Suzuki Jimny review (2019): Big trouble, little finer?

The small, go anywhere off-roader is back and turning heads like a supercar thanks to a new look. But can the fourth-generation Suzuki Jimny conquer more than just the great outdoors?

The Suzuki Jimny has been doing its thing for half a century. That thing being affordable and highly capable off-roading in a small package that you could, in theory, repair yourself. With a couple of YouTube videos, obviously.

Over that time the Jimny has transitioned from pure off-roader to something more road-friendly. The latest version is positively stately in comparison to its also round-eyed predecessors.

However, from the hardy all-wheel drive system to its obstacle-friendly overhangs and chunky tyres, this fourth-generation Jimny can still laugh in the face of adversity. It’s actually mechanically similar to the outgoing model down to the ladder chassis.

Having falling in love with the design, I badgered Suzuki until they finally handed me the keys to one in a cheery shade of green, which, rather confusingly, the Japanese manufacturer calls Kinetic Yellow.

Rather than send the Japanese manufacturer a Pantone colour chart, I decided to drive it 598 miles in one week. From the leafy suburbs of Surrey to the leafy countryside of Somerset, I can now tell you whether the new Jimny reality lives up to the hype.

Suzuki Jimny (2019): What’s new?

Being small, lightweight and 4WD has been the Jimny’s thing since day one and that’s still the case, although the new Jimny has grown 45mm wider and 20mm taller. It is, however, 30mm shorter at a measly 3,480mm. Miniscule by today’s standards.

The new Jimny now gets a four-cylinder 1.5-litre petrol instead of the 1.3, which puts out 100bhp at 6,000rpm and 95lb/ft of torque at 4,000rpm. Despite being made from lighter materials, the new Jimny has a kerb weight of 1,135kg. Light by modern standards, but heavy for a Jimny.

Traction is provided by the AllGrip Pro system as standard, with 4H and 4L modes for really tough drives. Both trim levels (SZ4 and SZ5) also feature various safety systems including Hill Descent Control, Lane Departure Warning and Dual Sensor Brake Support.

Underneath that lovely (not yellow) exterior is the same ladder-frame chassis, although torsional rigidity has been improved by 1.5 times. As a result, Suzuki promises says the off-roading ability is the same, but road comfort has been improved.

How well does the new Jimny drive?

Being mechanically similar means that you can get an idea of road manners if you have driven the older one. For anyone that hasn’t, let’s just say it’s anything but an entirely pleasant experience.

Because of a lack of overall refinement and engine inability, you end up cruising about 3mph slower than everyone else on the road, which makes you enemy number one. At least, it would in any other car because the Jimny makes everyone lose their, erm, s*** and smile constantly.

And that in turn makes you smile. So you’re happy prolonging each journey as you spread joy throughout your neighbourhood like a reindeer-less version of Santa Claus.

That does unfortunately mean being subjected for longer to the new Jimny’s unsophisticated and slightly rough suspension system, revvy engine (emphasised by close gearing and only five of them) and noticeable road and wind noise (it’s shaped like a box).

On a motorway, it’s a case of cranking up the stereo until it vibrates the plastic trim, insert earplugs or arrive at your destination slightly deaf. 80mph is, frankly, a pipe dream and not an achievable reality, such is the level of displeasure.

And yet, over a three-hour journey down the A3 to deepest, darkest Somerset, I arrived cheerful. The seats are comfortable, the interior funky enough to be pleasing and the steering, though vague, gets you round corners. Which is a bonus, I find.

The new Jimny is definitely more comfortable than its predecessor over bumps. While the more sophisticated infotainment and safety gubbins make it feel more like a proper car than a toy off-roader for the farm.

So not always one smile per mile?

If the Jimny wasn’t the Jimny, I would probably be telling you to avoid it because it’s actually not especially practical. With the rear seats up, the boot is only capable of holding three modest bags of shopping.

Still, its boxy shape means being tall and owning one aren’t mutually exclusive. Plus with the rear seats down it’s got serious wine carrying potential. Or you can stick a couple of bicycles in and bugger off into the woods. Or give Lucky a walkie.

The five-speed manual is great in terms of changing gear, but a sixth would’ve helped make the little petrol engine less intrusive at higher speeds.

Speaking of which, expect slow but tolerable progress at best. Especially if all four seats are occupied, you’ve got three bags of shopping and Lucky had a particularly big lunch.

You should also expect to wash the Jimny a lot, particularly in the summer, as its large flat surfaces are a magnet for insects, which quickly spread their various limbs and juices everywhere upon impact.

On the plus side, another benefit of the tiny Jimny is that it is easy to park and manoeuvre. It’s also very light by modern standards (though nothing like its sub-1,000kg predecessors) which means reasonable fuel economy and CO2 emissions. Early 30s in terms of miles per gallon, if careful.

What about the Jimny’s price and standard equipment?

Choosing a Jimny takes more than selecting the colour (still not yellow, Suzuki). You have two trim levels, SZ4 and SZ5. The former starts from £15,999 and the latter at £18,499.

Go for SZ4 and you can expect 15-inch steel wheels (‘steelies’ are in now so fear not), lane departure warning noises, hill hold control, DAB digital radio, daytime running lights, Bluetooth, hill descent control, full-size spare wheel and dual sensor brake support.

Spend that extra £2,500 and your steelies become alloys of the same size, plus you get navigation, rear privacy glass, heated front seats and dual camera brake support.

There is a £1,000 extra that adds a three-speed automatic, but I’d suggest this is a bad idea as it reduces the fuel economy and spits out more CO2. Plus how pleasant do you think a three-speed automatic is really going to be?

Also on the bad idea list is the camouflage sticker option (£289), unless you want your Jimny to look like an arctic army vehicle. On the good list is the Kinetic Yellow (green), but it’s £650 extra so you must really want it.

Should I buy one, then?

Wonderful to behold and pleasing enough to drive, it’s ridiculously easy to fall head over heels for the new Suzuki Jimny. It gets unrivalled amounts of positive attention wherever it goes, which goes a long way in helping you forgive its shortcomings.

Admittedly, it’s best served for couples with an active lifestyle or who simply want something small and fun that can go off the beaten track. If that’s you, you’ll be rewarded with a unique slice of lovable motoring.

Yes, the sat nav is rubbish, it’s got a pitifully small boot if you are hosting three other passengers and you could buy a much more practical crossover for similar money. It’s not even that good on fuel or CO2. But I don’t care.

I like the new Jimny so much that, when times are better, I will be buying one. And it will be green (not yellow).

New Suzuki Jimny: Key Specs

Dimensions (mm): 3,480 (L) x 1,645 (W) x 1,725 (H)
Engine: 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol
Power: 100bhp at 6,000rpm
Torque: 95lb/ft (130Nm) at 4,000rpm
Kerb Weight (inc all options): 1,135kg
Gross Weight: 1,435kg
Max Towing Weight (braked): 1,350kg
Max Towing Weight (unbraked): 350kg
Fuel Economy: 35.8mpg combined (manual)
CO2 Emissions: 178g/km (WLTP)
Price: From £15,999.

Suzuki Jimny review (2019): Big trouble, little finer?

The Verdict

Despite some rough edges in the refinement department, the Suzuki Jimny is one of the best cars in the world for putting a smile on your face and those around you.

The Good

Super cool

Great off-roader

Easy to drive

The Bad

Noisy at speed

Not that practical

Long wait to own

Tribe Score

The Pretties