What does it cost?
For The Suzuki Jimny is one of the cheapest new 4x4s on sale and it's capable off-road thanks to its low-ratio 'box. The warranty is good, too.
Against There are too many shortcomings in the way the Jimny drives on the road: it's painfully slow, the ride is too firm and it's short of grip. It's also very tight on rear passenger space.
What Car? says
Tough, and capable in the mud. However, the Suzuki Jimny is way too far behind its excellent SUV rivals in far too many areas.
What Car? readers say
3.466667
There are 2 Suzuki Jimny versions available
Buyer's notes
Target Price team says:
It is cheap and rugged, but expect anything beyond that and the Suzuki Jimny flounders.
Off-road is the only place where this dinky 4x4 is any good, and even there it has to overcome the obstacle of a gutless 1.3-litre engine. At least low-range gears make it unlikely that you’ll get bogged down.
The Jimny is built like a workhorse – chunky and clunky – and the ride isn’t much different, either. On Tarmac, it is bouncy and uncomfortable, leans something terrible in bends and has little grip.
Getting up to speed requires hard revving of the noisy engine, and the din is joined by road- and wind noise to assault your ears from all angles.
The interior is basic and lacks the luxury items and quality you get in other small SUVs. Space is tight, too - it's best see the Jimny as a two-seater and fold the rear seats down to extend the cramped boot.
Reader test team says:
Suzuki Jimny 4x4 1.3 JLX+ 3dr
If this was my only car, then I would not be writing this. My other vehicle is a Mercedes C220CDi Sport( see separate review). I bought the Jimny in…
3
out of 5 stars
Suzuki Jimny 4x4 1.3 JLX+ 3dr
We live in real 4x4 country with a 1/4 mile track at a gradiant of 1 in 4 to get to the house. The Jimny is a second car, our main car is LandRover…
4
out of 5 stars
Suzuki Jimny 4x4 1.3 JLX 3dr
This car has to be seen in context. For a true 4X4, it is very cheap to buy and run - mine was £7499 on the road new, including the metallic paint…
4
out of 5 stars
Suzuki Jimny 4x4 1.3 JLX+ 3dr
Hi, I've just had a 48 hour test drive in a Jimny, and I have to say, I loved it what a great little vehicle. Granted it may be 'rough round the…
4
out of 5 stars
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Our pick of the range
Suzuki Jimny 4x4 1.3 SZ3 3dr
The Jimny is cheap and rugged and has decent off-road abilities, but its handling and ride are awful and it lags behind competitors in too many ways to mention.
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