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A closer look at Suzuki’s Jimny

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

Published

9 years ago

February 23, 2017

M.D. dela Cruz Tan, MDC

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, MDC

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).

Product Showcase

Fullerton Health celebrates two years of advancing preventive healthcare in PH

Published

1 week ago

July 16, 2026

ZestMag.com Staff

As more Filipino professionals navigate increasingly demanding careers and lifestyles, preventive healthcare is becoming less of an afterthought and more of a necessity.

From routine executive health screenings to proactive wellness programs, a growing number of business leaders, entrepreneurs, and working professionals are prioritizing early detection and long-term health management as part of their everyday lives. The shift reflects a broader understanding that staying productive, achieving personal goals, and maintaining overall well-being require more than treating illnesses when they arise—they require preventing them in the first place.

This evolving mindset is something Fullerton Health Philippines has witnessed firsthand.

Now celebrating their second anniversary, the organization continues to champion preventive healthcare as an essential part of modern living, helping more Filipinos take proactive steps toward better health through executive health screening, advanced diagnostics, and personalized wellness solutions.

“Our mission has always been to empower individuals to take control of their health before illnesses develop or progress. As we celebrate this milestone, we remain focused on helping more people live fuller, healthier lives through preventive care,” said Carmie de Leon, Country General Manager of Fullerton Health Philippines.

The growing emphasis on prevention has fueled Fullerton Health Philippines’ growth over the past two years. Since opening its doors, the organization has established itself as a trusted partner in executive health by combining advanced diagnostic capabilities, efficient patient experiences, and comprehensive health screening programs designed to offer efficient, fast, and seamless preventive healthcare experience.

A significant highlight in Fullerton Health Philippines’ journey this year was the recognition received at the Healthcare Asia Awards 2026, where they were honored as Specialty Clinic of the Year (Executive Health) – Philippines. The award recognizes the organization’s excellence in executive health screening, mainly in offering advanced diagnostic imaging technologies, evidence-based healthcare practices, and patient-centered care designed to support early detection and better health outcomes.

Fullerton Health Philippines has also expanded access through strategic partnerships with major HMO providers, healthcare organizations, and digital health platforms, making executive health screening more convenient for more Filipinos.

The company has also broadened its preventive health offerings through initiatives such as packages bundled with wellness perks that is also attractive for medical tourism, reflecting its belief that long-term well-being is supported by both preventive healthcare and holistic wellness experiences, as well as offering discounts in partnership with major payment networks to provide a more affordable option for Filipinos.

With this, Fullerton Health Philippines continues to receive consistent five-star reviews from clients. The strong satisfaction ratings reinforce the company’s position as a trusted partner in

preventive healthcare.

For Founder and Chairman of COL Financial Group, Inc., Edward K. Lee, preventive healthcare is an essential investment in maintaining both personal well-being and the ability to lead with confidence.

“Running a business means making decisions that prepare you for the future, and I believe the same mindset should apply to your health. Undergoing regular executive health screenings means I’m taking proactive steps to stay healthy for myself, my family, and the people who depend on me,” said Lee.

Similarly, President of Upgrade Energy Philippines Inc., Ruth Yu-Owen, who balances leadership responsibilities in the renewable energy sector while championing initiatives that create opportunities for Filipino women, sees preventive healthcare as an important part of sustaining both her personal well-being and professional pursuits.

“Being able to undergo a thorough health check-up provides me with the opportunity to improve my diet and make necessary lifestyle changes. Most importantly, it gives me peace of mind,” she shared.

These personal experiences reflect a broader shift toward proactive healthcare, where prevention becomes a cornerstone of long-term wellness rather than a response to illness.

Guided by its advocacy to help individuals to Live Fuller, Fullerton Health Philippines continues to champion a future where preventive healthcare is not just an option, but an integral part of everyday life.

Product Showcase

New IKEA PS Collection brings playful functionality into your home

With the pairing of Scandinavian design DNA, IKEA’s democratic design philosophy and sense of fun, the result — starting with the first PS Collection in 1995 — is a collection of playful forms and practical living.

Published

1 week ago

July 16, 2026

ZestMag.com Staff

Experts agree that emotional design is the difference between a house that simply functions and a home that makes you smile, creates connections, and moments to remember. It’s the lamp that infuses soft lighting in the bedroom when you read the kids a bedtime story, the utility cart that holds their crayons and drawings, the chair where you relax after a long day.

IKEA agrees with this philosophy and brings it to life with its new PS Collection. With the pairing of Scandinavian design DNA, IKEA’s democratic design philosophy and sense of fun, the result — starting with the first PS Collection in 1995 — is a collection of playful forms and practical living.

Considered as the “experimental playground” for the past 26 years, the collection has had nine editions released since then, each one exploring the future of Scandinavian design and producing some of IKEA’s most loved and enduring pieces.

In 2026’s modern spaces, the PS collection — the tenth edition — centers on useful, functional designs that give you what you need with an unexpected element of playfulness. Think an inflatable chair in bright green with chrome framing; a table clock that looks like a periscope to fire up the imagination; a chair that seems like a plywood puzzle that you solved; and so many more pieces — more than 30 pieces, will be available at the IKEA store in Mall of Asia and online.

Without losing their main function, the pieces were designed to have that happy duty to make people feel good too. “Less is more, simple but not a bore” is evident in the striking aesthetics, playful innovation and, equally important, the commitment to bring these pieces to the many in new ways.

IKEA’s famous and super affordable rice-paper pendant lamp, for instance, is now a half-moon lamp that’s almost three feet in size, casting soft glow to any room; the usual layered utility cart for decor and serving snacks now comes in a fun shade of blue with circular trays; storage solutions are made more stylish via the pink glass cabinet and multipurpose rattan ottoman. Each PS Collection piece brings a sense of spontaneity to any room.

With IKEA’s new PS Collection, spaces become playgrounds for kids, furniture pieces turn into memorable moments in the family’s history, and everyone becomes part of what the future of emotional, joyful design looks like.

Visit IKEA Pasay at Mall of Asia or log on to ikea.com.ph to shop online.

Product Showcase

Manulife China Bank Life expands access to cancer care solutions

As part of the program, eligible customers will have access to Guardant Health’s Shield multi-cancer detection (MCD) laboratory developed test (LDT), following Manulife’s exclusive partnership with Guardant Health announced earlier this year. The offering will also soon be available through Manulife Philippines.

Published

1 week ago

July 16, 2026

ZestMag.com Staff

Manulife China Bank Life (MCBL), the strategic alliance between Manulife Philippines and China Banking Corporation, is expanding access to cancer care solutions through ManulifeMOVE Cancer Care, a program designed to help customers take a more proactive approach to their health and support longer, healthier lives.

Under Manulife’s exclusive partnership with Guardant Health, Inc. a leading precision oncology company—Manulife became the first insurer in Asia to offer the Shield MCD test to customers in Hong Kong, Singapore, and the Philippines. The program expands access to innovative, proven health solutions at a time when cancer remains one of the country’s top causes of death and a significant barrier to longevity for Filipino families. This partnership aligns with the Manulife Longevity Institute, a global research, thought leadership, innovation, advocacy, and community investment platform that aims to advance action on helping people live longer, healthier, and more financially secure lives.

This program is powered by Manulife’s partnership with AC Health, a leading integrated healthcare network in the Philippines. At the heart of the network is Healthway Cancer Care Hospital (HCCH)—the Philippines’ first dedicated and comprehensive cancer hospital. This collaboration between the parties brings together Manulife’s ambition to become the most trusted partner for health, wealth, and longevity, HCCH’s expertise across the full spectrum of cancer care from early cancer detection and diagnosis to advanced treatment and survivorship, and Guardant Health’s commitment to helping individuals live longer and healthier lives through blood-based cancer testing.

“Far too many Filipino families are confronted with life‑altering decisions only after cancer is detected too late, when options are limited and financial pressures intensify,” said Rahul Hora, President and Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Philippines. “By bringing Shield MCD to eligible customers of Manulife Philippines and MCBL, we’re helping move that decision point earlier by encouraging timely medical conversations and better-informed choices. This can help reduce treatment complexity and cost over time, while we strengthen health and longevity outcomes for more Filipinos.”

With just a blood draw, the Shield MCD test screens for 10 of the most common cancers, many of which have high mortality rates in Asia and the Philippines. The test received Breakthrough Device Designation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in June 2025.

“We are proud to deepen our partnership with Manulife by bringing the Shield MCD test to their customers in the Philippines,” said Simranjit Singh, Chief Executive Officer, Guardant Health AMEA. “Cancer remains one of the most pressing health challenges for Filipinos, and Shield MCD offers a powerful new way to tackle this—detecting multiple cancers through a single blood draw. This collaboration underscores our shared dedication to putting innovative health solutions within reach, and we look forward to the difference we can make together in the Philippines.”

“Wider access to early, convenient screening can help more Filipino families take a proactive approach to their health and support their journey toward longer, healthier lives,” said Amy Gochuico, President and Chief Executive Officer, MCBL. “Through our extensive bancassurance network, we are helping bring innovations like Shield MCD closer to more communities, supporting a more proactive and continuous approach to cancer care.”

“We believe one of the greatest opportunities in cancer care is identifying risk and disease earlier, before symptoms appear and treatment becomes more complex,” said Dr. Ramy Roxas, Chief Operating Officer of Healthway Cancer Care Hospital. “We strongly encourage Filipinos to be proactive about their health and participate in appropriate cancer screening, as early detection can significantly improve outcomes and expand treatment options. At Healthway Cancer Care Hospital, our goal is to support patients across the entire cancer journey—from prevention and early detection to diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship.”

Eligible customers of MCBL, and soon, of Manulife Philippines, will be contacted by their financial advisor or financial sales associate to learn more about the Shield MCD test.