The Suzuki Jimny is an extremely fun car to drive both on and off-road. We tested the compact 4×4 when things to do were still very limited. So, as someone who enjoys the outdoors it was great to not only drive the car to everyday tasks but take it on a 4×4 course as well. If the pandemic necessitates social distancing for some time to come, Suzuki may find themselves with even more buyers.
The 4×4 trip
On many occasions the Jimny outperformed the larger bakkies that I was with. It annihilated the hills and consumed the bumps. As I am still a newbie on the 4×4 track, I went with MasterDrive trainers but I felt so confident in the Jimny and it performed so well that I would have been more than capable to complete the course by myself.
It makes for a real 4×4 experience but also has technology like brake LSD supported by Hill Hold Control and Hill Descent Control.
The Suzuki Jimny comes with ALLGRIP PRO mechanical shifting in 4×2, 4×4 or 4×4 low range transfer case and a rigid ladder frame chassis. Suzuki’s engineers have added the patented cross member, the Suzuki X-member, between the two rigid axles. This is to limit body flex in serious cross-axle off-road driving and also create a sturdy platform for the fitment of the body and the underbody parts.
The angled front and rear bumpers keep the vehicle out of the way of rocks and shrubs and increase the approach and departure angles. The front bumper design also exposes more of the tyre tread on a horizontal plane for greater climbing capability in rocky off-road conditions.
The bumpers are moulded and the high wheel arches protect painted surfaces from rocks. A squared-off design allows for more wheel travel. The square arches also allow for more space to replace, inflate or deflate tyres, which is a bonus for driving through sand.
On the road
While it was fun to drive, I’m not entirely convinced all drivers would find it that enjoyable to drive everyday especially if there is a lot of traffic on your usual routes. Otherwise, while it is not a green Lamborghini, it does handle its own on the road. At worst you need to put some effort into anticipating traffic because overtaking a slower vehicle on an incline last minute is not something you can do that easily.
The tested vehicle was the 5-speed manual with a 1.5 litre K15B petrol engine, designed to save on fuel. It has a power output of 75 kW and torque of 130 Nm. The claimed fuel consumption is 6.3L/100km.
Inside and out
The designers took the approach to stay true to the original LJ Series (1970 – 1981) and SJ Series (1981 – 1998) with a few modern touches. The result is a distinctive looking compact 4×4. In particular the upright A-pillars and clamshell bonnet help increase spatial awareness and overall visibility. It feels as if there is nothing that you cannot see when inside the Jimny, which was great when 4x4ing.
The lack of boot space bothered the team as a whole. While you can fold the seats down if you go shopping or need to transport larger items, the lack of security for other items was disconcerting. Driving with a laptop, bag or more valuable items only partially concealed on the back floor, is not ideal for South Africa.
Suzuki and Thule have joined forces, however, to offer Jimny drivers a range of products that extend the luggage capacity. Families looking at spending the weekend away can now fit a specially designed roof rack to carry all their luggage. It does come at an extra cost, however.
The storage spaces and cupholders were good, particularly when 4x4ing. There was a space that appeared to be for a cellphone or wallet or small purse. This appeared to be quite insightful for 4×4 terrain on the part of the designers.
Overall, an absolutely fun car to drive that was exciting to climb into every time I went anywhere. The true test would be about how long that novelty would last. If you are a true outdoors person, I would wager it is the perfect car.
Good to know
The specs
Engine: 1.5 litre petrol engine
Power: 75 kW
Torque: 130 Nm
Claimed fuel efficiency: 6.3L/100 km
Price: from starting at R264 900
Warranties: 5-year/200 000km service plan mechanical warranty and either a 2-year/30 000km or 4-year/60 000 km service plan, depending on the model.
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