Suzuki Jimny

Auto Express Car Reviews

Rating:
For : Cute, fun
Against : Terrible ride, coarse engine

This rather oddball offering from Suzuki looks to attract buyers that are sold on the rugged looks of an off-roader but need the compact dimensions and manoeuvrability of a city car. It's a good idea too, the additional height offering a clearer view over the traffic than the majority of urban runabouts. There's a user-friendly feel to the controls, the clutch is easy, the gearchange smooth and the brake pedal progressive. Only the fidgety ride lets it down.

The 1.3-litre, 16-valve engine takes some winding up to get the best results and then, unfortunately, it becomes irritatingly coarse at high revs. Four adults can be carried on short journeys provided they don't have any baggage. The Jimny is an ambitious attempt by Suzuki to produce a unique type of city car, but it has some obvious failings. The value of its off-road ability is questionable, and rivals like Ford's Ka can do everything else better. The soft-top version adds to the appeal of the Jimny and unusually doesn't cost any more than the closed alternative.