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Suzuki Haywards Heath

T: 08447704996
E: Email Suzuki Haywards Heath


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Suzuki Jimny 4x4 JLX

For:
Capable off-road thanks to its low-ratio 'box. Warranty is good. Cheap wind-in-the-hair fun.

Against:
There are too many shortcomings in the way the Jimny drives. It's also a bit tight on rear passenger space.



Performance

The Jimny's recent face-lift has seen the engine uprated from 80bhp to 85bhp, and its 81lb ft of pulling muscle is now delivered at lower revs to improve flexibility. Choose from a new five-speed manual or four-speed auto 'box. The manual now covers 0-62mph in 14.1sec - still rather slow. Off-road, the Jimny holds its own against expensive rivals.

Ride & handling

In a sector where we have come to expect so much, the Jimny is outdated. It is good off-road and can tackle demanding terrain. However, back on terra firma the ride is uncomfortably firm and bouncy on anything other than a glass-smooth road. It also leans in corners and has little grip.

Refinement

You could be forgiven for thinking that Suzuki has totally ignored refinement in the Jimny. The engine is coarse when revved hard - something you have to do all too regularly. Out of town and at higher speeds, it becomes unacceptably noisy, with roar coming from the tyres, the engine and wind.

Buying & owning

The breakdown cover and warranty (with a 60,000-mile limit) last for three years, while daily running costs are low. However, it will struggle to hold on to its value. Expect to get back less than half its original value after a three-year period. The soft-top version retains the pre-face-lift engine.

Quality & reliability

A separate chassis means the Jimny has been constructed with serious off-road use in mind. It can cope with this with no problem, although hard use will take its toll on the cabin. The engine and transmission should give no trouble.

Safety & security

There is little in the way of security kit fitted to the Jimny, with no alarm or deadlocks. The soft-top version is even more vulnerable to thieves. Driver and passenger airbags are supplied as standard, but side and curtain 'bags are not available. However, all models now have anti-lock brakes.

Behind the wheel

Perhaps surprisingly, given that the driver's seat has no height adjustment and you can't vary the rake or reach of the steering wheel, the driving position is quite good, if rather upright. It gives a good view out, although drivers over six feet tall may find legroom restricted. The simple dash has the necessary information clearly displayed while all of the controls are easy to reach, and all-round visibility is good.

Space & practicality

There's reasonable head- and legroom for two up front, although the narrow cabin may force them to rub shoulders. Those in the rear get a poor deal: legroom is tight and the cushions are too small. Short overhangs which help the Jimny off-road mean there is next to no boot space, so it's better viewed as a two-seater. At least the rear seats split and fold to boost luggage space.

Equipment

All versions of the Jimny Estate have electric front windows and door mirrors, power steering, central locking, a CD player, front fog lamps and alloy wheels. Air-conditioning is not available, but the accessory range allows some personalisation.

Running Costs

Town mpg

30.4

Out of Town mpg

45.6

Average mpg

38.7

Tank Capacity (gallons)

8.8

CO2 Rating (g/km)

174

Insurance Group

7

Typical Insurance Quote

£388

% Value Retained (3yrs/36,000mls)

33

Typical Contract Hire Rate (pcm)

£297

Pence Per Mile

0

Servicing Cost over 3yrs

£0

Servicing Intervals

6000

Manufacturers Warranty

3yr/60k + 6yr Perforation + 3yr Breakdown

Performance & Measurements

Body type

4X4

Number of Doors

3

Number of Seats

4

Engine (cc/type)

1328/4

Fuel Type

Unleaded

Max Power (bhp/rpm)

84/6000

Engine Position

F

Driven Wheels

Four

Length (mm)

3625

Width (mm)

1600

Height (mm)

1705

Boot Space (min ltr)

113

Boot Space (max ltr)

286

Turning Circle (m)

9.8

Towing Weight(kg)

1100

Kerb Weight (kg)

1039