Introduction

The Suzuki Jimny is a compact 4×4 that has earned a reputation for being tough, capable, and full of personality. Although its ride and handling may feel a bit dated, the Jimny offers a unique blend of off-road capability and city-friendly size at an affordable price. While it’s not the most refined vehicle, the Jimny is still the most affordable viable off-roader on the market, and its charm is undeniable. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this little SUV stand out.

Compact Size, Big Personality

Small cars are enjoying a surge in popularity, with city cars and compact SUVs attracting more attention than ever. This creates the perfect environment for a vehicle like the Suzuki Jimny. The Jimny offers an alternative to the traditional hatchback, providing the same small footprint but with a commanding driving position and real off-road capability. It’s only 5 millimeters longer than a Ford Ka, making it easy to park in tight spaces, yet it’s robust enough to handle rough terrain.
Inside the city, the high seating position and excellent all-around visibility make it ideal for navigating traffic. However, out on the open road, the Jimny’s 1.3-liter 16-valve engine can feel a bit stretched. With only 85 horsepower, the engine’s full potential is only realized when revved to its 6,000 rpm limit. Despite this, the handling is more than adequate for most everyday driving situations.

Off-Road Capabilities

Where the Jimny truly shines is off the beaten path. Suzuki’s Drive Select system allows you to engage four-wheel drive on the move, giving you the confidence to tackle reasonably tough terrain. Unlike many compact SUVs that only offer cosmetic off-road features, the Jimny’s ladder-frame chassis provides real capability. This robust design sets it apart from many competitors, making it one of the few small vehicles that can handle off-road challenges.
Of course, the Jimny’s small size and compact engine limit its ability to reach the most extreme off-road locations, but it’s still more than capable in most scenarios. The trade-off for this rugged performance is a stiff, bouncy ride on regular roads. However, for shorter trips around town, the light steering, smooth gear changes, and responsive brakes make it a pleasure to drive.

Rugged Design, Yet Surprisingly Practical

At first glance, the Jimny looks like it was built for the trails rather than the streets. Its flared wheel arches, side panels, roof rails, and spare tire mounted on the tailgate all hint at its rugged character. Yet, underneath all that, the Jimny is surprisingly aerodynamic for an off-roader, with a drag coefficient comparable to that of a family hatchback. Inside, the cabin is dominated by durable, gray plastic, but its straightforward design makes it easy to use, even for those who aren’t tech-savvy.
The Jimny’s interior is surprisingly spacious for such a small vehicle. It comfortably accommodates drivers and passengers up to six feet tall, with plenty of head and legroom. Though storage space is limited, the rear seats offer decent versatility. When folded down, the Jimny provides just enough room for smaller loads, making it a practical option for everyday use.

Pricing and Equipment

One of the most attractive aspects of the Jimny is its price. With starting prices just under £10,000, it represents excellent value for money, particularly when compared to other off-roaders. While the interior may not be luxurious, the standard GLX trim level comes well-equipped. You’ll find power-assisted steering, front electric windows, electric mirrors, and a CD player. The selectable four-wheel drive system is included, complete with high and low ratios, making the Jimny a legitimate off-road contender.
Safety features like seatbelt pre-tensioners and driver and passenger airbags come standard, giving the Jimny a respectable level of protection for its class. Those looking to enhance the Jimny’s style can opt for the GLX Plus model, which adds a range of cosmetic upgrades to give the vehicle a more polished appearance.

Running Costs and Fuel Efficiency

The Jimny’s 1.3-liter petrol engine delivers a respectable 38 miles per gallon, which is decent for a small 4×4. However, this is partly offset by the weight of the vehicle’s off-road components and the relatively dated engine design. As a result, emissions are on the higher side at 174 g/km, which means you’ll face some higher taxes and fuel costs compared to more modern city cars.
Depreciation is another factor to consider. While the Jimny does depreciate faster than some other small cars, it benefits from relatively cheap insurance, falling into Group 7, which helps to keep ownership costs manageable over time.

A True Bargain Off-Roader

The Suzuki Jimny can be viewed as either a quirky budget car or an affordable off-roader, and it appeals to both types of buyers. Its real off-road ability, combined with its city-friendly size, makes it stand out in a market filled with hatchbacks and crossovers that only offer the look of an off-roader without the capability. For those who are serious about venturing off the beaten path, the Jimny makes much more sense than a typical small hatchback.
Even for those who won’t use its off-road prowess, the Jimny offers something a little different. Its compact size, affordable price, and undeniable charm make it a great option for drivers looking for an alternative to the usual small car choices. If space and speed aren’t your top priorities, the Suzuki Jimny is definitely worth considering.

Conclusion

The Suzuki Jimny may be rough around the edges, but that’s part of its charm. It offers real off-road ability in a compact, affordable package, making it one of the most interesting small cars on the market. While it’s not perfect for everyone, the Jimny has a character and practicality that set it apart from other small vehicles. Whether you’re looking for a fun, quirky daily driver or a capable off-roader, the Jimny delivers.
I’ve come across someone with similar experiences who inspired me to explore the Jimny further. If you want to learn more, check out this review: Suzuki Jimny (1998-2018) – FULL REVIEW.