If the question has crossed your mind, “Should I sell my car and buy a Suzuki Jimny?” the short answer is probably, ‘’Yes.” Everybody loves a Suzuki Jimny. Well, perhaps not EVERYBODY. But even if this adorable 4WD ‘box on wheels’ is not on your wishlist, you cannot help staring and smiling when you see one. Here’s the thing about a Jimny: when other cars are peddling bumper stickers that say ”When I grow up I want to be a 4×4,” the Jimny simply went off script and said, “Why wait till I grow up?”
The rugged retro styling of this little 2-door 4WD ranks high on personality, and it looks just as comfortable in the city as it does in the wild. It also stands head and shoulders (metaphorically speaking) above its cross-over peers and can definitely hold its own with the ‘big boys’ when venturing off-road. No wonder South Africans are opting to sell their car to buy one.
“The Jimny’s ultra-honest unpretentiousness is the antidote to every beige crossover. Don’t expect sophistication, and you’ll adore it ” –Topgear.com
The exterior
Despite its size, the Suzuki Jimny has no self-esteem issues and is really comfortable with its looks. Its unapologetic boxy frame is what makes it stand out and get noticed. Automotive fashion and trends may come and go, but the Jimny does not succumb to peer pressure. (Do not miss the subtle life skill).
By slightly curving the windscreen, wind noise is reduced. The boxy mirrors and chunky round LED headlights (coming standard with washers which allow confident driving in mud, dirt or snow) and the moulded black material (which safeguards the body from stone chips and scratches) all contribute to the Jimny’s exterior attitude.
The interior
Let’s be honest; you are not going to sell your car and buy a Jimny if you are looking for a family vehicle. (But then it never promised to be one). And although it may not score high on interior features – or unnecessary frills and fancies – its utilitarian cabin design is entirely functional and pragmatic; equipped with all the bare necessities. This is not a negative though. Without all the extras, it is light and fairly economical, and also more reliable, as it has fewer things that can go wrong.
The Jimny does not over-promise on comfort. And the fact that its underpadded seats are not ergonomic doesn’t seem to deter the target audience buyer. When the back seats are up, the boot is tiny, but when the seats are down, there is ample room for a shopping spree or your mountain bike (if you remove the wheel).
Editorial credit: Jan Kliment / Shutterstock.com
What Suzuki has done that is ingenious is to design the Jimny’s seats to be easily manipulated; the front passenger seat can be folded flat and slide way forward to create a sleeping surface. (Exactly the versatility weekend off-roaders will appreciate).
There is no denying that the Jimny is your urban yuppie vehicle that gets you easily from point A to B during the week and then lets you have some serious off-road couple fun adventures over the weekend.
The performance
As far as 4WDs go, the Jimny’s core competence and durability make it highly desirable. And thanks to its simple lightweight formula with decent ground clearance and tight turning circle, it delivers on genuine off-road capability.
When you head off for an all-weather 4×4 adventure, there is nothing stopping the Jimny’s nimbleness and agility. And the low-range gearbox will effortlessly haul you over rutted tracks and up rough terrain slopes.
“The mechanical four-wheel drive system is enhanced by Suzuki’s proprietary Brake Limited Slip Differential and electronic stability control systems. The Brake LSD system adjusts torque to the wheel with grip if another wheel on the same axle starts spinning. The system has an extra-power mode, which kicks in below 30km/h in low range mode for the best possible traction.” –Suzuki Cape Town
But let’s not beat about the bush; it may be a killer ride off-road and an easy ride in an urban environment, but highway driving is not where the Jimny is going to win any accolades. It also doesn’t get the best safety ratings and it disappoints when it comes to fuel economy; the reality being around 9L/100 km.
These performance glitches, however, are not going to be a deterrent to those who hanker after a Suzuki Jimny and potential buyers are not going to lose any sleep over these negatives. If you want one, you want one, and you will make it work for your lifestyle. And if you are not in the market for one, you will have to admit that the Jimny is a classic, and when a vehicle is this cute and charming, it is only natural to experience a little FOMO.
The value proposition of the Jimny is that it holds its value in the second-hand car market, and so if you want to sell your car to buy one, you will be making a wise purchase.
And if the 2.5 kids do come along, it is reassuring to know that there is a waiting list of buyers out there who will pay top price for this iconic Suzuki which is always shaping new frontiers.
