SA Roadtests
South Africa
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This is the home of automobile road tests in South Africa. We drive South African cars, SUVs and LCVs under South African conditions. It also just happens that most of the vehicles we drive are world cars as well, so what you read here possibly applies to the models you can get at home.
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* Please note that prices quoted are those in effect at the time the vehicle was tested
Deep in the Little Karoo, in the shadow of the Rooiberg, lies a nature reserve and game lodge called Assagaybosch. It was here and within easy driving distance, that the Suzuki Grand Vitara and the baby Jimny were let loose on hordes of motoring scribes last September.
While we tried all three versions of the Grand Vitara over a mixture of good and bad roads, sand dunes and mountain pass on the first day; we only got to drive the Jimny on the second day.
No smooth tar or common dirt for the little warrior, though – it was straight to the lodge’s handy mean and rocky 4 x 4 course, where the Son of Samurai impressed all who drove it.
Impressed I may have been, but one niggle remained – what’s it like on tar? I can now give you an answer.
The Suzuki Jimny is built on a ladder frame chassis and has two live axles suspended from longish coil springs. The astute will therefore note that it is built like a pickup truck, so the short answer is that it rides and handles like one.
Like most SUVs fitted with coil springs, there is a slight feeling of waftiness, but this passes after a couple of days. Don’t be too harsh – even the million Rand Range Rover with its fully independent suspension setup suffers from this.
On ordinary fair-to-poor dirt roads with washboard surfaces, the ride is certainly pickup-like, but by no means as harsh or skittish as some I have driven.
Handling is obviously not in the league of super saloon cars, but is quite satisfactory for your daily commuter, who will probably never find its limits.
The Jimny is a modernised version of the Suzuki Samurai that impressed so many during Suzuki Motor’s previous stay in South Africa under the care of Delta Motor Corporation.
Apart from updated exterior styling, a greatly improved interior and under-the-skin engineering upgrades, a new 1328 cc VVT engine develops 63 kW at 6 000 rpm and 110 Nm of torque at 4 100 rpm. Most of this torque is available from 2 500 rpm.
Euro IV compliant, the Jimny’s CO2 emissions rating is 171 g/km, while its combined-cycle fuel consumption figure is a claimed 7,2 litres/100 km.
Power is delivered to a five-speed manual gearbox linked to a low-range transfer case. It allows push-button selection of rear-wheel drive, high-range four-wheel drive, or low-range four-wheel drive. Not many SUVs offer low range, especially not at this price level.
Mode selection is effected electro-mechanically, which is vastly more convenient than the previous, lever-based system. Selection from two-wheel drive to high-range four-wheel drive is possible on the fly at speeds of up to 100 km/h.
Quick-ratio rack and pinion steering, with power assistance, allows a turning circle of 9,8 metres, contributing to the wieldy nature of the Jimny and making it a pleasure to pilot through tight spaces and in crowded parking lots.
Fifteen-inch alloy wheels and wide 205 tyres offer a satisfying combination of on-road grip and off-road ability, while brakes are large, vented front discs with self-adjusting rear drums. ABS anti-lock is standard.
Despite having grown in size, the Jimny's kerb mass remains a lightweight 1 070 kg. This translates into a power-to-mass ratio of 58,8 kW/ton, allowing the little Suzuki to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in a claimed 14,1 seconds, while the rated top speed is 140 km/h. Subjectively, the Jimny feels nippy and responsive, with ample low-down grunt, ensuring enjoyable urban commuting.
Where the Jimny really shines is off the beaten track. It was born to tackle seemingly impossible obstacles and it does so with aplomb. The low mass, long-travel suspension and torquey engine work together to provide a particularly competent off-road package.
Contributing significantly are the Jimny’s compact dimensions. Measuring only 3 645 mm long, 1 600 mm wide and 1 705 mm tall, the Suzuki is every bit as nimble and agile as it looks, while the 190 mm ground clearance aids overall traversability.
The Suzuki’s approach angle is 37 degrees and the departure angle is a remarkable 46 degrees, while the ramp breakover angle is 31 degrees. Together, they contribute to a level of all-terrain talent probably unrivalled at this price point, while the raised driving position and good visibility add to an enjoyable driving experience.
Inside, new front and rear seats are contoured for comfort and support, the soft-touch steering wheel looks good, and the redesigned dashboard features clear dials with red illumination. Switchgear is logically arranged. A new, single-disc CD receiver is integrated into the instrument panel.
Convenience items include electric windows, central locking, air-conditioning, power steering and electrically adjustable exterior mirrors.
There are two front and two rear upholders, while height adjustment for the driver’s seat ensures a comfortable driving position.
The front passenger seat slides forward to allow easier access to the rear seats, where headroom is satisfactory for six-footers although knee room is a little less so.
It might be better to regard this as a city and weekend car for young marrieds or empty-nesters. Luggage space is limited, but the rear seats can be laid down individually to accommodate additional requirements.
All said, this is a competent little car with tons of chutzpah and attitude for those wanting the best of both worlds, but who also feel the need to consider the planet.
Price: R 173 900
Warranty: 3 years/100 000 km
Service Plan: 4 years/60 000 km
AA roadside assistance: 3 years
4 x 4 driver training for purchaser: Free
This is a one-man show, which means that road test cars entrusted to me are driven only by me. Some reviewers hand test cars over to their partners to use as day-to-day transport and barely experience them for themselves.
What this means to you is that every car reviewed is given my own personal evaluation and receives my own seat of the pants judgement - no second hand input here.
Every car goes through real world testing; on city streets littered with potholes, speed bumps and rumble strips, on freeways and if its profile demands, dirt roads as well.
I am based in Pietermaritzburg, KZN, South Africa. This is the hub of the KZN Midlands farming community; the place farmers go to in order to buy their supplies and equipment, truck their goods to market, send their kids to school and visit to kick back and relax. So occasionally a cow, a goat or a horse may add a little local colour by finding its way into the story or one of the pictures. It's all part of the ambience!
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SA Roadtests
South Africa
ctjag8