Suzuki Jimny’s Nod To The Hardest-Working Woman In PR

JOHANNESBURG – The cute and petite, almost cuddly Suzuki Jimny 5 Door 1.5 GLX 5MT is about adventure and style. No car has matched a PR as much as the Suzuki Jimny, which is sumptuously mated to Eileen Gengan, probably the hardest-working woman in motoring.

While she will be the first to tell you it’s not all her efforts, but that of the Suzuki team. Blame it on that modesty of the South Coast. She hails from Sezela, where the people are nice, and the waters on the beach are warm too. Eileen is the friendly interface between Suzuki and the media.

A sterling job she has done, with last year’s win as PR of the Year 2025 at the SA Car of the Year Awards, showing that, on behalf of Suzuki, Eileen is leading the way in putting a positive spin on a vibrant and exciting brand.

That is among the reasons why Suzuki is the country’s second-best-selling brand, breaking the traditional Toyota/Volkswagen monopoly. Polo climbed back in December, but throughout the year, Suzuki has punched above its weight.

PR is often a thankless task, but the proof of the pudding is when the media acknowledges your work. Some of Eileen’s peers can certainly take a leaf out of her book, but winning such accolades is not for everyone. Although the biggest winner is the consumer, who gets to know about the Suzuki lineup through the media.

Like the petite Eileen, with a beaming smile, the small red Jimny was endearing and a treat. While Eileen is a wonderfully engaging personality, Jimny is a wonderful companion on the road. Not too thirsty fuel consumption at 6.4ℓ/100 km, the Jimny is full of bells and whistles. It has headlamps resembling an LED projector. Steering wheel controls with audio controls + Hands-free phone control + Tilt-adjustable information display:9-inch display, smartphone connectivity, and alloy wheels.

Interior of the Suzuki Jimny 5 Door 1.5 GLX 5MT

I didn’t go bundu-bashing in December but opted to start work early on the 16-pack heading to Virgin Active Waterfall to do more than swipe and hit smoothie targets. My New Year’s resolution is not to be a smoothie operator. While on the treadmill, I listen to Sade before Spotify turns me to Faithless, Gary Numan, The Shamen, and George Michael, among other high-octane classics. I also listen to The Cure. Not because of one of my fave people at the gym, the ever-smiling Charlotte is the subject of a song by the British band: Charlotte Sometimes, Love it.

Not wishing to sound like a dirty old man, sorry Eileen, there’s no room for Dexy’s Midnight Runners on the playlist. You weren’t born when their hit Come on Eileen topped the charts in 1982.

“Come on, Eileen, oh, I swear, well, he means

Ah, come on, let’s take off everything.

That pretty red dress, Eileen, tell him yes.

Ah, come on, let’s, ah, come on, Eileen.

That pretty red dress, Eileen, tell him yes.

Ah, come on, let’s, ah, come on, Eileen, please.”

No! This Suzuki isn’t topless, but if I owned one, it certainly could do with a sunroof. The thrill of driving with the windows wide open, listening to music, saw me hit 103 in an 80 km/h zone near Polofields on Christmas day, and I got a R500 fine.

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Through PayCity, I can escape with R250 for the privilege of feeling the wind beneath the window, even temporarily. Small and easy to control, this red Suzuki was a joy to drive for someone not averse to bundu bashing. Maybe that’s why Prashirwin, not I, cracked the nod for the camping launch on the banks of the Orange River when this rugged vehicle arrived.

Powered by a robust 1.5ℓ engine that generates strong torque and offers exceptional fuel efficiency. Its off-road capabilities are unmatched, with the ALLGRIP PRO 4WD system, ample ground clearance, and precise steering.

I am a creature of comfort. Thanks to Prashirwin, he took the vehicle off-road in Buccleuch. I drove around with the mud for a month, looking like a cool bundu basher or just a dirty old man. Take your pick. But don’t discount the wonderful Jimny being part of your future ride. Eileen would be thrilled. Come on, just do it for Eileen! ©Higher Education Media Services.