Back in early March I wrote about why I didn't think the Suzuki Jimny was much of an off-roader, despite its good reputation. By coincidence I've been able to spend a week with a 2012 Jimny Sierra, the top model that costs $22,990, making it the cheapest, smallest and least powerful proper 4WD on the New Zealand market; 'proper' being one with low-range gearing and, in the Jimny's case, coil-sprung beam axle suspension front and rear. It immediately became clear that I have to revise one earlier criticism. The five-speed manual gearbox and clutch are much better than the one I drove some years ago and are just fine for off-roading.
However, the week also served to remind me of another reason I don't care for the Jimny off-road. Part of my drive was up Muriwai Beach, then over some extremely loose sand and onto Wilson Road, a delightful 4WD track familiar to locals and off-road enthusiasts. I'd been up there in my Wrangler Rubicon less than a week before and had no trouble at all with the loose sand, but kept bogging the Jimny until I remembered how you drive this thing in loose stuff: low first and pedal to the metal. Engine howling, the Jimny scrambled up and over. I had to repeat the "full noise" technique several more times on the track and quickly got sick of it. I really do believe the off-road adage, "as slow as possible, as fast as necessary" and so screaming through obstacles just didn't seem like good driving to me, despite having a certain entertainment value.
I took along self-recovery gear, including a ground anchor and Tirfor hand winch, to get out of any likely embarrassing situation. With that all stowed, there was no room left. I don't know how two people go on a long camping trip in a Jimny, but I hear that they do.
The concept of the Jimny is great and I'd really like to be able to like it a lot more. I'm thinking that if you want a small off-roader, it'd be better to find the best three-door Vitara/Escudo you can and do it up, despite it having an independent front suspension that forever seems to need aligning.
• This report coincides with the 15th anniversary of the Jimny, first introduced at the Tokyo Motor Show in 1997.
I'm thinking of a Jimny myself and have read youre posts with interest, but youre sending mixed messages. Simple question: would you buy one or not?
ReplyDeleteSimple answer: No.
DeleteLong answer: I've thought about it long and hard, because I do love the concept of a small, nimble off-roader. But it would cost so much to modify to meet my particular needs it's not a starter.
You nead to apologize to Zuki for the crap you wright about there trux. Zooks rule,
ReplyDeleteI see the editor of NZ 4WD tested the very same Jimny in his May issue. Basically he thought it was wonderful and you thought it was shite. Whose a person to believe. I ask because I have been thinking of getting a Jimmy for myself.
ReplyDeleteNo, I didn't think it was "shite" as you suggest, but it has some shortcomings. You'll have to decide which point of view has most credibility.
DeleteI have a Jimbny and its nevR let me down. I sirgest you learn too drive.
ReplyDeleteI own an "extreme" Jimny that has done well both in competition and tough club trips. It is proof that with work it can be a superb off roader that will run with the best. The on-road ride, handling and comfort are all poor but I accept these as the price to pay for having a top little off roader.
ReplyDeleteI own a jimny here in Asia and it is a very good 4x4. I use it to explore nice places. If you ask me, yes I recommend jimny.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment. Always nice to hear from overseas visitors!
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