Top 5 reasons we’re head over heels for the new 5-door Suzuki Jimny
The all-new 5-door Suzuki Jimny recently rolled onto the scene, injecting a shot of retro-rugged practicality into the small SUV segment. Forget your mammoth off-roaders; this compact adventurer is all about embracing the simple joys of getting dirty and exploring the unbeaten path, but it has other talents up its sleeve too that makes it even more lovable.
1. It’s always up for a trip to Anywhere
Remember the days when SUVs weren't just glorified grocery-getters? The Jimny harks back to a golden era of adventure, where form followed function and dirt roads were playgrounds. Even today, its boxy silhouette, chunky tyres, ground clearance, low-range transfer case and approach and departure angles would make a mountain goat jealous - even if the 5-door Jimny is considerably heavier and therefore slightly less agile. But whether you're scaling rocky trails, braving muddy fields, or simply conquering that pesky sidewalk in front of your favourite urban hangout, the Jimny (read the 2023 5-door Jimny launch report here) is your passport to off-road freedom.
2. More room for the crew (and their gear)
Let's face it, the 3-door Jimny is a bit… cosy, and only suited to singles or couples. But the new 5-door model expands your horizons (literally) with two extra doors and a significant boost in cargo space for your offspring’s day-to-day school paraphernalia. The previous cargo volume with rear seats up was laughable; now there are 211 litres to fill.
Fold down the rear seats, and you've got a generous 332 litres of gear-swallowing potential—enough for camping equipment, surfboards, and the like. Plus, the additional doors make loading and unloading a breeze; no more playing contortionist to reach the back seat.
3. Retro charm with a modern twist!
The Jimny has never been one to shy away from its heritage, and the 5-door model proudly wears its retro influences on its sleeve. Those iconic round headlights, the upright stance, and the exposed hinges are just three design details that we love. But don't mistake nostalgia for old-fashioned; the Jimny gets a modern makeover with LED daytime running lights, a slick touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto functionality, and even cruise control. It's the perfect blend of vintage vibes and contemporary convenience.
Suzuki Jimny 3-door colours and price guide
4. Surprisingly civilised when you want it to be
Just because it's a champion off-roader doesn't mean the Jimny can't handle the daily grind. Its updated suspension delivers a comfortable ride on paved roads, making it a perfectly acceptable commuter car, even though it’s a little hard over speed bumps. The steering is light, if not very direct, and the 1.5-litre engine, while not a speed demon, offers enough pep to zip through traffic. Sure, it might not win any drag races, but Jimny owners have nothing to prove anyway. (We pick our favourite 3-door variant here)
How roomy is a Suzuki Jimny 5-door?
5. It’s (quite) affordable and cheap to run!
Adventure doesn't come cheap, and neither does the new 5-door Jimny, but still, it is relatively affordable considering its iconic off-road chops in the often-pricey world of larger, capable SUVs. The Jimny’s price tag and fuel-efficient engine certainly make it accessible to a wider range of adventurers.
Suzuki Jimny 5 Door (2023) First drive review
Bonus reasons: It’s just so cute, and then there’s the Jimny cult following
It's Dinky Toy styling, the exposed spare tyre on the back—everybody loves the down-to-earth Jimny, and when you're on the road (or off it!) you'll find that other Jimny owners will amicably flash their lights at you to say hi. At first I didn't know what it was all about, and then I realised...and would also flash my lights at other Jimnys.
The Jimny fraternity is a friendly bunch, and 800 Jimnys recently set a world record in Clarens by all turning on their headlamps at the same time. Read the article here: Jimny Gathering 2023: We name our favourite rides!
