The Suzuki Jimny, or SJ as it’s commonly called, is one of the most recognizable cars on the planet. Despite being a fairly humble and unassuming off-road vehicle, the SJ is instantly recognizable thanks to its boxy shape and trademark yellowed headlights.
The car has been in production for over 50 years, with the current iteration has been available since 2014. The smallest member of Suzuki’s range of SUVs, the SJ stands at just over 3 meters in length with a width of fewer than 1.5 meters.
But how exactly does this little guy stack up? We take a closer look at our Suzuki Jimny review below.
History of the Suzuki Jimny
The first Suzuki Jimny was introduced in November 1968 as a successor to the well-known Suzuki Jeep. The original Jeep was introduced to the market in 1961 as a basic, spartan SUV with a focus on off-road usability. The first Jimny, like its predecessor, was available in several different body styles and engine configurations.
The SJ series of Jimnys was introduced in July 1980, with the first of the third-generation Jimnys being introduced in October 2014. The car has been in production for over 50 years, with the current iteration has been available since 2014.
The SJ series of Jimnys features a more modern and contemporary design than previous iterations, but still retains many of the core design features. The car is an icon of Japanese design, with the current iteration being the most modern and updated design of the entire model range.
The SJ Jimny is available in a multitude of different variations, ranging from a basic manual model to a fully-loaded 4×4 turbocharged Auto version.
Why buy a Suzuki Jimny?
The Jimny is one of the most iconic cars on the planet, and it’s not hard to see why. The car is small, simple, and rugged. Combined with a very affordable price, it’s a great car to suit a variety of different lifestyles and budgets.
The Jimny is available in a number of different variants, with the most basic model costing around £12,000. This is a real bargain for a car with off-road capability and ruggedness comparable to that of an SUV.
The car also comes with a very simple design, which will likely age very well in comparison to more flashy models. The Jimny is an all-rounder that can be used on and off-road, making it a very versatile option.
Suzuki Jimny specs and features
The Jimny is available in a variety of different specifications and features, ranging from a basic manual with plastic wheels to a fully-loaded Auto 4×4 with many different add-ons.
The most basic model comes with a 1.3-liter engine, along with a 5-speed manual gearbox and an off-road-focused design. As you move up the range and invest more, you will get better engines, better gearboxes, and a more developed interior.
A majority of the models also come with a limited-slip differential, which is great for off-road driving. There are also a number of different add-ons that can be added to certain models, including roof racks, snorkels, and different types of tires and wheels.
The Drive: Off-road action
The Jimny is an off-road machine. It is nimble, maneuverable, and able to crawl over practically anything without breaking a sweat. The car has a low center of gravity that makes it very sure-footed and easy to control, as well as disc brakes that offer a huge amount of stopping power.
The Jimny features a 1.3-liter engine, which may sound a bit underpowered, but the car is able to produce a lot of torque and is able to easily crawl over rough terrain. The car also features a dual-action rear differential, which allows the car to easily transfer power to both wheels, giving it a huge advantage off-road in comparison to a lot of other cars.
The Drive: On-road action
The Jimny is also a good car to drive on road, being relatively comfortable and smooth. The car features simple and uncomplicated steering and gearbox, making it easy to drive.
The steering wheel is also very light and easy to maneuver, making it good for city driving. The suspension is soft, meaning the car will have a bit of a bouncy ride, but this is expected for a small off-roader. The ride quality is surprisingly good, meaning the car can be used for long drives without being uncomfortable.
The engine is a bit noisy, but the more expensive models come with a turbocharged engine that is noticeably more refined. The engine is also not very powerful, meaning the car is unable to accelerate quickly, but it is able to comfortably cruise at a high speed.
Conclusion
The Jimny is one of the most iconic and recognizable cars on the planet, making it a fantastic car for car enthusiasts. The car is nimble and agile off-road, making it a joy to drive in this environment. The Jimny is a great option for people that are new to driving and want something simple and easy to use. This may make it unsuitable for people that want something that is able to cover long distances quickly. The Jimny is available in a variety of different variants, making it a very versatile choice. A car is a great option for people that want something that can be used on and off-road.
