Drive Review: Suzuki Jimny (2016) 1.3 Auto

Known to walk amongst giants, the Suzuki Jimny shook up what we knew about small off roader.

The Jimny has been a stalwart in the Suzuki line-up for some time and while the latest ‘refreshed’ 2016 Suzuki Jimny doesn’t boast too many changes, it merely builds on the legacy that Jimny has created.

Yes, this tiny 4×4 has gathered quite a following. Communities have been built around the Jimny and the culture it represents.  While I must admit it’s a relatively niche culture, it is one forged by brotherhood and the wander for adventure.

Driving around in the Suzuki Jimny results in hoots, waves and nods of approval. Even the most unlikely by-standers willingly offers you the thumbs up. It’s a sense of community I think only bikers and VW Beetle owners understand. But nonetheless, it feels rather special to be part of.

So how did the Suzuki Jimny carve out the little conqueror role? Well, anyone who has ever taken the little 4×4 off the black tar and onto the gravel bits will immediately appreciate the car’s capabilities. Hanging with the very best, the Jimny can tackle even the most challenging off-road obstacles.

With an impressive array of off-road features like the all-important low-range gear, and the impressive ride height and low weight means climbing to the top is easy. Admittedly, the narrow 1 600mm wide body is a blessing and a curse in the off-road terrains.

The Suzuki Jimny knows how to handle itself better than most. But yes, while the Jimny is capable and rather novel, it is quickly showing signs of aging. At a glance you’ll struggle to notice any immediate changes to the new car. It’s interior, while fitted with a new funky radio system isn’t enough to draw attention away from the over-sized boxy interior layout, courtesy of a big dashboard that looks like it’s been shipped straight out of the 1990’s replete with rotary knobs and robust buttons.

Our test mule came in the form of the 1.3 AT derivative. Not the first choice of many. But the 1.3-litre is superb and works well to get the Suzuki Jimny shuttling a long, and its 110Nm torquey personality makes it fun to drive.

On the long open road, the car handles well, but the petite engine needs working to get up to speed. The auto gearbox is also indecisive. The rapid changes results in screams and moans from the 1.3-litre engine who has to deal with the lack of decisiveness from the auto, making it difficult to drive. For instance, when approaching a hill, the box shifts to a lower gear, good job. However, the engine quickly over revs as the gearbox goes frantic to try and select the correct one of four gears to do the job, before settling on the wrong one, sending the engine howling once more. It was a bit of a letdown.

Thankfully, after several discussions with fans and owners, there seems to be a strong consensus that the manual option is the way to go.

Overall, I did quite enjoy the Jimny’s appeal and capabilities, but with a pricetag of R264 900 for the AT derivative, it’s hinging on the high side, when one considers the cramped space, tech and boxy design. Of course, the stalwart Jimny fans will still appreciate the old, with a hint of new.