REVIEW: 5 Reasons You’ll Want a Suzuki Jimny (Even If You Don’t Know It Yet)

There are cars that aim to impress — think sweeping curves, ambient lighting and a symphony of digital sound effects. Then there’s the Suzuki Jimny, which, in a world of smooth talkers, shows up with a square jaw, muddy boots, and a quiet confidence.

At first glance, the Jimny might seem like a novelty — a nostalgic nod to a bygone era. But take it out for a spin, and you’ll quickly realise: this little box on wheels is not just charming. It’s capable. It’s honest. And it might just be the only car you didn’t know you needed — until now. We give you the rundown.

1. A Cult Icon That’s Instantly Recognisable

Let’s not beat around the bush — the Suzuki Jimny is a cult car. You could say it’s the automotive equivalent of a Tamagotchi or Game Boy. It evokes childhood memories, often involving a toybox-sized replica of the same green-and-white off-roader you’re now considering driving as an adult.

It’s not just beloved in Japan, either. Around the world, the Jimny has quietly (and sometimes not-so-quietly) won over hardcore off-roaders, urban explorers, and people who just appreciate things that are different. Its shape is as iconic as a Rubik’s cube: upright stance, tiny overhangs, and that adorable-but-serious grille-and-headlight combo.

And while car brands spend millions trying to cultivate the “lifestyle image,” the Jimny just exists — and somehow, that authenticity becomes its strongest selling point. You don’t follow trends with a Jimny. You set your own.

2. It’s Steeped in Heritage — and Not Afraid to Show It

As the latest iteration on a vintage icon, the current fourth-generation Jimny doesn’t merely borrow cues from its predecessors — it respectfully honours them.

There are design elements on the fourth-generation Jimmy that calls back to all the three versions that came before the current.

Take the round headlights, for example. They’re a direct nod to the very first Jimny, the original LJ10 from the 1970s.

The indented dual stripe design, sitting just in front of the side mirrors, is lifted from the second-gen SJ series — a subtle design flourish that off-road enthusiasts will clock instantly.

Then there’s the vertical-slatted front grille, unmistakably carried over from the third generation — rugged and rectangular, with no intention of being sleek or aerodynamic. And that’s precisely the point. While everyone else chases wind tunnel perfection, the Jimny wears its heritage proudly.

3. A Real 4×4 in a Sea of Soft-Roaders

Let’s talk about what really sets the Jimny apart from the city-dwelling crossovers that like to play dress-up in off-road drag.

Beneath its compact body lies a proper ladder-frame chassis — something you’d expect from an old-school Land Cruiser or Defender. This gives the Jimny the rigidity it needs for off-road excursions, all while keeping it light and manageable. Its short wheelbase and upright body may not do wonders for highway aerodynamics, but they’re perfect for tight trails and rocky climbs.

It’s got part-time four-wheel drive with a low-range transfer gear, meaning you can switch between fuel-efficient rear-wheel drive and serious all-terrain capability with a flick of the shifter.

When you put your hands on the shifter, you can feels the mechanical vibrations that comes from the drivetrain. This is not some fancy software-based terrain mode. This is mechanical. Real. Tactile. And perfect.

Add to that the solid rear axle for improved wheel articulation and what Suzuki calls brake-based limited slip differential — individual brakes can apply force to a slipping wheel, sending traction to the one that still grips. It’s not just for show — it works.

You could throw this thing into a jungle trail, or just park it halfway up a curb in Holland Village (this does not constitute legal advice) and feel equally proud.

4. Surprisingly Practical — If You Know What You’re Signing Up For

Let’s address the elephant in the room — or rather, the lack of room. The Jimny isn’t going to win any competition when it comes to boot space. With the rear seats up, the cargo area is barely enough for two weekend duffel bags and a bottle of mosquito repellent.

But flip those rear seats down and suddenly, you’ve got a flat load bay that can handle IKEA flat packs, camping gear, or even a small dog crate. It’s a car best suited for couples, adventurous singles, or families who are realistic about their space expectations.

Inside, it’s surprisingly comfortable. Headroom is generous thanks to the boxy design, and the front seats are wide enough for long-haul comfort. The rear bench? It seats two, not three, and the legroom situation is best navigated by sitting cross-legged yoga-style. But it works. And that’s all the Jimny ever promises.

Interior materials? Rugged. Everything’s plastic — and gloriously so. You don’t have to worry about scratching leather panels or smudging piano black trim. In fact, this is a car that looks better beat up. The odd dent, scratch, or even a layer of dried mud only adds to its character.

Want to take a closer look at the interior? Enjoy our 360-degree photo below. Feel free to pinch, zoom and pan to your liking to take a look around.

If your idea of luxury is not having to baby your car, the Jimny is five-star.

5. The Drive — A Tactile, Throwback Experience

Driving the Jimny is like going back to analogue. You don’t just steer — you wrestle the wheel a little, especially at low speeds. The steering requires almost four full rotations from lock to lock (on “normal” modern cars, it is usually requires up to three rotations), and is slightly unassisted in feel (though it really has power steering), which means feedback is abundant. And so is muscle soreness, if your muscles of atrophied due to driving a plush electric vehicle for too long.

The 1.5L engine (101hp, 130Nm torque) isn’t going to win any drag races, but it’s surprisingly torquey in first gear. It pulls briskly from a standstill — perfect for crawling over boulders (which let’s face it, you are not going to do in Singapore) or merging with urgency in city traffic (you will do this every single day).

Second and third gear feel like the engine is trying really hard — lots of noise, less go. But oddly enough, fourth gear offer a mysterious second wind, like the car suddenly realises it’s late for a dinner party and surges forward with gusto.

How about the brakes? A bit of a curveball. There’s a noticeable dead zone in the pedal — press it and… nothing. But get past that, and it bites linearly, smoothly and confidently. No qualms here.

Ride quality is surprisingly civilised. Sure, it’s bouncy on uneven roads (your passengers will feel it in their skull), but it never feels dangerously tippy. Even during hard cornering, the body leans but the chassis stays composed.

Here’s a short ASMR video of the driving experience on the Jimny, both on normal street and on entering the expressway. Best experienced with headphones on!

It’s the kind of car that makes you want to take the long route home — just for the joy of feeling everything.

Final Verdict: An Adventure in a Box

The Jimny isn’t trying to be a luxury cruiser or a tech-laden spaceship, but you will love it because it is authentic, both in personality and purpose.

The Jimny is like the girl next door. She’s not flawless. She wears glasses instead of contacts, doesn’t filter her selfies, and always shows up a bit late. But when she smiles, you’re hooked. She’s smart, dependable, and always up for an adventure. You don’t love her in spite of the quirks — you love her because of them.

And that’s the Suzuki Jimny. In a world full of polished pretenders, it’s a genuine article — full of charm, capability, and the kind of personality that makes you want to pack a bag, hit the trails, and never look back.

What’s to like Iconic car with a rich history Raw, authentic driving experience True off-road capabilities Practical and spacious passenger cabin (for a 2 pax)

What’s holding it back A 5-door, 5-seater version would be welcome in Singapore Pricing could be better (compared to budget EVs)

Key Figures

Fuel Tank Capacity	40 L (Estimated 400 to 500 KM range)
Chassis	Ladder High Tensile Steel Chassis 3-Link Rigid Axle Suspension with Coil Spring
Transmission	All-wheel drive (selectable) 4-speed Automatic
Engine & Power	1.5L 4 Cylinder 130 NM 75 kW (101 bhp) 0-100km/h not stated
Boot Space	85 (rear seats in used) to 830L
Price (with COE)	$ 159,888 (Standard) $ 160,888 (Standard Two-Tone) As of May 2025

Curious to experience the Suzuki Jimny for yourself? Book your test-drive with Suzuki Singapore today.