New Suzuki Jimny: we test one of the few 4x4s left

The new Suzuki Jimny improves comfort, safety and equipment, without losing the qualities that keep it as a benchmark when it comes to leaving the asphalt behind among the small 4x4s… and among those that are not so small.

The new Suzuki Jimny improves comfort, safety and equipment, without losing the qualities that keep it as a benchmark when it comes to leaving the asphalt behind among the small 4x4s… and among those that are not so small.

Suzuki has modernised an icon, the Suzuki Jimny. And they have done it masterfully, preserving all the aesthetic charm of this endearing model, along with its legendary robustness and its ability to overcome any obstacle off the asphalt. Good news in these times, when genuine 4x4s seem to be on the way out, in the face of the irresistible push of SUVs and crossovers. Before getting into the details, we can see the new Suzuki Jimny in action in this video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nOR5BDD1y3A&feature=youtu.be

A little history: the forerunner of the “mini 4×4”

The Jimny was the first 4×4 vehicle from Suzuki, which began its journey with the first generation in 1970, with the LJ10, initially developed for professional use. It was powered by a two-stroke, air-cooled engine producing 25 CV. It evolved until it was fitted with a four-stroke 800 cc engine, and 243,000 units of this first generation were sold.

The second generation of the Jimny arrived 11 years after the first, with the SJ10 presented in 1981. It already became a vehicle suited to extreme off-road use, but also as a city car. It started with a 1-litre, 45 CV engine, but later adopted an aluminium 1.3. It improved year after year, and versions with canvas roofs, long wheelbase and even pick-up bodies were added. When production ceased in 1998, a total of nearly 1.7 million units had been sold.

The third generation, the JB series, was presented in 1998, and has remained on the market to the present day. It improved comfort, changed style radically and for the first time featured a system that allowed switching from 4×2 to 4×4 on the move. 918,000 units of this version were sold. And now, almost 50 years after the original model, and after 2,850,000 Jimnys sold in more than 190 countries, the fourth generation of this model arrives, which keeps the same spirit as the original.

Ladder chassis and 4×4 with reduction gear

In this new edition, the Jimny returns to the independent round headlights that were abandoned in the previous generation, and retains characteristic features of the “always” Jimny, such as the rear lights integrated into the bumpers, or the spare wheel mounted on the boot. In terms of dimensions, it keeps the wheelbase (2,250 mm), with tracks 40 mm wider. The overall length (including the spare wheel) is reduced by 5 mm, to 3,645 mm. And the height increases by the same amount, reaching 1,720 mm. Here there are no nods to the crossover trend; the Jimny flaunts from the outside what it is, a genuine 4×4.

The same goes for the mechanical side. It is already rare to see new cars with a ladder frame chassis and rigid axle suspension, such as the one Suzuki retains for the Jimny. Now it has been reinforced with additional cross members to gain rigidity, adding eight silent blocks where it joins the bodywork to improve comfort. The rigid axles have up to 30 percent more bending strength, and a thicker front anti-roll bar is fitted.

For the Allgrip PRO all-wheel drive, Suzuki recovers the classic transfer case lever located behind the gear lever, which allows switching from 4×2 to 4×4 and to 4×4 L (with short gears). There are no 4×2-only versions, nor variants without the reduction gear. And the TT dimensions are excellent: it gains 10 mm of ground clearance, reaching 210 mm. Its approach and departure angles are 37 and 49 degrees respectively.

As for the engine, goodbye to the previous 1.3, making way for a new 1.5, also a 4-cylinder naturally aspirated unit, more compact, 15% lighter and, most importantly, more powerful and more efficient. It goes from 85 to 102 CV, reached with the tachometer needle at 6,000 rpm. And maximum torque rises from 110 to 130 Nm. It is offered paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox or a 4-speed automatic only, with which average consumption goes from 6.8 l/100 km to 7.5 l/100 km on average, NEDC cycle. CO2 emissions are 154 g/km with the manual gearbox, but will be 178 g/km on the WLTP cycle, so all Jimnys will move to the higher band of the registration tax, 9.75% instead of 4.75%.

The cabin of the new Suzuki Jimny

Before setting off, behind the wheel we feel just like in a Jimny of old. Above all because of the driving position and the design, with those instrument dials, the large windows, its horizontal lines… Apart from the glovebox or the small recess next to the handbrake, there are not many spaces that are truly practical for keeping things safe, not even for a mobile phone, which doesn’t end up flying off after the first tough pothole off-road.

But the sense of finish is correct, with materials that convey robustness and appear very scratch-resistant, and with all controls featuring large buttons or switches, easy to locate and operate. On the downside, the lack of a footrest for the left foot, which is the first thing we would try to install if we owned a Jimny, even if it meant going to a tuner. Essential for staying “anchored” off-road, but also for being comfortable in urban or road driving, and there is plenty of room to fit one.

The 7-inch multimedia system screen, already familiar from other Suzuki models, sits in an elevated position and is easy to operate and read. It is compatible with Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. Finally, note that the Suzuki Jimny is still a strict 4-seater, or a 2-seater plus luggage. If you don’t fold down the rear seats, the space available for luggage barely accommodates a cabin-size suitcase. The good news is that now, with the seats folded, there is finally a completely flat surface, and capacity in this configuration increases by 53 litres over its predecessor, reaching 377 litres (830 measured up to the roof), with more width and much more regular shapes. In the top two versions, both the rear of the seats and the boot floor are lined with a resistant plastic material that is easy to clean.

On road and off-road with the Suzuki Jimny

We set off, and once again everything feels familiar. But the first thing we notice that has changed is that the Jimny is now more comfortable. Don’t get confused, though, it is not an SUV. And remember that underneath you have a ladder chassis with rigid axles; there are no miracles. But even when crossing speed bumps you can feel that the Jimny absorbs potholes better and does not jolt the occupants as much.

Roundabouts, some city driving, the first kilometres on the motorway and some bends before reaching the demanding offroad test course Suzuki had prepared for us. We confirm that greater comfort, and also better guidance and steering precision, which means we don’t have to be so wary of the chassis reactions when turning the wheel. It also moves much less when braking hard.

Admittedly, much of this new feel is achieved with low-ratio steering, where the wheels seem to do nothing during the first third of the steering wheel’s turn. It reduces agility on tight bends, and forces you to “fumble” excessively with the wheel when manoeuvring or even on very twisty off-road tracks. I’m left wondering, but I think a more direct steering would not have done this Jimny any harm.

The new 1.5 four-cylinder petrol engine is more than enough for the barely 1,100 kg the car weighs, although it should be remembered that this is a naturally aspirated engine. Depending on the driving situation it may ask you to use the gearbox and rev it high, which it does willingly without raising noise or consumption. During our route, the on-board computer recorded an average of 7.5 l/100 km, before starting the offroad section. On the road, we even found ourselves more than once looking for a sixth gear that doesn’t exist, but which the Jimny would also gladly accept. Its acceleration is sufficient, and its 145 km/h top speed gives an idea of what this 4×4 is designed for.

When the asphalt runs out and things get complicated, the Suzuki Jimny shows what it is capable of. To its favourable TT dimensions, all-wheel drive and low weight it adds hill descent control and hill start assist, which together with the reduction gear prove decisive. Extreme bridge crossings, ditches, broken ground with very loose earth, slopes you must tackle with confidence both uphill and downhill… The Jimny is the ultimate weapon for having fun off-road and enjoying genuine 4×4 driving.

Equipment, range and prices of the Suzuki Jimny

The JX versions of the Jimny are very basic, for those seeking a 4×4 for hard work. They include cruise control, air conditioning, radio with Bluetooth, hill descent control and a towball, which is exclusive to this version. But they lack the comfort features essential for day-to-day use that are included in the next version up.

The JLX trim adds central locking with remote control, electric windows, electrically adjustable mirrors, touchscreen with satnav, front fog lights and some styling details.

The top of the Suzuki Jimny range is called Mode3, and adds to the JLX equipment alloy wheels, climate control, LED headlights, heated mirrors, tinted glass, leather-wrapped steering wheel and a 12-volt socket plus a storage compartment in the boot.

Standard across the range is the system that Suzuki calls DSBS (Dual Sensor Brake Support), which includes 5 assistance features: predictive braking control, lane departure warning, anti-fatigue alert, high beam assist and, for the first time in a model from the brand, traffic sign recognition. The warranty is five years, and the only options are metallic paint, which costs €285 in a solid colour, and €455 if you choose the two-tone finish. Prices are as follows:

Jimny 1.5 JX: €17,000
Jimny 1.5 JLX: €18,795
Jimny 1.5 JLX Auto: €20,560
Jimny 1.5 Mode3: €20,820

Image gallery of the Suzuki Jimny