Despite the most ridiculous name for a car (arguably ever) the newly released Suzuki Jimny is about to become a major hit in South Africa. In our country where having a 4X4 actually makes sense (considering the state of our roads) the Jimny brings affordable motoring to the offroad loving crowd.
Suzuki had a similar vehicle available in the 80’s called the Samurai and was basically an 800CC engine with a couple of wheels and a really shocking interior. I had the pleasure of driving one in Thailand a few years back and I found it to be a really quality vehicle that managed off-roading really well.
With Suzuki now back in South Africa this is the third vehicle the company has released in SA and this little car looks like a winner.
Despite being powered by a small 1.3 litre engine, a body weight of just over a ton means that this little car can move and has a better power to weight ratio than a much larger Landrover. Due to the small engine you get a low 7.2l/100KM fuel index which means it’s a pretty green 4X4. Top speed is 140KM/H and it’ll take you 14 seconds to get to 100KM/H but if offroad ability is your interest then this car is a winner.
Features wise you have power windows, power steering assistance, central locking, aircon, radio/CD, split/folding rear seatbacks, front crash bags, anti-lock brakes and roof rails. It’s got all the modern amenities of a normal car yet the abilities of a much more expensive and larger 4X4. The ability to change from two wheels drive, to four wheel drive and then to four wheel low down torque range is done by one button.
So it’s not the best looking car in the world but beauty is in the eye of the beholder. At R149000 you’d be hard pressed to find as capable a 4X4. Yes, it has the looks only a mother could love but at the price and considering it’s ability you’ll come to love this car.
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