By Aurelia Mbokazi-Kashe
What’s not to love about the Suzuki Jimny? Cute as a button, its resemblance to a miniature G-Wagon only adds to its charm. When it arrived on a rainy Tuesday, I was immediately smitten and looked for any excuse to take it for a spin. A quick decision to swap my home office for a popular café among the digital nomad crowd gave me the perfect opportunity.
First Impression
While this was my first encounter with the new-generation Jimny, I have fond memories of the previous model, particularly its off-road prowess. Years ago, I had the chance to put it through its paces at the Bass Lake 4×4 training centre outside Johannesburg. It tackled every obstacle with ease, sticking to its no-frills approach while excelling at what it does best: delivering mobility and adventure.
The new-generation Jimny takes this winning formula and adds broader appeal, capturing the attention of not only brand loyalists but also anyone with a vibrant personality looking for freedom on four wheels. While it retains its legendary off-road capability, it has become equally suited to everyday use, turning heads wherever it goes.
The Interior
Suzuki’s no-fuss philosophy shines through in Jimny’s interior. It’s clean, functional and refreshingly straightforward. The dashboard is neatly laid out, with physical buttons and dials for essential controls, making everything easy to use, even on bumpy terrain. Pairing my phone took mere minutes, and the infotainment system, though basic, offers solid connectivity and functionality for daily drives. The driving position is commanding, with excellent visibility, a bonus when navigating city streets or challenging trails. However, the compact design does come with its drawbacks. Storage is minimal; I struggled to find space for essentials like my wallet, phone, and keys. My 1-litre water bottle didn’t fit into the door cupholders and ended up rolling around on the floor.
Performance
I had the five-speed manual gearbox on test and it was simple and no fuss. It’s not made for speed, it gets around daily commute with ease and is perfectly adequate for both city driving and off-road adventures. On the road, it feels nimble and light, making manoeuvring through traffic a breeze. Despite its compact size, the Jimny feels stable, although its high stance makes one feel slightly uneasy when tackling sharp corners. The ride is firm, particularly on rough surfaces, but that’s part of the trade-off for its exceptional off-road capabilities. Whether you’re going up steep inclines, muddy trails, or rocky paths, Jimny’s always delivers an impressive performance.
Space
Practicality is where Jimny’s limitations come through. The cabin feels cramped, especially for taller passengers. Boot space is compact with little room for groceries or luggage. On one occasion, I found myself resorting to placing shopping bags on the back seats. It’s clear the Jimny wasn’t designed with a family of four’s outings in mind; it’s better suited for couples, solo adventurers, or as a second car for weekend escapades.
Verdict
Despite its quirks, the Suzuki Jimny is hard not to love. It’s a characterful, go-anywhere compact SUV that doesn’t try to be anything it’s not. While it may lack space and some creature comforts, its charm, off-road ability, and fun factor more than makeup for it. For those seeking adventure in a small, capable package, the Jimny is a delightful companion that’s easy to live with and impossible to ignore.
