Real Road Test- Suzuki Jimny 1.3
A fairly last minute trip to the place known as “almost France” provided me with the opportunity to have an elongated sampling of Suzuki’s smallest proper 4×4 vehicle.
It’s the little car that can.
Basic specs:
1328cc, 80bhp, 5 speed manual ( 2wd/4High/4Low) and 3 doors. 1050-1150kg sans driver
Equipment:
Central locking
Exterior styling
The Jimny looks like a Jeep Wrangler and a Suzuki SJ413 have enquired as to the wellbeing of their respective fathers. This is not entirely unsurprising, as the Jimny is the latest in a line of small 4x4s made by Suzuki that share most of their elements.
The actual vehicle I was driving had subtle graphics offering passing guide dogs the ability to identify the model, and a bullbar that helped to restrict access to the bonnet catch.
From a practical level, the Jimny has certain key elements of 4×4 design correct- the front and rear overhangs are short, and the approach and departure angles are steep. This is a proper off road vehicle, and its intentions are plain to see.
The panels are simple in design, and designed to be resistant to bangs and knocks one would expect to encounter when using the 4×4 capabilities in anger.
The towbar fitted to this car could be considered as the definition of “hope over experience”, and the rear door has a significant weight to it- not ideal if you’re looking to open it with the car facing either up or downhill.
Interior styling and comfort
The “real 4×4” theme continues inside- the seats are functional rather than supportive, the floor is flat and the controls are few.
The rear seats fold down to turn it into a small van, but the room available when upright is very limited- even less than the i10 featured in another review
It does boast a clear instrument binnacle- making the art of keeping an eye on all elements simple- an absolute must for this sort of vehicle. Analogue dials are much better at providing sufficient reassurance with a short glance, rather than trying to interpret the blockier outputs of digital displays.
The Centre of the car houses 2 gearsticks and the handbrake- The high/low box working well, and the handbrake exceptionally effective at utilising the large rear drums and shoes.
Driving
I logged over 120 miles in 2 days in the Jimny- Mainly on A roads, with a small amount of B road and off road driving. In all cases, it was loaded with 4 adults- adding significantly to the demands placed on the little 1.3 engine.
The first day saw a joyous experience straight away- £34 taking the tank from 1/8th to full. This was a revelation to me, as I’m used to the BMWs trying to drain my account.
Tall, thin tyres made for competent progress through the flooded roads traversed, and the lack of power was beneficial on the greasy tarmac. Despite being tall, the Jimny is fairly composed whilst cornering- although a considered approach to helming is most appropriate.
The short wheelbase and agricultural suspension can make bumps somewhat tiring, and there is a need to continuously drive the car- it’s not really possible to adopt a relaxed attitude to using this car.
We sojourned into Hastings to visit Alexandra Park, where we were meeting friends for the traditional bean, bacon, banger brunchfest. The Park houses a lovely little café- offering great breakfasts for not a lot of dosh. The coffee was rate guid too. Their website is here:
http://www.eathastings.co.uk/cafes/eat-the-park/
Sunday saw me realise that Back to the Future should really have had a Jimny in it, rather than a DeLorean. 4 up, and aimed at some of the finest hills that East Sussex had to offer meant that we went back in time. Or at least it felt like it.
If the poor 1.3 were to drop below 2000rpm in 3rd or 4th, then it was accompanied by a glorious rumble akin to the rumble strip from hell. Deft footwork could often sort it- a flick to a lower gear giving the opportunity for the lump to reach the 3000+rpm power band that it liked.
I also took the opportunity to do a spot of green-laning in the Jimny- and I’m pleased to report that it acquitted itself admirably! 4wd High was all that was needed to ford along the stream, and exit up the 2ft step at the far end- the engine and drivetrain did a superb job of transferring drive via the road tyres fitted
Despite the lack of on road acceleration, it never failed to proceed, and we managed to schlep along the coast to a right little treat of a place.
The Red Pig near Pett provides 3 things:
Good Food
Good Coffee
Exceptional Insults
Its well worth a visit- the sausages are braw, the banter is bloody good, and the venue/views are splendid. The place in question is the green van on the RHS of the picture.
Details of the place can be found at:
Running costs
The Jimny averaged 33.6mpg over the mainly A road route- Surprising for such a small engine pulling such a tall car that was heavily loaded
Its rated at 184g/km, so is a band I for tax, £123.75 for 6 months, £225 for 12. There seems to be a fair bit of variation from model type to model type.
A 205/70/15 Kumho tyre costs circa £76 fitted
Service kit: oil/filter airfilter, sparkplugs £40
Brakediscs and pads: Front £23/disc £19 pads
Rear £drums £22 shoes
(all prices correct at date of publication)
Conclusion
Most of the reviews of the Jimny seem to miss the point of the bleeding thing. It’s not a grand tourer- the suspension is too harsh for that.
It is not a family car- the boot (seats up) is too small for that.
Neither is it a sports car- the lack of power and high centre of gravity kybosh that.
What it is: A small 4×4 that offers
Good off-road adaptability
High load lugging capacity
Decent economy (especially compared to “full size” off-roaders)
Cheap running and servicing costs
Judged against those criteria, the Jimny is more than capable- so if you need a 4×4 that isn’t too ruinous, go and bag yourself one. Early ones start from sub £1000.
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