Here’s something unexpected to kick things off: Suzuki UK simply cannot secure enough of the new Jimny from Japan to satisfy demand. We are not talking by small margins here either; at the last count it had 10,000 expressions of interest for its diddy off-roader, which is approximately six times more cars than it is able to supply on an annual basis. WITHOUT A DITCH Interesting thing is, for all the progress made in the styling, this new fourth-generation Jimny is a similar vehicle to the one it replaces, in ways that are both brilliant and bad. Most importantly, it is underpinned by an updated version of the old and very strong ladder-frame chassis, and has rigid axles for maximum go-anywhere toughness. Yet is has also been subtly improved in every way as far as its off-road potential is concerned. The overhangs, for example, are even shorter, the ramp breakover angle is greater, the ride height has increased, and the body is more rigid. DRIVING THE 2018 JIMNY OFF-ROAD On the subject of engines, Suzuki admits it considered using its 1.0-litre turbocharged Boosterjet for the Jimny in order to reduce emissions, but deemed the linear power delivery of the 1.5 as better for off-roading. While not the most refined of engines, with 100bhp and 95lb ft of torque there’s enough guts to it to keep you moving at a decent pace, but almost more impressive is the way it’ll pull the Jimny along at tickover even when you’re bumping up and over harsh terrain. Which is where, of course, this car belongs. Even on standard road tyres this is a ferociously good off-road vehicle, scrabbling, hopping, skidding and bumping over pretty much any obstacle in its way. What’s more, because the Jimny is so small it can be threaded through the narrowest of gaps, while the thin windscreen pillars, flat bonnet and windows that dip towards their front edge all help with visibility and positioning. Which, trust us, are two things that are incredibly useful when you’re halfway through a marsh with a rock-strewn, 90-degree uphill left-hander to negotiate. Whether the Jimny is ultimately as capable as the kind of larger 4×4 that you’d traditionally associate with being brilliant off-road (think Land Rover Defender or Jeep Wrangler) is a moot point, in part because the Suzuki’s size and weight mean there are some places it’ll go that others simply won’t fit, but also because with prices starting at £15,499 it is a fraction of the price. (If that still sounds steep don’t forget you can buy a perfectly serviceable example of the third-generation Jimny for less than £2,000.) DRIVING THE 2018 JIMNY ON-ROAD Where it wasn’t so accomplished was in the simple day-to-day duties where 99 per cent of cars earn their keep. It wasn’t that the Jimny couldn’t be used to buzz to the shops or schlep 90 motorway miles for that 9am meeting, just that it wasn’t at all good at it. Blame the cramped cabin, the harsh and noisy ride, woeful steering and a distinct lack of modern comfort or safety features. The new Jimny addresses some of these weaknesses, but only to a point. It now has collision avoidance technology such as autonomous emergency braking, for example, but still only managed to score three out of five stars in Euro NCAP’s industry standard crash tests. Similarly, while it is quieter and more comfortable than its predecessor in terms of on-road performance, it is still noisy and bumpy by the standards of almost any other small car, and the steering remains as vague as a cornered politician. Then there’s the interior space, or rather the lack of it. The boot and rear seats, for example, essentially occupy the same area, so you can’t use both at the same time. Suzuki counters this by extolling the practicalities it has been able to provide, such as the way the controls, including the touchscreen infotainment system (complete with Apple CarPlay), can all be operated when you’re wearing gloves, or the fact that the tailgate is now wider than before to improve access to the boot. That might all be true, but a Volkswagen Up is still a more practical car. THE VERDICT Whatever the case, the way Suzuki has so skilfully updated this heroic little car without harming its core appeal – or annoying its loyal customer base – is truly to be admired. Price: Suzuki Jimny SZ4 from £15,499. As tested SZ5 £17,999 OR HAVE YOU CONSIDERED… READ MORE ON THE CARGURUS BLOG
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April 2018
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