Suzuki Jimny
Capable miniature off-roader rated
Anew Suzuki Jimny doesn’t come along very often. The first arrived in 1970, and lasted 11 years. Its replacement was on the market for 17 years. The third generation arrived in 1998, and has only just gone off sale after 20 years. For comparison, the Ford Focus was also launched in 1998, and is already onto its fourth generation.
Given how long the previous Jimny was on sale, it’s no surprise that much of this new model is all-new (an example: it features Apple Carplay, which wasn’t on the old car, probably because it was launched nine years before the iphone was invented). But beyond a welcome new layer of technology, what’s more notable is what hasn’t changed.
In particular, Suzuki’s mission remains: to make the world’s smallest authentic off-roader. So beneath that wonderful retro bodystyle – a bit like a mini Mercedes G-class, served with a side of micro-sized Japanese fun – the Jimny still features a ladderframe chassis, three-link rigid axle coil spring suspension and fourwheel drive. The addition of new tech such as hill hold and descent control, brake support and driver assistance systems makes the new Jimny even more capable than the old car.
And just like the old car, the new Jimny is small. In fact, while 45mm wider and 20mm higher, it’s 30mm shorter than before. That small size is reflected in an interior that can feel a little snug: the accelerator pedal is uncomfortably close to the transmission tunnel, for example.
There are only two seats in the back, and the luggage capacity is a mere 377 litres – with the rear seats folded down. With the seats up, there’s just 85 litres of storage.
The old Jimny’s 1.3-litre petrol engine has been replaced by a new 1.5-litre unit – the only option – which offers 100bhp, 95lb ft at 4000rpm and a top speed of 91mph, via a five-speed manual. A four-speed automatic will be an option.
As those specs might suggest, the Jimny is not especially fast. The revvy engine takes some working to get up to speed, especially with the long gearstick’s substantial and slightly agricultural throw.
Running on 15in wheels and chunky 195/80 R15 tyres, the Jimny doesn’t offer much in the way of direct feel or driver feedback, perhaps not helped by the electrically assisted recirculating ball steering, although the short wheelbase makes it extremely direct and nimble to drive. And the serious suspension soaks up the biggest of bumps with ease.
The car’s high-riding, box-like dimensions and large windows ensure that visibility is excellent, although wind noise is notable at higher speeds.
Still, people don’t buy a Jimny because they want a city car or a motorway cruiser. This is a proper mini off-roader, for people who do proper mini off-roader things.
During our test, we tried the Jimny on an off-road forest course, which included deep ruts, steep hills and a muddy water-splash. The lockable four-wheel drive (operated via a mechanical lever) gave it real ability, and the rigid axle suspension soaked up bumps and offered plenty of grip.
The interior is described by Suzuki as “functional”. The mostly black dashboard and switches are predominantly plastic, the seats comfortable rather than cosseting. Still, what it lacks in premium, it makes up for in practicality – exactly as it should be for a proper off-roader.
There are some nods to modernity inside, with features on our top-spec SZ5 model including climate control, Suzuki’s 7.0in touchscreen, rear privacy glass and heated front seats.
The Jimny’s retro-cool styling gives it real appeal. But those seeking a style-based crossover as a city runabout would probably find the engine lacking refinement, an annoying gearchange, floaty handling, an unrefined interior, undersized rear seats and an impractically tiny boot. But flipped on their head, all of that makes the new Jimny superbly fit for purpose. This is a niche car that exists almost in a class by itself – and for those seeking a hugely capable off-roader in miniature, the new Jimny was absolutely worth waiting 20 years for.