Suzuki Jimny Sierra road test
by Stephen Walker
28th April, 2015
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- Our test drive exceeds 1,000 kms
- Team goes bush and into water
With a heritage going back to the Suzuki LJ10 of 1970, the Suzuki Jimny is a popular small 4x4 that is, amazingly,
only up to its third generation after 45 years.
Well known for its value, not to mention its ability, agility and willingness to provide a fun driving experience for
responsible drivers on the beach and in the bush, the Jimny keeps up to date with technical advances rather than the
occasional pretty taillight redesign.
Test car particulars
Our Quasar Grey test car was an automatic transmission version of the little
four-wheel drive Suzuki Jimny Sierra.
Variants and prices*
There is just one version the Jimny these days - it's a 2-door 4-seater hardtop with a small boot all delivered in a
neat package with a tiny 'footprint'.
Drive-away pricing is currently from $19,990** for the Jimny with manual transmission and from $21,990** for the
automatic transmission version.
Premium/metallic paint is optional at $475*.
On the road in the Suzuki Jimny Sierra
Firstly, you need to understand the Jimny's position in the marketplace. As a price conscious small 4x4 you will no
doubt understand some compromises are necessary to make this the package that it has become over the years. So a small
engine is part of the deal. Now that in itself isn't a problem, especially in the urban jungle. However, at highway
speeds it is noticeable that it is a small engine sitting in front of you.
The steering is a bit slow, which is fine when you're off-road but you may require a 'get used to it' break-in period
if you're used to a more direct steering effect.
Almost all of our driving was in suburban Melbourne although we did manage one trip to western Gippsland were we
managed lunch at the Erica Post Office (in what has become our tradition) and good exposure on well maintained unsealed
tracks and even a river crossing.
It was in this easily managed bush environment, including the river, that the team enjoyed the Jimny Sierra most of
all.
The little Suzuki is a treat in this environment. Even after five or six hours in the saddle
- with a break during the bush and river experience - I felt that the seating
was adequate although it is basic - just as you would expect in the Jimny's price range.
In suburbia, the Jimny's agility is appreciated. It fits into the tightest of parking spaces. The ride height is also
an attribute that many people desire.
Standard equipment
The Jimny price suggests you don't get a fully equipped top-of-the-line car. But neither is it skinny. The Jimny
Sierra has air conditioning, power steering, power windows, clock, day/night rear view mirror, easy-slide front passenger
seat to enhance back seat entry/egress, door pockets (quite narrow though), split rear seat backrest and, of course, cup
holders.
There is no cruise control though and the steering wheel adjustment is up and down only (no telescopic function).
Connectivity/Infotainment
Connectivity isn't a plus for the Jimny. In fact, the third generation Jimny was designed before many people even had
a mobile telephone!
A radio and single disc CD player is standard.
Look for more sophistication with Suzuki's next small 4x4.
Specifications
A 1,328cc four-cylinder proves 62kW of power at 6,000rpm and maximum torque of 110Nm at 4,100rpm. This is suitable for
the little Jimny around town but it is hard pressed to keep up with a 100km/h speed limit on longer uphill stretches of
highway in undulating country regions.
A five-speed manual transmission is standard, but the test car was fitted with the optional automatic transmission.
Being a real 4x4, a transfer case is fitted to both the automatic and manual. It's a simple to use push button type.
Car needs to be stationery to move to and from low range.
Coil springs are used with the suspension system, both up the front and at the rear.
Brakes are discs up front and drums at the rear.
Five attractive fifteen-inch alloy wheels are standard.
Fuel
The fuel consumption rating for Jimny Sierra is 7.4 litres per 100 kilometres on the combined cycle.
The fuel tank capacity is just 40 litres.
Safety
Standard: electronic stability control (ESC); anti-lock braking system (ABS); dual front airbags.
Dimensions
Length: 3,675 mm
Width: 1,600 mm
Height: 1,705 mm
Wheelbase: 2,250 mm.
Four-wheel drive aspects
(unladen vehicle)
Ground clearance: 190 mm
Approach angle: 34 degrees
Departure angle: 46 degrees
Ramp break-over angle: 31 degrees.
As always, my advice is to respect the environment and to take the necessary precautions when driving in the bush
and, even more so, when driving in water. A good idea is to have a Plan "B" when you're out in the bush. For example,
for our delightful experience with the Suzuki Jimny we had five people (three experienced 4-wheel drivers) in two
vehicles, plenty of fuel and adequate recovery equipment just to cover us our for two hours in the bush.
After Sales
Jimny comes with a 3 year/100,000 kilometre warranty (conditions apply). The warranty can be extended up to 5
years/140,000 kilometres if the eligible car is serviced in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations by a
Suzuki dealer under the capped price service scheme (conditions apply of course).
Conclusion
The Suzuki Jimny Sierra is like an old friend - the more you know such a friend the more you respect such a friend.
And we were pleased to have the Jimny Sierra for 1,056 kms.
Whilst short on sophistication, the Jimny is big on pleasure and fun. And it represents tremendous value.
If you have a Jimny Sierra you don't just commute to and from work - you enjoy it away from the tarmac where it is at
home!
Suzuki have made plenty of people happy with little 4x4s over the past 40 years in Australia. The next forty years are
'gunna' be good too ..... I can just tell!
NOTE: * Manufacturer's List Price (MLP) excludes dealer delivery
fees and the numerous statutory charges (commonly known as on-road costs).
** Drive-away prices include on-road costs based on certain criteria (such as driver circumstances, location and
supplying dealer charges). Price should be confirmed with a Suzuki dealer.
Additionally, please note that all prices, fees and charges are subject to change without notice, as are the
specifications.
E&OE
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