I love it and you will too, that’s the latest Suzuki Jimny 1.5 GLX All grip auto.
It’s a legit hardcore 4WD and the new model pays direct homage to the boxy, no-nonsense looks of old.
Boasting 1.5l engine that generates strong torque over a wide rpm range for powerful off road performance as we took it on at one of opened lodges in Magaliesberg (thanks to Covid 19 regulations) it delivered high fuel efficiency, despite being small and lightweight.
From then on, we hit the real gravel road en route to NW to see how it behaves. Instead of locals enquiring about the model and its specs, they we’re caught with jaws down on its fabulous, unique kinetic yellow colour. Whistles and wows were aplenty, ek se…
The 1.5l Jimny exists in a class of very few competitors in the hardcore 4WD realm.
A quick 500km run up offroad and chewing through sand, potholes we can safely say that the Jimny laughs at any sort of sandy terrain without blinking.
A sex on wheels. It’s a pocket rocket- you may utter…
The cockpit is surprisingly spacious and comfortable. There’s ample headroom, fantastic vision aided by the rig’s ride height and generous side windows.
The front seats are comfortable and have a wide adjustment range. The interior is intentionally utilitarian, with rigid plastic surfaces that feel well made and are easy to keep clean.
The dash is well appointed and equipped with just the right amount of concessions to modernity, including a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment unit equipped with Apple Carplay/ Android auto, reversing camera and it’s own sat-nav system.
Other modern comforts include the cruise control function and LED headlights with an automatic high beam function.
The Jimny’s rear houses an additional two passenger seats, as well as a limited 85L storage space. That’s were the only problem is.
If you intend taking a big family or luggage you better think AGAIN.
Being small and light is a massive advantage considering that in the world of off-road driving, less is always more.
Getting stuck in something (which is a common off-road occurrence) is easy to resolve in a vehicle weighing just 1 070kg as opposed to other popular 4×4’s that weigh double that.
That being said, it would take a lot to get the Jimny stuck, with its soft suspension allowing it to tackle the toughest terrains. It is an undeniably slow vehicle however, with a claimed top speed of just 140km/h.
Fuel efficiency is another talking point as the Jimny has economical levels of consumption in both manual and automatic transmission as well as on dirt trails and on-road. Official figures state an impressive consumption of just 11.0-litres/100km on off -road conditions.
It has Brake LSD Traction control: If two wheels diagonal from each other lose grip while you’re travelling over slippery surfaces, this feature is designed to automatically brake the slipping wheels and redistribute torque to the other two wheels.
The Hill Descent Control: Automatically apply the brakes with the push of a button to maintain a fixed decent speed while you concentrate on steering without using the brake pedal or clutch.
You buy a Jimny to have fun. These things are fun to look at and so much fun to drive that it feels like it should be illegal.
As soon as you jump behind the wheel, the rig feels lithe and catlike. Like it can go anywhere. Over anything. Like there’s no chance of getting stuck.
After-all it’s a way of life…
It retails for R299 900
Verdict
Performance 1-10 (4)
Fuel 1-10 (4) Petrol
Image SLM (The new Suzuki Jimny all grip auto ‘walks the walk’).
