The Suzuki Jimny has been a legend since its debut in 1970, charming adventurers with its go-anywhere attitude and compact design. Over the decades, it’s earned a reputation as a lightweight, capable off-roader that doesn’t break the bank. Now, Suzuki has added practicality to the mix with the Jimny 5-door, a stretched version of the iconic 3-door model. But does this new iteration retain the charm that made the Jimny a cult favourite?
Exterior
The 5-door Jimny retains the boxy, retro styling that has made it instantly recognizable, now stretched by 340 mm to accommodate the extra doors. The signature upright grille, round LED headlights, and chunky wheel arches ensure it looks as rugged as ever.
Sitting on 15-inch alloy wheels, the Jimny GLX 5-door balances style with off-road functionality. Roof rails add practicality, and the two-tone paint options—like Kinetic Yellow with a black roof—give it a playful vibe. Whether you’re navigating urban streets or off-road trails, the Jimny’s design screams “ready for adventure.”
Interior
Inside, the Jimny stays true to its utilitarian roots. The dashboard is simple and functional, featuring hard-wearing plastics designed to withstand muddy adventures. The 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is a welcome modern touch, while climate control and a leather-wrapped steering wheel add a hint of comfort.
While the extra doors improve accessibility, the Jimny’s compact dimensions mean space is still limited. Rear passengers will find the legroom a bit tight, and taller occupant may feel the pinch on longer journeys. However, the boot has grown to 208 litres, a small but significant improvement over the 3-door model. Folding the rear seats expands the capacity to 332 litres, offering enough room for camping gear or a weekend’s worth of essentials. Practical? Yes. Spacious? Not quite.
Power and off-road capabilities
The Jimny 1.5 GLX AllGrip is powered by a 1.5-liter petrol engine, delivering 75 kW and 130 Nm of torque. While it’s no powerhouse, the Jimny’s lightweight design and 5-speed manual gearbox make it more than capable off-road. The AllGrip 4×4 system, with a low-range transfer case and excellent ground clearance, shines when tackling rocky trails, sandy paths, or muddy terrain. For off-roading, it’s nothing short of brilliant, navigating obstacles with ease and making even the toughest trails feel like a playground.
On the road, however, the Jimny’s shortcomings are glaring. The high centre of gravity makes it unnerving on highways, particularly on windy days where it feels downright skittish. The steering lacks precision, and combined with noticeable body roll, it’s not a vehicle you want to push through corners. And while the fuel economy is decent—we averaged 7.2 L/100 km—it’s not exactly a long-distance cruiser.
Put simply, the Jimny is no Suzuki Swift Sport, so it shouldn’t be driven like one. But if you’re sticking to dirt roads and trails, it’s a delight to drive and does exactly what it was built to do: thrive off the beaten path.
Verdict
The Suzuki Jimny 1.5 GLX AllGrip 5-door stays true to its off-road heritage while adding a layer of practicality that makes it more family-friendly. While it may lack the polish of larger SUVs on tarred roads, its unbeatable capability, rugged charm, and compact dimensions ensure it stands out in a crowded segment.
For those looking for an affordable, no-nonsense off-roader with just enough space for friends or extra gear, the Jimny 5-door is a no-brainer. It’s proof that big adventures can still come in small packages. Pricing for the Suzuki Jimny 1.5 GLX AllGrip 5-door starts at R457,900.
