Jimny Adventures – An Aussie Tale

My love of the diminutive Suzuki 4x4 goes back as far as the 1980s. The SJ models at the time offered go-anywhere capability in a small and affordable package. The soft-top versions were much sought after by the cool young things and whilst not falling into that category, I did own a couple.

They were a lot of fun, though in reality they were very slow and had a rock-hard ride. And then there was the scandal of them rolling over. I lost quite a bit of money on the second one, but never mind.

Fast forward to 2018 and I was lucky enough to attend the UK Media Launch of the latest version, now bearing the Jimny moniker. It was immediately obvious that the fun factor remained, but more importantly the Jimny impressed my motoring journalist colleagues, a tough bunch to please. A tricky off-road course proved to be no challenge, and on-road manners had improved immeasurably since the SJs of old.

Prices were affordable and I was tempted to become an owner once again, after a gap of some 35+ years. I dithered and the UK stock soon dried up, with cars changing hands for a considerable premium. And then disaster – tough emission regulations saw the demise of the four-seat passenger version, to be replaced by a two-seat commercial model.

I am told the naturally aspirated 1500cc engine was chosen for its reliability and durability, but it such a shame that the Japanese manufacturer didn’t choose to fit one of its clean, turbocharged units to the Jimny. There is still time, though it has been confirmed that all UK Jimny sales will cease next year.

Australia, land of the V8 Ute, is a completely different proposition and on a recent trip down under I borrowed a five-door Jimny, a model which never reached our shores. Instantly recognisable, the extra doors add a level of practicality hitherto unseen, making it perfect for families and the like.

Still a relative rarity on Aussie roads, the Jimny attracted much attention during my week behind the wheel. That 1500cc engine had to work that bit harder and motorway hills were a bit of a struggle. Cross winds were not the car’s forte either, a very tight grip being required on the steering wheel to avoid using more than one lane at a time.

The sensible Australian folk mostly drive automatics these days and my loan Jimny was thus equipped. Being more familiar with the manual transmission, I was pleased to find the simple four-speed self-shifter worked well and was ideally suited to Melbourne’s traffic-choked streets.

No Jimny test would be complete without some off-roading, so on a recommendation I ventured into a state park to the northwest of the city. I did not appreciate its sheer vastness until I headed into the wooded wonderland. I was slightly nervous if I am honest.

Mile after mile of gnarly tracks criss-crossed the park and I was warned not to stray too far off the main tracks. Getting lost is very easy to do. I was pleased to find that my Waze navigation app still worked and my 4G phone signal rarely dropped.

I travelled east to west for over an hour and a half and during that time saw no one. It was slightly eerie and even the wildlife seemed to be conspicuous by their absence. I saw just one kangaroo, which hopped out of my way rather indignantly. I was invading his or her space.

I need not have worried as the Jimny was a faithful companion, ploughing on regardless of the challenging terrain beneath its tiny wheels. Never a slip, and no need to engage the low range gearbox.

As suddenly as the gravel track had appeared, I was soon back on the black stuff once more, and many would have said, enough is enough. However, I had a free day so I turned right around and retraced my steps, pausing only to try and take some interesting photographs.

I had hoped that more time behind the wheel of a Jimny would get it out of my system. There are undoubted flaws – the firm ride, limited performance, the scratchy plastics…. But no, I want one more than ever, especially in five-door form.

Sitting in Melbourne airport waiting for my plane home, I scanned the classifieds and lo and behold, I found some delivery mileage five-door Jimnys for a smidgen over £20,000. Perfect for my rural life. Next step to check out shipping costs and import duties. Watch this space!

My thanks to Suzuki’s Australian Press Office for the Jimny loan.