Suzuki Jimny 1,5 GLX Allgrip 5-door
The highly anticipated five-door Jimny adds a welcome level of interior versatility to this endearing icon. Is it now the default derivative of choice?
Reunited with its forebears for the cover image of our February 2019 issue, the sight five years ago of a fourthgeneration Suzuki Jimny parked alongside a Mercedes-amg G63 in the CAR garage proved bemusing and frustrating in equal parts.
Considering the inherent flaws present in these vehicles’ dated packaging, each exuded the kind of character and charm that had us clamouring for their keys.
However, the thrill of piloting the Suzuki, in particular, waned somewhat as soon as we merged with the motorway en route to the cover shoot. Regardless, a subsequent road-test score of 73/100 for the fourth-generation three-door model speaks mainly to this plucky car’s go-anywhere reputation and its incredible charm that induces smiles.
The fact that most Jimny owners resort to folding down the 50:50-split rear seatback in search of more usable utility space is testimony to the level of compromise millions of customers across the world are willing to accept to remain loyal to their favourite Suzuki adventure product.
The eventual arrival of a long-awaited new five-door derivative aims to provide a best-of-both-worlds solution to this packaging conundrum.
Sharing its ladder-frame and recently mildly updated exterior styling with the three-door model, the newest member of the Jimny family gains 360 mm in length (to 3 985 mm) as well as a 340 mm stretch to its wheelbase. This allows for the inclusion of rear passenger doors for easier access to the rear seats, as well as a useful 264 litres of loading space behind them (the three-door compartment measures just
88 litres). Curiously, there is still no parcel tray to cover this area.
Finished in Sizzling Red with an optional contrasting black roof, our top-of-the-range GLX showcased this popular Suzuki’s chrome-finished signature grille, 15-inch black alloy wheels and black plastic wheel-arch moulding with matching material side sills. While the longer version of the Jimny features an identical 210 mm ground clearance, four degrees of break-over angle have been sacrificed for the cause.
The reward for the slightly awkward-for-taller-folk entry into the cabin of a Jimny is a welcome amount of headroom throughout. Even though adjustment of the cloth-covered driver’s seat is limited to a fore and aft movement and the steering column adjusts only for rake, even the tallest member of the CAR team was able to find a comfortable driving position behind the wheel, albeit with a preference for keeping the driver’s-side window open to provide a makeshift armrest.
No wider than its popular three-door sibling, accommodation is still limited to just two passengers in the rear of the stretched Jimny and available
Four degrees of break-over angle have been sacrificed for the cause
legroom has increased accordingly. A practical utility alternative made possible by this gain in cabin space is the ability to fold down the front seat backrests to meet the rear seat cushions, forming a small bed.
With Isofix anchorage points for children’s seats fitted to the back seat, we would have liked to find this family-focused feature complemented by dedicated climate control outlets.
A gripe that continues unsolved with this more practical derivative is the noteworthy absence of usable storage solutions in the Jimny’s cabin. It’s a good thing wireless smartphone mirroring technology is now included with the updated (and larger) 9-inch infotainment display, as there’s indeed nowhere for the driver to store their mobile phone other than in their pocket or handbag while driving.
On our scales, the five-door Jimny was measured to be carrying 106 kg more mass than the (1 089 kg) Glx-spec three-door model tested in 2019. Although a near-second slower 0–100 km/h sprint time in the larger car will mean little to a potential owner, one of the advantages associated with having a longer wheelbase is an improved level of composure under braking.
It is a pity then that this Jimny is only longer but not wider. As before, the little Suzuki-that-can in an off-road setting is betrayed on the open road by its rudimentary recirculating-ball-type steering and lightweight, upright posture.
It means you will need to pay attention at cruising speeds (we suggest a maximum of 100 km/h given that this will keep the revs hovering around a fuel-friendly 3 000 r/min), especially when fighting strong crosswinds. The upside, at least, is that the Jimny maintains its effortless manoeuvrability about town.
Available exclusively with Suzuki’s proven 1,5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, the fivedoor’s forward progress can best be described as steady, rather than keen.
On our fuel route, the larger, heavier Jimny fitted with an easyto-operate five-speed manual transmission recorded a figure of 7,66 L/100 km. We suspect this could easily reach 9,0 L/100 km when pressing on.
TEST SUMMARY
Because we are suckers for vehicles with old-school charm (and not because we’re wary of the scorn from the legions of local Jimny fans), the significantly more practical version of the crowdpleasing Suzuki gains at least five bonus points on its final test score for its enviable heritage and reputation rather than because it is a particularly enjoyable vehicle to drive daily.
As one of the few brands still thriving on the local monthly new car sales charts, a conversation with Suzuki Cars will swiftly confirm substantial demand and waiting lists for many of the vehicles in its portfolio, including the Jimny. Charming and capable when the going gets tough, you will either love this compact offroader for its inherent on-road flaws or you’ll wonder what all the fuss is about.
Acknowledging this – as well as the R40 000 premium being demanded for the convenience of an extra pair of doors – we believe that the waiting list for the Jimny may still lean towards the threedoor model. Its long-wheelbase derivative now almost makes too much sense…