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.

Suzuki Jimny 4x4
11 5stars

Tough, and capable in the mud. However, the Suzuki Jimny is way too far behind its excellent SUV rivals in far too many areas.

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The full Suzuki Jimny review


There are 2 Suzuki Jimny versions available

4x4 1.3 SZ3 3dr £11,995
What Car? says:1 stars out of 5
4x4 1.3 SZ4 3dr £12,900
What Car? says:1 stars out of 5

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

I like this car because it delivers what I want and need. Easy to drive and park in the city. Efficient and not too noisy air conditioning. And over…

Hugo Cardenas

4 out of 5 stars

Suzuki Jimny 4x4 1.3 JLX+ 3dr

I always say read the owners views rather than those of the magazine - they are too used to driving BMW's and Ferrari's and not used to 'ordinary…

James Foster

4 out of 5 stars

Suzuki Jimny 4x4 1.3 JLX 3dr

Like other owners if I had followed all the reviews I would never have bought Suzy. Ok its slow off the mark (0-60 in 14 sec)but my boy racer days are…

Jim Carter-White

3 out of 5 stars

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…

anthony gant

3 out of 5 stars
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