The Suzuki Jimny has always been adored for its rugged charm and off-road capabilities, becoming an icon as well as a bit of a status symbol among outdoor enthusiasts.
But how does the new five-door variant fare on a challenging road-trip across the rugged terrain of the Tankwa Karoo, especially with four adults, their luggage and more?
Recently, we put the Jimny five-door to the test on a road-trip that took us deep into the heart of the Tankwa Karoo, a region known for its unforgiving landscape and breathtaking beauty. This was no ordinary drive – it was a journey that demanded comfort, stability, and ample space for both passengers and gear.
Right from the start, the Jimny impressed with its improved stability on the rough and uneven roads. The longer wheelbase made a noticeable difference, providing a smoother ride over the corrugated surfaces and potholes that are typical of the Karoo’s dirt roads. Unlike its three-door sibling, which can feel nervous at higher speeds, the five-door felt more grounded and confident, even when cruising through the desert’s challenging terrain.
One of the biggest concerns on a trip like this is space –especially when travelling with four adults and all their luggage. Fortunately, the Jimny five-door delivered.
Despite its compact exterior, the vehicle comfortably accommodated all passengers, with enough room left for their bags. The added space didn’t compromise the Jimny’s iconic manoeuvrability; it still handled tight corners and narrow passes with ease.
One suggestion though would be to use all the space within the Jimny’s interior for extra packing space, such as possible compartments under the rear seats and added consoles.
As we ventured deeper into the Karoo, the Jimny’s off-road prowess truly came to the fore. Whether navigating rocky paths or sandy stretches, the vehicle tackled every obstacle with the confidence and durability that Suzuki is known for.
The plump sidewalls of the Jimny’s tyres absorbed impacts effectively, making the journey more comfortable for everyone on board.
The trip wasn’t just about the destination – it was about the experience. The Jimny five-door provided a pleasant drive, turning what could have been a tiring trek into an enjoyable adventure. Its ability to traverse the rugged landscape while keeping all five passengers comfortable was a testament to Suzuki’s thoughtful engineering.
Although legendary for it’s dirt road prowess, the new Jimny may not be the ideal for a hurried long-distant highway trip, but for zipping around town and through the suburbs is nothing short of a pleasure where its compact dimensions and easy demeanour make everyday chores a dream.
Its fuel consumption seems to be more economical than the three-door with our average consumption on our road-trip being 6 F/km, but driving around town should see a consumption of between 6,5 F/100km and 7,5 F/100km, thanks to it’s small though powerful 1,5 F engine.
In summary, the Suzuki Jimny five-door proved to be an exceptional companion for a road-trip across the Tankwa Karoo. It combined the best of what the Jimny is known for –off-road capability, durability, and charm – with added space and stability. For anyone looking to explore the more remote parts of South Africa with friends or family, the Jimny five-door is a vehicle that can handle the challenge with ease, ensuring a pleasant and memorable journey.
The five-door Suzuki Jimny manual GLX will set you back R457 900 – not an extremely economical price tag, but then you must remember, a Jimny is almost going to last you a lifetime as opposed to a three-year trade-in. For something with so much character and impressive off-road capabilities, you can’t go wrong.
The Jimny is sold with a five-year/200 000 km warranty and a four-year/60 000 km service plan.
