SUZUKI JIMNY The ALL NEW Giant Killer Forget the up and coming new Land Rover Defender, when Suzuki announced their new and totally updated Jimny, it was this that suddenly became the most anticipated 4x4 for the year, and for good reason. From the outside it looks like a trendy little 4x4 that cuts a dash through a busy city centre and rural villages, but what it is isn’t as straightforward as you might think. The Jimny is the only authentic off-roader that’s small and lightweight, but still retains the core off-road performance desired by professionals. That’s right, I said professionals. Everything about the new Jimny is built for professional use in mind, from the scratch and stain-resistant instrument panel, to its strong ladder chassis. The Jimny is to many, what the Unimog is to the forestry service, or a Wolf Defender is to the MOD - it’s a working 4x4 that’s uncompromising in its functionality and design. There you have it, the new Jimny is actually more of a working 4x4 than urban trendy cruiser, bet you weren’t expecting that.
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THE MUD LIFE MAGAZINE
So, what hasn’t changed? All the best bits! Coils all around, a low ratio gearbox and a ladder chassis. Size wise it’s still small, it has a wheelbase of just over 88” and an overall length of 137”. It’s wider and taller, but 30mm shorter than the previous model, not that you’d notice. On the road Before I begin, let’s reiterate a few things - it’s a proper 4x4 that’s designed for rugged and demanding off-road use, it isn’t a SUV with 4x4 capability that’s only suitable for a gentle green lane, or a sprinkling of snow whilst doing the weekly shop. The Jimny is, was and always will be, an authentic 4x4 off-roader that will handle the harshest of conditions whilst making you look good, so if you’re used to driving 4x4s like Series Land Rovers, Defenders or G-Wagens then you’ll feel right at home. If on the other hand your daily ride is a small hatch or a largish family saloon, then you’re in for a surprise. The new model has a 1.5 litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder
