Jimny sold out already

Test Drive by Graham Breeze

Spare a thought for sales teams depending on bonuses for shifting the new Suzuki Jimny – they’re already sold out and the little beauty doesn’t even go on sale until January.

Issues around European regulations on C02 emissions mean Suzuki only has an allocation of just over 600 vehicles in the UK and each one of those has already been snapped up.

And with only 1,700 likely to be released in 2019 it’s already obvious that there’s nowhere near enough supply to meet the demand, which means a lot of people are going to be disappointed and bonuses will remain unpaid.

Launched on the unsuspecting UK market back in 1970 Jimny has a unique fan base. Until now it’s never ranked highly in any beauty show, but this fourth-generation option offers a new appeal for a growing number of admirers.

All manufacturers claim to have unique vehicles but there’s uniqueness and then there’s uniqueness. The Suzuki Jimny is about as unique as it gets and just to prove it there are no rivals – not a single opponent to compare with.

It’s the only authentic small off-roader – in fact it’s better off-road than on. And in fact it’s not just good on soil, it’s amazing - as proven on Stoneleigh Park’s highly demanding off-road course last week where Jimny went where very few others would even venture.

The all-new Jimny now has even more functionality and practicality on both its appearance and performance while still fully embodying the spirit of its much-loved predecessors.

Previous models would never have been described as pretty but even that’s been improved with a taller and square Jeep-like stance. It’s wider too, though 30mm shorter, which all helps stability.

The former 1.3-litre engine is replaced by a 1.5-litre unit in, delivering higher torque than its predecessor. Despite the increased displacement, it has smaller overall dimensions than the engine it replaces, with 15 per cent reduced weight, contributing to improved fuel efficiency. 

The 5-speed manual transmission has optimised gear ratios for the new engine and the shift lever has been redesigned to reduce vibration, and also provides a more solid and direct feeling when changing gears.

The four-speed automatic transmission has also been redesigned to offer less friction and better fuel economy. The shift pattern has been changed from the former gate type to the straight type to simplify operation.

Exterior features on the new model include drip rails on the roof edges, wheel arch extensions and side sill covers that protect the body from stone chips. In harsh Winter conditions, the flat roof enables easy snow removal and the vertical design side and quarter windows help prevent snow from building up.

The rear lamps are now gathered on the bumper to achieve a simplistic design and contribute to a wider rear door opening.

This is the most technically advanced Jimny model available with Dual Sensor Dual Brake Support, Hill Descent Control, Lane Departure Warning, six airbags, and High Beam Assist all fitted as standard equipment. SZ5 grade features LED headlights as standard.

Two model grades are available from launch – SZ4 and SZ5. High standard specification for SZ4 to include air conditioning, cruise control, Dual Sensor Brake Support, CD player with DAB Radio, Bluetooth connectivity and front foglamps. SZ5 adds 15-inch alloy wheels, rear privacy glass, Climate Control, navigation system with Smartphone and Link heated front seats.

The cabin is a noteworthy improvement and a much more comfortable place to be than previous models, with plenty of room for four and upgraded technology including, CD player with DAB Radio and Bluetooth connectivity.

This Jimny is better on the road too. Notorious for body roll in its previous guise there’s an obvious improvement, though you still wouldn’t want to be throwing this Suzuki haphazardly into too many tight bends – that’s not what it was made for.

There’s a top speed of 90mph and 0-62 in a sluggish 12.3 seconds, while you could expect 40mpg on the combined cycle and C02 emissions of 154g/km.

It’s such a shame that there aren’t enough models to go around.