The Suzuki Jimny is one of those vehicles that I’d classify to be wandering within a twilight zone. It’s a true SUV and yet it’s smaller than a Toyota Wigo. It supposed to conquer a multitude of terrains and yet it’s squarely touching the centenary-horsepower mark. Its price tag dances around seven-seat MPVs and yet it can barely seat four people comfortably.
And yet, the Jimny sells. So much so that Japan is having a hard time keeping up with its global demand.
But beyond these things that make no sense, the Jimny is still an attractive vehicle to my eyes. Not because I’m a hardcore off-roader nor that I’m going through an identity crisis right now. I just really fell in love with this car. This isn’t the first time I’ve tested one, but I’m back to check whether that affection waned after a year.
The Suzuki Jimny is celebrating its 50th birthday this year. Let that sink in. If it were a male human being, most of you would think that it’s currently going through a so-called mid-life crisis, reminiscing through its youth and reliving the memories of yesteryears – and you’d be right.
On its fourth generation, the Jimny’s current design calls back to its design identity across the past three generations. The round headlights came from the first-gen Jimny, while the hood slats mimic the second-gen’s. Those five vertical slots on the grille were adopted from the model it replaced. The whole package is perfect, a modern retro even, banking on the nostalgia it evokes in people. Sold.
Inside, this mini off-roader’s squarish theme continues and complemented by hard plastics. These are executed nicely but it would be a blatant lie to say that they reek a luxurious vibe. The orange-on-black theme looks dated but I’d admit that it stays within this off-roader’s character.
Despite these, the cabin isn’t spartan – no, far from it. Locks are centralized, windows are powered, headlights are LEDs, and there’s even cruise control. But the biggest contrast is the massive nine-inch infotainment with a crisp display. It doesn’t have Apple CarPlay or Android Auto but at least it has a clinometer. Off-roaders would know.
The cabin space has increased from before; I now rarely hit the windows with my left elbow when making a wide turn, which was the main complaint on its predecessor. But then again, the size upgrade was sideways; rear legroom is still disappointing, to the point that an average-sized human being would feel relegated if assigned here.
On the road, the Jimny is perky and sprightly at times, you wouldn’t feel lacking in terms of pull. The steering felt heavy yet highway drives kind of felt like you’re babysitting a kid who’s high on sugar. It isn’t a comfortable highway cruiser, no, definitely not. The rigid suspension setup isn’t made to coddle our spoiled, privileged bodies.
With its predecessor born in 1998, you’d think that twenty long years would be enough for Suzuki to turn the Jimny into a perfect vehicle that suits every age and interests, but it’s not. That’s not the point of the Jimny. It’s impractical, it’s pricey, and it’s certainly not for those looking for a tamed long-distance hauler.
And yet, those are the things that make the Suzuki Jimny a great vehicle. Its honesty is unprecedented; something that a normal car buyer wouldn’t understand. It isn’t going to please you like the way you want it to. It won’t suck up to meet your wants and needs. And that will make you want it even more.
Truth be told, the Jimny is far from being perfect, and yet, it’s still a car I’d want to buy.