or signup to continue reading The is the little car that could for Suzuki. The three-door model launched with a bang in 2019, and long waits have persisted since. It was joined in late 2023 by the five-door Jimny XL and, although the wait lists haven't been quite as wild, it's been hot property as well.
What's all the hype about? On paper, it's hard to understand. Tiny in person, basic inside, and powered by a breathless 1.5-litre engine with no turbocharger, the only metric in which the Jimny outguns the horde of small SUVs charging up the sales charts is off-road ability.
.. which isn't a key concern for the average small SUV buyer.
But writing the little Suzuki off because it doesn't make sense on paper is completely missing the point. Despite its flaws, the Jimny remains a charming antidote to the same-sameness of modern cars. Just make sure you know what you're getting into.
.. Pricing for the Jimny range kicks off just about $30,000 before on-road costs.
The XL automatic on test here is the most expensive model in the lineup. Simplicity is the name of the game here. With an upright dashboard, basic instrument binnacle, and lots of hard plastics, this isn't a luxury car.
Then again, it's not meant to be. Suzuki has chased a rugged and retro feeling behind the wheel, and the Jimny delivers on those fronts. The view over the stubby bonnet is commanding, and everything you need to use regularly is within easy reach.
If you're tall it is quite tight sliding in under the steeri.