Bruce Fraser
Bruce Fraser
IN BOXING terminology the little Suzuki Jimny is arguably the best pound-for-pound fighter in its class.
Weighing in at only 1420kg and having a tiny 1,3litre engine it falls into the flyweight category.
Comparing it to the more illustrious 4x4 brigade such as the Mercedes-Benz ML class would be unfair - a bit like putting Jacob "Baby Jake" Matlala in the ring for a couple of rounds with Mike Tyson.
But having said that, it's definitely a knockout in a number of departments.
Firstly, an advantage it does have over its bigger competitors is the ability to bob and weave through traffic with ease.
Next, parking becomes a doddle due to its compact size and responsive power steering. Couple this with a very reasonable 7,2litres per 100km in the petrol stakes and the fact that it is equally at home on tar, in the bush or on sand and you understand why the Jimny is into its 40th year of production.
The 63kW of power produced by the engine does feel slightly light at times and acceleration a tad lumbered.
Comfort-wise it has air con, electric windows and CD player. F ront airbags and ABS brakes come standard.
If you are serious about buying the Jimny I would ask how often you are going to be using it off-road.
If the answer is a couple of times a month as any it is a good entry-level vehicle to the world of 4x4. If the answer is "now and then" you are probably better off buying a standard sedan in the R120000 range.
Suzuki Jimny is a knockout
Bruce Fraser
Bruce Fraser
IN BOXING terminology the little Suzuki Jimny is arguably the best pound-for-pound fighter in its class.
Weighing in at only 1420kg and having a tiny 1,3litre engine it falls into the flyweight category.
Comparing it to the more illustrious 4x4 brigade such as the Mercedes-Benz ML class would be unfair - a bit like putting Jacob "Baby Jake" Matlala in the ring for a couple of rounds with Mike Tyson.
But having said that, it's definitely a knockout in a number of departments.
Firstly, an advantage it does have over its bigger competitors is the ability to bob and weave through traffic with ease.
Next, parking becomes a doddle due to its compact size and responsive power steering. Couple this with a very reasonable 7,2litres per 100km in the petrol stakes and the fact that it is equally at home on tar, in the bush or on sand and you understand why the Jimny is into its 40th year of production.
The 63kW of power produced by the engine does feel slightly light at times and acceleration a tad lumbered.
Comfort-wise it has air con, electric windows and CD player. F ront airbags and ABS brakes come standard.
If you are serious about buying the Jimny I would ask how often you are going to be using it off-road.
If the answer is a couple of times a month as any it is a good entry-level vehicle to the world of 4x4. If the answer is "now and then" you are probably better off buying a standard sedan in the R120000 range.
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