of shielding their homes from harsh weather conditions.

Published

2 weeks ago

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May 8, 2025

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Nippon Paint (Coatings) Philippines, Inc., a Japanese-owned paint manufacturer, celebrated a major milestone with the unveiling of Weatherbond Quartz series, the company’s latest innovation in exterior wall paint designed to withstand the country’s tropical climate.

The product launch reflects Nippon Paint’s commitment of producing forward thinking solutions in response to Filipinos’ need of shielding their homes from harsh weather conditions.

Chen Lee Siong, general manager at Nippon Paint (Coatings) Philippines, Inc., said Nippon Paint understands people’s needs so they formulated the Weatherbond Quartz technology designed for Filipino homes to last, built for resilience or that could stand the test of time.

“It’s about understanding the heart of every Filipino home. It’s about recognizing that the walls of our houses hold much more than just structure; they hold memories, values, and dreams. And in a country like the Philippines, with its unpredictable and often harsh weather, we felt a responsibility to develop something special – something that offers unwavering protection, resilience, and a layer of trust that every homeowner can depend on. That’s what the Weatherbond Quartz series is all about,” said Chen Lee Siong.

A premium pure acrylic-based exterior paint, the Weatherbond Quartz series was formulated with quartz minerals into the paint, providing longer protection on exterior walls against rainwater, UV radiation and dirt penetration. The inherently stable structure of quartz provides strong resistance against the alkaline nature of walls and potential acidic elements in the atmosphere, ensuring a finish that not only looks great but also lasts longer. Using this technology, the series provides up to eight to 12 years of protection.

To provide comprehensive protection, the Weatherbond Quartz series offers other key features that include the following: Sunblock Technology which reduces surface temperature by up to 5-degree centigrade and provides UV protection; Keep Clean Technology or protection of walls against dirt penetration, keeping them looking fresh and clean; Color Care Technology or preserving the vibrancy of color to prevent fading, and giving UV protection for long lasting colors; Micro Block Technology that provides protection against fungus and algae; and Fibra Technology (featured in Weatherbond Ultimate) that enhances strength, or creates a resilient shield against cracks, peeling, and general wear and tear.

Specifically designed for exterior walls, the Weatherbond Quartz series is applied using brush or roller and application process recommended by Nippon Paint which involves preparing the surface, applying a sealer or primer coat, and then applying two to three coats of Weatherbond paint.

The new Weatherbond Quartz series is now available at selected Modern Trade stores. Weatherbond Quartz price starts at PhP442 for 1L, PhP1,692 for 5L and PhP4,821 for 15L.

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Cebu Pacific Catering Services (CPCS) pledges to source 100% cage-free eggs across its operations by 2030

“Our commitment to sourcing 100% cage-free eggs by 2030 reflects CPCS’s dedication to aligning with global sustainability standards while maintaining the highest quality in airline catering,” said Sherwin B. Olivar, General Manager at Cebu Pacific Catering Services Inc. “This initiative represents an important step in our ongoing efforts to implement responsible sourcing practices that meet international standards.”

Published

2 weeks ago

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May 6, 2025

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Cebu Pacific Catering Services (CPCS) won praise from international NGO Lever Foundation for committing to sourcing 100% cage-free eggs across its operations by 2030. This commitment aligns CPCS with a growing movement among international airline caterers to advance animal welfare standards in their supply chains.

“Our commitment to sourcing 100% cage-free eggs by 2030 reflects CPCS’s dedication to aligning with global sustainability standards while maintaining the highest quality in airline catering,” said Sherwin B. Olivar, General Manager at Cebu Pacific Catering Services Inc. “This initiative represents an important step in our ongoing efforts to implement responsible sourcing practices that meet international standards.”

A joint venture between MacroAsia Corporation, Cathay Pacific Catering Services of Hong Kong, and MGO Pacific Resources Corporation, CPCS prepares over 2000 meals daily for International flights at Mactan-Cebu International Airport. The company’s commitment follows similar pledges by major airline caterers worldwide, including its partner Cathay Pacific Catering Services in Hong Kong, demonstrating a coordinated industry shift toward more responsible sourcing practices.

“CPCS’s full transition to cage-free eggs demonstrates its strong leadership in sustainability within the airline catering sector,” said Robyn del Rosario, Sustainability Program Manager at Lever Foundation, which worked with the company on developing its new commitment. “Their decision will influence regional supply chains and show how international partnerships can drive positive change in the aviation services industry.”

Cage-free egg production, in which hens are given the freedom to move in open indoor environments, improves animal welfare and significantly lowers food safety risks compared to caged egg production. Exhaustive research by the European Food Safety Authority found that cage-free egg farms are up to 25 times less likely to be contaminated with key strains of salmonella than caged egg farms. The production of caged eggs has been banned across Europe, as well as in the United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand, Bhutan and parts of India, Australia and the United States. An increasing number of consumers have also been leaving eggs off their plate as the best way to help laying hens.

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Fueling your body’s defense: Why nutrition is key to immune health

To support Filipinos on their daily wellness and help maintain their body’s natural defense, Herbalife will be launching ImmuLift in the Philippines.

Published

2 weeks ago

on

May 6, 2025

By

Your immune system is your body’s natural defense force—working tirelessly to shield you from viruses, bacteria, and disease. But like any powerful system, it can only function at its best when it’s properly fueled.

According to Dr. Luigi Gratton, Vice President, Office of Health and Wellness Chair, Herbalife Nutrition Advisory Board, nutrition plays a vital role in how well your immune system performs. A poor diet—high in processed sugars and saturated fats, and low in essential nutrients—not only weakens your body’s response to illness, it also makes recovery slower and more difficult. Over time, unhealthy eating habits can lead to chronic conditions like obesity and metabolic disease, which directly compromise immune strength.

This isn’t just theory—it’s an urgent reality. According to the World Obesity Atlas 2025, 38% of Filipino adults now have a high Body Mass Index or BMI. By 2030, the number of adults living with obesity is expected to rise to over 34 million[1]. These figures highlight a growing health crisis—one that underscores the urgent need to strengthen immune health through better nutrition.

The Hidden Power of Your Immune System

“Your immune system is a complex, intelligent network that doesn’t just react to illness – it works proactively to prevent it. It’s made up of billions of specialized cells, each playing a unique role including identifying threats, fighting infections, and repairing damage,” said Dr. Gratton.

He further added that this army of cells can’t operate without the right fuel. That’s where nutrition comes in. To stay strong and responsive, your immune system relies on a consistent supply of nutrients — including protein, healthy fats, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and plant-based antioxidants. Protein helps build and repair immune cells. Omega-3 fats help manage inflammation. Fiber supports gut health, which is closely linked to immune function. And essential micronutrients like vitamins A, C, D, and minerals like zinc and magnesium all play vital roles in keeping your body in balance.

Nutrition That Makes a Difference

We’ve seen how long-term nutrient deficiencies can have widespread health effects. For example, vitamin A deficiency became such a significant issue in many developing countries that the World Health Organization recommended universal supplementation—an intervention the World Bank called one of the most cost-effective in global health.

“Whether it’s vitamins, minerals, protein, or plant-based antioxidants, your body needs a consistent, balanced intake of these nutrients to support your immune system and keep it doing what it does best which is to defend your health, every single day,” concluded Dr. Gratton.

To support Filipinos on their daily wellness and help maintain their body’s natural defense, Herbalife will be launching ImmuLift in the Philippines.

[1] https://data.worldobesity.org/publications/?cat=23#PH

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