Dodging pot-holes, speeding through sand, and crawling over rocks of dried-out river-beds; the Suzuki Jimny 5-door launch was a wonderful demonstration of the new vehicle’s capabilities, writes Oliver Keohane.
Fifty-three years ago, Suzuki introduced the LJ10, a modest off-roader that laid the foundation for the iconic Suzuki Jimny. In 2023 the legacy evolves, with the introduction of the Suzuki Jimny 5-Door.
Our expedition into the heart of the Tuli Wilderness area in Botswana marked the launch of this highly anticipated model. Departing from Johannesburg, our adventure began with a 30-minute flight to Polokwane aboard the smallest plane I have ever been in.
The Fusion Boutique Hotel in Polokwane served as our starting point, a brief respite before the unveiling of the latest addition to the Jimny family. Early the next morning, our convoy embarked on a 192km journey to the Platjan border, where the capabilities of the 5-Door Jimny took center stage.
The 5-Door variant, available in GL and GLX specifications, retains its rugged charm in appearance and capability, though powered by the same K15B engine as its 3-Door sibling one must be willing to exercise great patience at high speeds.
Related: Mapping the history of the Suzuki Jimny
The 1,5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine provides 75 kW and 130 N.m, not an issue crawling over rocks, but not a bullet on the highway. The Jimny 5-door comes with options of a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission, combined with a selectable four-wheel-drive system.
As we crossed the Plajtan Bridge and traversed the dried riverbeds of the Tuli Wilderness area, the extended wheelbase of the Jimny proved incredibly capable. With an additional 340mm, it maneuvered through obstacles seamlessly while preserving the renowned off-roading capabilities inherited from its 3-door predecessor.
Despite its increased dimensions, the 5-door Jimny has very similar approach, ramp-over, and departure angles as the 3-door variant. By extending the wheelbase rather than the overhang, Suzuki did a good job of enhancing space without compromising essential off-roading metrics.
The thing with the 5-Door Jimny is that is actually not all that different from the 3-door. Designed to give added comfort to rear passengers (the 5-door still has only two seats in the back row), and increase cargo space with the rear seats folded down, the Jimny 5-Door represents a variation more than a new generation. Here is a table, based on comparative specs drawn up by Ryan de Villiers at CAR Magazine.
Feature | Jimny 3-Door | Jimny 5-Door |
---|---|---|
Engine | 1.5L Inline-4 Petrol | 1.5L Inline-4 Petrol |
Power | 75 kW @ 6,000 r/min | 75 kW @ 6,000 r/min |
Torque | 130 Nm @ 4,000 r/min | 130 Nm @ 4,000 r/min |
Transmission | 5-Speed Manual, 4-Speed Auto | 5-Speed Manual, 4-Speed Auto |
Seating Capacity | Four | Four |
Length | 3,625 mm | 3,985 mm |
Width | 1,645 mm | 1,645 mm |
Height | 1,670 mm | 1,720 mm |
Wheelbase | 2,250 mm | 2,590 mm |
Weight | 1,095 kg to 1,110 kg | 1,195 kg to 1,210 kg |
Towing Capacity | 350 kg (unbraked), 1,300 kg (braked) | 350 kg (unbraked), 1,300 kg (braked) |
Approach Angle | 37 degrees | 36 degrees |
Ramp Over Angle | 28 degrees | 24 degrees |
Departure Angle | 49 degrees | 50 degrees |
Ground Clearance | Not specified | 210 mm |
Off-Road System | Selectable 4WD System | Selectable 4WD System with AllGrip Pro |
Additional Features | Hill Descent Control, Hill Assist, Brake Assistance | Hill Descent Control, Hill Assist, Brake Assistance |
Price Range | From R373,900 to R419,900 | From R429,900 to R479,900 |
From challenging rock paths to expansive sand straights, the Jimny navigated with finesse, asserting itself as a viable addition to the off-road-centric family that preceded it for over 50-years.
The 4×4 route to Molema Bushcamp included scenic stops, rock art viewing, and encounters with wildlife and nature that underscored the essence of off-roading, and I suppose the Jimny — an ode to the journey.
A night in Molema provided a glimpse into the tranquil beauty of the Tuli Block before departing towards the Pont Drift border for the end of our trip. Stopping by Solomon’s Wall was a highlight of the trip and a reminder of the wonderful places one can reach in a four-wheel drive. A reminder of what you can and should do if you buy or own a Suzuki Jimny.
The Jimny is a widely loved vehicle that has developed a cult status around the world, and there is no reason why the new 5-door variant will be received any differently. Manufactured with the same eye for adventure, the 5-door retains both the aesthetic and functional appeal of its predecessor, while offering customers a little more space and comfort.
Jimny 5-door at a glance:
- Price: 1.5 GL AllGrip 5-door manual (R429 900), 1.5 GLX AllGrip 5-door manual (R457 900), 1.5 GLX AllGrip 5-door auto (R479 900)
- Engine: 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder
- Power: 75 kW @ 6,000 r/min
- Torque: 130 Nm @ 4,000 r/min
- Transmission: Five-speed manual, four-speed auto, 4WD
- Off-road System: Transfer gearbox with 2H, 4H, and 4 Low Range modes