MIGHTY MIDGET
THE JIMNY SIERRA TRACES A DIRECT LINEAGE BACK TO THE ORIGINAL
4X4 CREATED BY SUZUKI NEARLY 50 YEARS AGO.T
HE Jimny is an old-school-tough
4x4. Old-school in this case means a
separate chassis and live axles back
and front, just like a Toyota 70 Series,
a GU Patrol, a Land Rover Defender
or a Jeep Wrangler.
The Jimny comes with either a five-
speed manual or a four-speed automatic
transmission, but in one trim level. For a
number of reasons we prefer the auto, but
there’s a case to be made for the manual (the
$2000 discount, for one).
With either manual or auto you get a 1.3-
litre four-cylinder petrol engine that claims
a very modest 62.5kW at a heady 6000rpm
and 110Nm that doesn’t come onstream until
4100rpm. The Jimny’s engine features double
overhead cams, four valves per cylinder and
variable valve timing on the inlet side, and it
was introduced to the Jimny in 2005.
Offsetting the low power and torque
numbers is a kerb weight of just 1075kg, so
in terms of power-to-weight that’s the same as
having a 2150kg 4x4 with 125kW, which is not
unusual. However, the engine still needs plenty
of revs to give its best, which doesn’t help the
otherwise good fuel economy.
The manual is the pick for on-road
driving, but the auto comes into its own off-
road – particularly for rock climbing, giventhe gearing multiplier effect of the torque
converter helps overcome the modest crawl
ratio and the lack of engine torque at low
engine speeds. The auto also works better
in sand and has the advantage of longer
highway legs.
The Jimny ticks all the basic boxes when
off-road: light weight, decent clearance,
generous wheel travel (thanks to its front and
rear live axles), steep approach and departure
angles, a tight turning circle and good
visibility. The newly fitted electronic traction
control (from 2015-on) helps off-road and is a
welcome addition.
The Jimny’s light weight makes for a fun
on-road drive, but its relatively narrow track
and tall stance are limiting factors when
pushing on. Surprisingly, for a very light 4x4
with front and rear live axles, ride quality and
general stability are both better than expected.
The Jimny’s big limitation is its size. It
seats just four, and if you’re going away for a
bush weekend there’s really only room for two
people plus luggage. The small 40-litre fuel
tank and 95RON fuel requirement are also
limitations you need to be aware of.
Still, the Jimny is a fun-filled, highly
practical, down-to-earth 4x4 that’s great value
for the money. Plus it’s supported by a wide
range of aftermarket enhancements.SUZUKI JIMNY AUTOMATICPRICE $22,990 ENGINE 1.3-litre 4-cyl petrol
ENGINE: 1.3-litre 4-cyl petrol
POWER: 62.5kW
TORQUE: 110Nm
GEARBOX: four-speed automatic
4X4 SYSTEM: dual-range part-time
FRONT SUSPENSION: live axle/coil springs
REAR SUSPENSION: live axle/coil springs
KERB WEIGHT: 1075kg
GVM: 1420kg
TOWING CAPACITY: 1300kg
FUEL TANK CAPACITY: 40 litres
ADR FUEL CLAIM: 7.4L/100km
46 http://www.4X4australia.com.auDRIVEN BEST BUYS