The Suzuki Jimny is an off-roader that people just car get enough of, and Suzuki can't make enough of. The current-generation Jimny is very popular and for good reason. There are many SUVs on the market, but in the sea of crossovers, the Suzuki Jimny stands out over and above in popularity. It is not a powerful sports car like a Ferrari, it's not luxurious like Rolls-Royce. But it does have personality, something that most modern crop of cars seems to lack.
What's Special About The Suzuki Jimny
The Suzuki Jimny is nothing more than a small off-roader. Unlike the crossovers and SUVs we usually find on the road, the Jimny is a serious, old-school off-road car. Usually, people would not take it seriously because it only measures 143.5-inches long, 64.8-inches wide, and 68.1-inches tall.
The Jimny gets a 1.5-liter, naturally aspirated petrol engine that only develops 100hp and 101 lb-ft of torque. Transmission choices are limited to a standard 5-speed manual or an ancient 4-speed automatic. However, the Jimny does get a proper mechanical 4x4 with a low-range gearbox. It is built on a traditional body on frame design. So it is inherently capable off-road.
The Jimny’s Eccentric Retro Styling
Unlike most of the over-styled SUVs on the market, Suzuki decided to keep the looks of the Jimny sedate. Throwing in some design elements from previous generation models, it has a retro vibe that adds so much personality to the vehicle.
The interior is also very basic, equipped with only the bare necessities. None of the modern unnecessary frills and tech. Not only does that make it light and economical, but it also makes it more reliable, as it has fewer things that can go wrong when driving in the wilderness. The fanciest kit on the Jimny is its 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, faux leather interior, and heated front seats. It is an affordable, no-frills off-roader
The Jimny And Its Many Faces
As off-roaders go, every country with a major automotive heritage has a full-size off-roader. Japan has the Toyota Land Cruiser, Germany builds the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon, Ford builds the Bronco in America and the British have their Land Rover Defender.
The Jimny’s most important characteristic is its durability and capability. It can keep up with the big boys when they venture off-road. There is plenty of content on YouTube proving the might of the little Jimny.
Sure, It is inherently cute. But if you wish your Jimny was actually a Bronco, a G-Wagon, or a Defender, you’re in luck. The Jimny is multi-faceted and, globally, many conversions kits are available to make it your own.
The most notable conversion kits are offered by a company in Japan called DAMD. They could either make the Jimny look retro-chic, or change it entirely to look like a mini-Mercedes-AMG G63, mini-Defender, or even a mini-Bronco.
There are even plenty of options to beef up the Jimny further to turn it into a serious off-roader or even an over landing camper vehicle for the adventurous type.
Why The Suzuki Jimny Is So Cool
The Jimny is small, cute, durable, capable, and turns out to have its own fashion collection fit for Halloween. It is like the cardboard box that we would play with as kids, pretending them to be our race cars, fighter jets, or war ships. It would be limited by only our imagination. It reminds us to have a bit of fun every now and then.
While all the other “SUVs” are busy trying to look cool, and muscular. The Jimny knows that not every day, is upper body day in the gym. Just being cute is not the Jimny’s predominant personality. Its charm rests on its unparalleled capabilities. If the Jimny was all show and no go, it wouldn't be as desirable as it is. Suzuki was forced to expand the Jimny’s production from Japan to India to meet the global demand. It has been nearly five years since the fourth generation model was introduced. We still have not been able to stop talking about the Jimny Just because of its appeal, and Suzuki not being able to give one to everyone who wants a Jimny, this pokey little off-roader will find its way into the history books as a future classic. If you have one, treasure it.
There are now talks about a four-door Jimny, and Suzuki has even showcased a pick-up truck concept model. They may not offer a similar appeal as the regular model, but if it means more Jimnys on the road, we welcome them with open arms.