It will soon be 10 years since Suzuki announced its withdrawal from the Canadian automotive market. And since the 2014 model year, it is no longer possible to obtain new cars from the Japanese brand in the country. At Car Guide, we always keep an eye on what’s happening elsewhere, and we noticed that Europeans can afford an atypical subcompact SUV: the Suzuki Jimny. So we took advantage of a trip to France to try it out.
Unlike the small raised cars that think they are sport utility vehicles, such as the Nissan Kicks, Hyundai Venue or Kia Soul, Suzuki markets an authentic 4×4. Heir to the two-door Samurai and Sidekick that we knew, this new Jimny relies on a design inspired by the past, a common practice in the industry. And even if beauty is something very subjective, this adventurer charmed us. And we’re not the only ones to think so, given the number of stares and thumbs-ups that marked our journey.
Like a “mini Wrangler”, the Jimny sits on a ladder frame. It is also characterized by two rigid axles and overhangs reduced to their simplest expression to facilitate crossing. Very short, it measures 3.65 m, which is 59 cm less than a two-door Wrangler! To give you an idea of its small size, we photographed it next to a Fiat 500, which gives a good idea of its reduced size.
Photo: Julien Amado
Initially available with four seats, the Jimny now only offers two seats in the front in France. Why ? Because by transforming the vehicle into a “VU” (utility vehicle), Suzuki escapes the ecological malus which affects the price of many vehicles. Available in a single version with a few optional colors, the Japanese manufacturer tries to keep the price as low as possible for its small 4×4.
And it works since our test model retails for 21,690 euros all taxes included, which corresponds to $28,770 at the time of this writing. When we know that a basic two-door Wrangler costs more than $45,000 (taxes included), we think that the Jimny could appeal to some off-road driving enthusiasts in Quebec.
Get to the point
When you climb inside the Jimny, you have the impression of stepping back several years. No TFT screen, touch or haptic controls or technological debauchery. There is a needle instrumentation facing the driver and a multimedia system reduced to its simplest expression. It’s a small, rectangular, orange LCD display with adjustment buttons on either side. It is possible to connect your cell phone via Bluetooth, but forget about Apple CarPlay or Android Auto!
Photo: Julien Amado
The dashboard, molded in rigid, grainy plastic, seems ready to withstand the ravages of time. Again, nothing superfluous on board. There are three rotary knobs for temperature and ventilation, electric window controls, downhill assistance and the switch to disconnect the stability control. This makes the Jimny a bit anachronistic, but also reassuring for a long-term purchase. With the limited equipment delivered in the vehicle, the risk of breakage is significantly reduced.
Behind the driver, a metal grid marks the separation with the trunk. The hinged door opens to a very convenient cargo area. Suzuki proudly claims 863 liters of capacity. It’s very good for such a small vehicle, but with rear seats, the space would obviously be reduced to its simplest expression…
Photo: Julien Amado
Under the hood purrs a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre 4-cylinder engine. Suzuki announces 102 horsepower in Europe (which makes 101 hp here) and 96 lb-ft. Rather modest figures, which must however be related to the reduced weight of the Jimny (1,090 kg empty). This block can only be paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox, combined with a transfer case integrating two ranges of low and high speeds (4L and 4H). It is also possible to drive in propulsion only.
Mini format, maximum pleasure
Wrangler or Bronco owners know it well, driving an authentic 4×4 comes with its share of compromises, but also with incomparable driving pleasure. It’s exactly the same at the wheel of the Jimny. Very short, the vehicle reveals an astonishing agility in Parisian traffic. We sneak everywhere with disconcerting ease, and we park almost everywhere. The ride is obviously not as accommodating as that of a 100% road model, but the comfort of the suspensions remains adequate. Whether in town or on secondary roads, we keep smiling while driving this little 4×4.
Photo: Julien Amado
The engine is not a thunderbolt, however, the transmission with close ratios allows you to take advantage of starts that are energetic enough to fit into traffic. The box command could be more precise, but it is still correct. The clutch pedal, whose slip point is very high, requires a bit of getting used to, but you get used to it.
The 1.5-litre block drives more at mid-range. After 4,500 rpm, it has already given everything and only howls without advancing frankly. This is also what you notice when you enter the highway. At 130 km/h, the tachometer needle oscillates around 4,000 rpm, which causes a veritable mechanical cacophony in the passenger compartment. The boxy, high-legged format also makes the Jimny sensitive to side winds at high speeds. After a few tens of kilometres, we only want to leave the expressways as quickly as possible to find some peace of mind. In his defense, it must be recognized that the vehicle was really not designed for this use.
Photo: Julien Amado
The Jimny has a solid reputation for off-road driving, so we would have liked to push it to its limits. But we only found dirt or gravel roads that were swallowed with ease.
During our test, made of city, secondary roads and highways in equivalent proportions, we noted a consumption of 7.9 L/100 km. It’s not that high in absolute terms, but for such an underpowered 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine, it’s not very efficient.
When returning the keys to the vehicle, we had a slight twinge in our hearts, thinking that this model will never make the trip to our house. Its successful design, its charming handling and its crossing capabilities would certainly appeal to buyers looking for a small, adventurous vehicle. Especially if it was sold for $28,770 taxes included, which, as a reminder, corresponds to the price of a mid-range Hyundai Venue…
Most :
Fun driving
Agile and easy to park
A true subcompact 4×4
Competitive price…even in euros!
The lessers :
Very noisy from 80 km/h
Sensitive to side wind
Greedy engine considering the power developed