Image: Fanie van Niekerk
The beloved Suzuki Jimny took South Africa by storm when it launched in 2018 – and rightfully so. And things got even better when the five-door Suzuki Jimny arrived in 2023. But does that mean the Jimny 4×4 is the perfect go-to vehicle for everyone?
When my arrangements to attend the 2025 edition of the Simola Hillclimb fell into place, I knew that I had to get a set of wheels for the occasion. The Hillclimb may be the one event in South Africa where some of the most powerful cars come together, but the muddy lawns, which act as parking spaces, can be tricky and catch you off guard.
So, what to do? Well, get the right tool for the job, to which the garage door opened to the Suzuki Jimny 1.5 GLX AllGrip Automatic. My week-long trip to the Simola Hillclimb saw me take the Jimny SUV on a spectacular journey where work and play met – not just at the event but also on the road.
My trip, nearly 2 000 km long, had the Jimny act as my daily driver, handling everything from errands to long-distance travel and some mild off-roading.
Jimny Stirs Positivity
My initial impressions of the Jimny 1.5-litre petrol were, and still are, overwhelmingly positive. It has a very alluring design that almost dares you to pack your bags and take every off-road shortcut suggested by Google Maps. The stark reality is, however, that not many people have the luxury of doing just that.
Most people who own, or are considering purchasing, the Suzuki Jimny in South Africa will likely use it for local commutes, trips to work, grocery runs, and the occasional off-road weekend getaway. Unfortunately for the Jimny, this is a bit like owning a Great Dane with no backyard. In my opinion, the Jimny was never meant to be caged or used strictly as a commuter vehicle. It was built to roam wild and freely, and showcase its off-road prowess.
That said, it’s not terrible for commuting. At the end of my week, I averaged around 8 L/100 km fuel consumption, which is not bad when you consider the powertrain. But I can’t help but wonder if this figure would improve if the 1.5-litre petrol engine (75 kW/130 Nm) was maybe turbocharged, or if the four-speed automatic gearbox was swapped for a more modern five- or six-speed self-shifter. Because, boy, the gearbox loves third gear on the open road.
The more I drove the Jimny, the more I found myself growing more fond of its looks but less so of its on-road performance. It definitely has a road presence, but it doesn’t seem to enjoy hovering at the national speed limit. Due to its inherently boxy and tall design, taking corners at speed can unsettle it – no matter how gentle you try to be. While it holds its own on the highway with a cruising speed between 100 and 120km/h, there is the feeling that more oomph is needed. And maybe wider tyres too.
Spacious Cabin
One of the most important factors with the new Suzuki Jimny 5-door is space, and that comes in abundance. Considering the vehicle’s compact SUV overall size, it offers a surprising amount of packing room. The boot space in the Suzuki Jimny is spacious and easily accommodated my two 7kg carry-ons as well as plenty of camera gear on the trip. Folding down the rear seats significantly increases the usable space.
With those down, I was able to fit a well-sized 20kg bag, a couple of duffel bags, and several smaller trinkets here and there. Not once during the trip did I wish for more space; I did, however, wish for bigger door storage compartments, as simply getting my wallet in and out of it was a mission on its own.
An Off-Road Leader
Finally, let’s talk about the Jimny’s off-road capabilities – its bread and butter. I spent a few days at Simola Hillclimb with the Jimny, and I have to say that in all my years of attending it, I’ve never had parking this easy. While big-name 4x4s spun out on the muddy, uneven grass, the Jimny cruised along as if the ground were paved.
When you take the Jimny onto any gravel road, its true nature is revealed. The moment all four wheels touch gravel, it comes alive. Everything clicks. It suddenly handles like a vehicle you’ve been driving for years, it syncs with the terrain and tackles it with confidence, as if the gravel were its own Nürburgring. That’s what I loved most – seeing the look of shock on the faces of the groot manne and their big 4x4s.
Admittedly, the Suzuki Jimny 2025 leaves a bit to be desired in terms of on-road performance, but it’s a vehicle built for purpose. And it excels – every day.
