Feature article
Suzuki Jimny Review: Buying Guide
The Suzuki Jimny is a charming little 4x4. It’s as tough and capable as it is cute and teensy.
Last updated: 19 November 2024
The Suzuki Jimny is a charming little 4x4. It’s as tough and capable as it is cute and teensy. Jimny remains an SUV in the traditional sense with a separate ladder chassis, part time four-wheel drive and low range gearing. While it’s made to go far and wide off road, it’s also home in the city, and has been embraced by urbanites. It’s not the most practical vehicle, but that hasn’t stopped it remaining a popular model five years since it launched.
Suzuki Jimny range
The line-up starts with the three-door JXN Carry, a unique two-seater model that does away with the back seats to give you more load carrying ability. It's only available with a manual transmission, has a stripped back spec and is $32,500.
Then you have the better-equipped Sierra, which starts at $35,990 for the manual while the auto is $38,990. You also have the option of a two-tone paint job that adds around $500. A five-door model has recently been added to the range, which starts at $40,990 for the manual or $44,990 for the auto.
Jimmy is mechanically simple, all models powered by a 1.5-litre, petrol-fired four-cylinder making a modest 75kW and 130Nm. It’s one of just a few vehicles left on the market that offers the choice of a manual transmission, in this case a five speeder, or you can pay more for the four speed auto. Fuel economy isn’t grand for what is a small vehicle, rated at 7.1L/100 km for the manual and 7.7 for the auto.
Goes well off road
Its diminutive dimensions add to its character. It's not quite 3.5m long and it's quite narrow too. And yet it has 210mm of ground clearance and with minimal overhangs it has great approach (37) and departure (49) angles. It's light too, the three door weighing in at around 1100kg.
It is made for off-roading with rigid axles front and rear and robust recirculating ball type steering. It doesn’t rely too heavily on electronic gizmos either, keeping it simple with rugged mechanicals instead. However, this all means it's compromised on road where it has old school 4x4 handling characteristics; the ride is a bit bumpy, the steering slow.
A word of warning; Jimny is a bit light on safety equipment, and only has a three-star ANCAP rating.
Five-door adds space
A limitation of the three door model is practicality. With the back seat in use, there's virtually no luggage space in behind, and for those sitting in the rear, it’s just not a comfortable experience. If you like the idea of a Jimny, but need more space, the five-door might be the answer. With a longer wheelbase, this has more space for both passengers and luggage. Still, it’s not a load lugger with boot space rated at 211L. And there are still only seat belts for two back there.
The five-door is also heavier yet has the same 1.5 engine as the three door. And so it feels the strain, and it consumes more fuel.
Image gallery
Author
Kyle has been reviewing cars since starting at NZ Autocar magazine in 2003 and has been editor since 2009. In that time he’s become an expert on what makes for a good vehicle while also gaining insights into the local automotive industry.
Other articles you might like
