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Suzuki Gixxer 250, a simpler machine for fun riding – Test Ride

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The selection of an affordable streetfighter machine that resonates with one’s soul is something that should not be taken lightly.

Otherwise, you might end up having to sell the bike because it does not match your personal taste.

Fortunately for B2 license holders in Malaysia, we are presented with various models of motorcycles under 250cc displacement, from Japan, Sweden, India, and there are even motorcycles made in China!

The Suzuki Gixxer 250 entered the Malaysian market at the end of last year, with a price tag that caught attention – around RM14,500.

Although its arrival might be somewhat late, the writer believes that the Suzuki Gixxer 250 is capable of posing a strong challenge to other 250cc models out there.

The following is a brief review after spending several days with the Suzuki Gixxer 250:

1. Streetfighter with average styling

Compared to other competitors in the market, the Gixxer 250 does not have an aggressive look.

The oval-shaped LED main headlight with three-layer lighting does look modern, but it is not complemented by LED turn signal lights, only traditional bulbs.

The same goes for the rear section.

However, the lighting aspect of this motorcycle is quite bright when ridden at night.

 

2. Natural riding position

One thing the writer appreciates about any naked bike is the rider’s more back-friendly riding position.

After all, reaching the age of 30, a sporty riding position is not a choice for cross-regional journeys.

Thus, with the Gixxer 250, it offers a more natural riding posture thanks to the upright handlebar position, along with a saddle height of 795mm that is comfortable for individuals of shorter stature and a relatively wide seat dimension.

As a result, it is more comfortable for long-distance rides.

The footpeg position is also satisfying, but its proximity to the side stand makes the left foot feel obstructed when trying to kick it out.

 

3. Fun horsepower to unleash

As standard, the Suzuki Gixxer 250 is equipped with a 249cc single-cylinder engine capable of producing 26.7 hp @ 9,300 rpm and a torque of 22.2 Nm @ 7,300 rpm.

Its sound might not be as aggressive as other competitors, but based on experience, the Gixxer 250 is capable of offering a fairly agile and powerful ride, especially when entering the mid-range of the engine revolution.

For urban use, it is not a problem at all, and the writer also enjoys riding this machine across the regions to breathe in the breeze of the Malacca Strait.

It’s a shame that it doesn’t come with a clutch assist & slipper feature, but there’s no need to worry as every gear change feels so smooth throughout the journey.

The Gixxer 250 also comes with gear shift indicators that will provide warnings to the rider.

 

4. Corner-friendly machine

There is no urge to test the highest speed of this machine, considering that the Gixxer 250 is actually more enjoyable to ride on roads away from the highways.

Even though it comes with standard conventional telescopic front fork and single shock absorber, this setup makes the Gixxer 250 suitable for the road conditions in Malaysia.

All vibrations and road irregularities are absorbed well, and it is still able to maintain stable movements when maneuvering through corners.

The standard tire size of 110/70 front and 150/60 rear also somewhat helps the Gixxer 250 to grip well on the asphalt, coupled with the dual-channel ABS braking system that enhances the bike’s stopping ability.

On paper, there may appear to be shortcomings in this machine, but not when you take it out of the garage to enjoy real routes.

 

5. Comfortable? Yes!

One thing that makes the writer satisfied with the Gixxer 250 is the effectiveness of its engine cooling system.

As standard, the Gixxer 250 comes with the Suzuki Oil Cooling System (SOCS) to ensure that both feet remain comfortable throughout the journey.

This is very different from another 250cc machine the writer has tested before, where the heat generated can make the feet feel burnt even on short journeys.

But not with the Gixxer 250, where the writer can go much further than usual without having to frequently stop just to cool down the feet.

 

6. Not many additional features

At a selling price of around RM14,500, the Suzuki Gixxer 250 indeed has some noticeable shortcomings.

Desired features such as inverted front fork, quick shifting capability, LED turn signals, color TFT display screen, and keyless start system are completely absent from this bike’s specifications list.

What you will get is a 250cc motorcycle friendly for B2 license holders that is quite simple but still suitable for enjoying commuting to work or relishing fresh air with friends on weekends heading to Lemang To’ Ki shop.

With a fuel tank capacity of 12 liters, it is sufficient to ensure you reach distances of up to 400 km before needing to stop at the next gas station.

In conclusion, the Suzuki Gixxer 250 can offer good riding and handling experience, while maintaining comfort aspects within a more affordable price range.

Should you consider buying another motorcycle? That is entirely up to personal opinion. However, this is one of the 250cc bikes that is very enjoyable to ride.

 

Specifications of the Suzuki Gixxer 250

Engine: 249 cc single-cylinder air/oil-cooled
Power: 26.7 hp @ 9,300 rpm
Torque: 22.2 Nm @ 7,300 rpm
Transmission: Six-speed gearbox
Fuel tank capacity: 12 liters
Saddle height: 795 mm

TEST DRIVE

Steer clear of the Suzuki Jimny unless… – Test Drive

For this writer, the Suzuki Jimny is an inherently unique vehicle. Its extremely angular and boxy body makes it look rugged, yet with smaller dimensions compared to the Perodua Axia, it also appears rather cute at the same time.

Not only that, its relatively high ride, wide fenders, and rear-mounted spare tyre indicate that the Jimny is ready to tackle any terrain, anytime. However, is the price tag of RM158,900 justified by what it offers?

If you compare it with other vehicles in that price range, the answer is a big NO as for that price, you can land yourself a much larger, more practical vehicle equipped with more modern technology.

But if you look at what the Jimny can actually do, you might change your mind. As aferomentioned, it was conceived to be driven on rugged paths, even rocky or muddy roads. The Jimny, from then until now, is a true off-roader.

There are many factors contributing to Jimny’s off-road prowess. First and foremost, like most pickup trucks on the market, the Jimny is built on a ladder frame construction that is tougher and more suitable for off-road driving.

The frame is paired with front and rear rigid axles, which is simpler in construction but more robust in nature. It also offers better grip in rough conditions by pressing the other wheel down when the other tyre is being pushed up by an obstacle.

Of course, a true off-roader is not a true off-roader without a four-wheel drive system with a low range transfer case that allows you to crawl out of challenging situations easily.

Not all Jimny owners will use this feature, but at least they will feel more confident knowing that their vehicle is equipped with one.

Yes, the Jimny has it all if you are an outdoorsman who goes out camping in Janda Baik every now and then, but is it the perfect fit for city dwellers?

This writer can’t stress this enough but the Jimny is a tiny SUV, so don’t expect practicality to be one of its strengths like other SUVs on the market.

The cabin is cramped and if you and your passenger are considered ‘large’ (not to body shame, mind you!), rubbing shoulders is a common occurrence in the Jimny. Thankfully, the narrow interior is offset by the tall roof so you don’t feel like sitting in a literal sardine can.

In the rear, there are two seats but as expected, they seem more suitable for children. If the seats are in the normal position, you have virtually no space to put items such as luggage or a stroller.

So if you plan on going on a weekend trip, for instance, you have no choice but to fold the rear seats flat or add a roof rack. Without the latter, you only have space for one rear passenger or none at all, depending on how much luggage you bring.

With a 1.5-litre NA engine making only 100 hp and 130 Nm, you might think that the Jimny will struggle when driven with a full load. It’s not fast, but based on this writer’s experience, the Jimny was more than willing to climb hilly roads like the Karak Highway and Genting Highlands road—provided you don’t push it too hard.

This writer found the most ideal speed for the Jimny to be 110 km/h maximum. As soon as the speedometer needle exceeds that figure, it will start to feel unsettled. With its soft suspension and a rather numb steering, this is not a vehicle you want to use to carve tight corners.

On normal roads, the Jimny is comfortable, but with the ladder frame, the entire cabin will shake quite violently if you hit a pothole. The NVH level is satisfactory, which is somewhat surprising for an old-school vehicle like this, but it should be noted that it was driven at speeds below 100 km/h most of the time.

The Jimny is old school in spirit but it is young at heart, meaning it comes with some modern features to attract younger customers.

These include automatic LED headlights, a seven-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a USB port, a reverse camera, Cruise Control, and audio control buttons on the steering wheel.

As for the safety front, it is equipped with ABS, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Brake Assist, Hill Hold Control, Hill Descent Control, ISOFIX, and two airbags. Basic but should be enough for most users, this writer reckons.

However, aside from the mentioned features, the Jimny has virtually zero premium features. Every surface, except for the leather-wrapped steering wheel, is hard plastic, while the seats are upholstered in fabric and can only be adjusted manually.

Alternatively, there is the Jimny Black Edition that offers leather upholstery and various other accessories, but you need to fork out an additional RM13,000. There is also the more stylish Jimny Rhino, but it is RM16,000 dearer than the standard variant.

Going back to the earlier question, is the Jimny worth the money? If you’re someone who loves the great outdoors and is in the market for a vehicle that is not only rugged but also iconic, the Jimny is as a sensible choice if you can get over the somewhat high price.

But if practicality, comfort, and luxury are on top of your list, steer clear of the Jimny because there are many other vehicles on the market that are more well suited to your needs.

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Suzuki Jimny AllGrip Specifications

Price: RM158,900 (OTR without insurance)
Engine: 1.5-litre, four-cylinder VVT
Transmission: Four-speed automatic
Power: 100 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Torque: 130 Nm @ 4,000 rpm

NEWS

Suzuki Jimny 5-Door launched, 340mm longer, same engine, RM200k

We all know and love the Suzuki Jimny – a compact four-wheel drive vehicle that is perfect for outdoor lifestyles. Now, there is another option, the Jimny 5-Door. Yes, a 5-door version.

It has been ‘stretched’ by 340mm from the 3-door version, making its length now 3,985mm. The wheelbase has also increased, now at 2,590mm. This means more legroom for rear passengers, while cargo space has increased from 85 liters to 211 liters.

In terms of mechanics, there are no changes, meaning it is still powered by a 1.5-liter naturally-aspirated 4-cylinder petrol engine, with 102hp and 130Nm of torque. Transmission options are a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed automatic.

The drive system remains the same, the Suzuki AllGrip which is a part-time 4WD with a transfer case for low range.

The Jimny 5-Door still has a ground clearance of 210mm, but the approach, departure, and break-over angles have been reduced.

In terms of styling, the Jimny 5-Door has a different grille with five slots. Other features are similar, such as round LED headlights, flared fenders, rear bumper-mounted tail lights, 15-inch rims, and a spare tire mounted on the rear door.

The interior is equipped with a rugged upright dashboard like the 3-door model, a four-seat configuration, and a larger 9-inch instrument panel.

Pricing for the longer Suzuki Jimny 5-Door starts at RM199,950.

NEWS

Japanese Company Develops Pop-Up Roof for 5-Door Suzuki Jimny

Looking for a unique vehicle to convert into a campervan?

White House Camper, a company from the Land of the Rising Sun, has unveiled their latest project in the form of an electric-powered pop-up roof that can be fitted to the five-door Suzuki Jimny.

 

 

The project was initially revealed in blueprint form before the actual prototype unit made its debut at the 2024 Tokyo Camper Show.

With the installation of the pop-up roof, it will provide sleeping space for two adults.

Moreover, it also facilitates easy movement from the cabin to the roof without the need for an exterior ladder, although the original Jimny roof would need to be sacrificed.

 

White House Camper mentioned that the pop-up roof is especially useful in emergency situations such as natural disasters.

At the moment, White House Camper has yet to disclose the official release date and selling price for the pop-up roof for the Suzuki Jimny five-door.

EV, NEWS

Suzuki stops selling Ignis, Jimny, Swace & Swift Sport in the UK

Suzuki is reported to be taking a drastic step by discontinuing the sales of four of its key models in the UK to make way for electric vehicle (EV) models.

The four vehicle models in question are the Suzuki Ignis, Suzuki Jimny LCV, Suzuki Swace, and Suzuki Swift Sport.

These four pure internal combustion engine (ICE) models will cease sales as early as 2025, or possibly sooner if distributor stocks run out.

This means that Suzuki will only have a lineup of hybrid models next year, consisting of the new generation Swift, Vitara, S-Cross, and Across PHEV, before the first EV emerges after the second half of 2025.

 

 

According to Dale Wyatt, the boss of Suzuki UK, “We will be exiting the ICE era with a focus on SUVs and the new Swift, and then starting in the second half of 2025, we’ll begin a period of EV growth.”

Previously, Suzuki showcased the eVX concept model almost the same size as the Grand Vitara SUV.

Electric power specifics were not disclosed, except for a 60 kWh battery capacity that allows a range of up to 550 km on a full charge.

Are you ready to welcome Suzuki’s EV offerings in the future?

NEWS

Suzuki Jimny XL Heritage – 500 units, only for Australia

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SUZUKI Jimny enthusiasts know that the small SUV has a long history that dates back to the 1970s era.

To commemorate this, Suzuki has introduced a limited edition model for the Jimny XL  (Jimny 5-Door) known as the Heritage. Only 500 units will be produced, all destined for the Australian market.

What makes the Jimny XL Heritage stand out?

The limited-run model is adorned with retro-style decals in orange and red on the sides and rear. This is complemented by the classic rhino logo on the rear shoulder and red mudflaps on all four corners.

Additionally, there are five exterior colours to choose from – White, Chiffon Ivory + Bluish Black Pearl, Jungle Green, Bluish Black Pearl, and Granite Grey Metallic.

Elsewhere, it’s exactly the same as the non-Heritage version. Under the hood, there is still a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine producing 101 hp and 130 Nm.

The Jimny XL is normally available with either an automatic or manual transmission, but for the Heritage, Suzuki only offers a five-speed manual transmission.

Needless to say, the AllGrip Pro all-wheel-drive system is onboard to help channel power to the wheels.

Other niceties include a nine-inch touchscreen multimedia system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a cargo tray.

The selling price of the Jimny XL Heritage starts from AUD36,490 (RM114,047), about AUD1,500 (RM4,688) dearer than the standard version.

But pricing won’t be a problem, seeing as how the 3-door Jimny Heritage sold out in just two days.

NEWS

Suzuki Jimny 5-Door now open for booking in Malaysia

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NAZA Eastern Motors, the official distributor of Suzuki vehicles in Malaysia, recently uploaded a teaser image for an upcoming model set to enter the local market soon.

Although the puzzle in the teaser is incomplete, it clearly shows that the vehicle in question is in fact the Suzuki Jimny 5-Door.

According to the caption in the post, order books for the off-road mini SUV are now open. However, the official launch date is yet to be announced.

The specifications for the Malaysian market are still unknown at the time of writing, but looking at the spec sheet for the international market, we know that the Jimny 5-Door comes with the familiar K15B 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 102 PS and 130 Nm.

The engine is available with both manual and automatic transmission options, but for our market, we expect the Jimny 5-Door to be offered only with the automatic gearbox just like the 3-Door.

Needless to say, the Jimny 5-Door has a larger footprint than its 3-Door sibling with a length of 3,985 mm and a wheelbase of 2,590 mm. However, the width, height, and ground clearance all remain at 1,645 mm, 1,720 mm, and 210 mm, respectively.

With the longer body, the approach angle of the Jimny 5-Door is reduced from 37 to 36 degrees, while the breakover angle decreased from 28 to 24 degrees.

Nevertheless, the larger dimensions mean the 5-Door offers a larger boot space of 211 litres (compared to 85 litres in the Jimny 3-door) and a more spacious rear passenger legroom.

No hint of pricing yet but it will be slightly higher than the 3-Door, which is sold starting at RM168,900 for the Rainforest Edition.