the Bucket: Bucket Seat: Suzuki Jimny 5-Door

The Suzuki Jimny 5-Door is an exciting expansion of the popular Jimny series, which has gained a cult following for its compact size, off-road capabilities, and distinctive retro styling and that attractive price tag. The 5-Door version retains the rugged charm of the 3-Door model but adds practicality with increased interior space, making it a more versatile option for families and those who need extra room. I had the chance to spend a week with the Jimny 5-door to see if its more than just extra doors and space.

DESIGN

The Suzuki Jimny 5-Door carries forward the iconic boxy design, with its flat surfaces, upright windshield, and round headlights, reminiscent of classic off-roaders. The extended body maintains the Jimny’s tough, go-anywhere appearance while offering easier access to the rear seats and more cargo space. Despite the added length, the Jimny 5-Door remains compact and maneuverable, which is a significant advantage in urban environments and narrow trails. The design is quite an attractive one with many akining it to the popular Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon but on a smaller scale. Tuners globally have come up with some creative kits for the Jimny which transform its design too look like miniature versions of other popular bigger off roaders but for me, the standard look is good enough and there are so many aftermarket accessories to pimp it up, the options are endless!

PERFORMANCE

The Suzuki Jimny 5-Door retains the same off-road prowess as its smaller sibling. It’s equipped with a ladder-frame chassis, solid axles at both ends, and a part-time four-wheel-drive system with a low-range transfer gear, making it capable of tackling challenging terrains. The compact dimensions and short overhangs allow it to navigate tight trails and steep inclines with ease.Under the hood, the Jimny 5-Door is typically powered by a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine, producing around 100 horsepower. This engine is mated to either a 5-speed manual with an option of an automatic as well. While not particularly fast on highways, the engine is adequate for both city driving and off-road adventures. The Jimny's light weight contributes to its agility off-road, but on-road, it can feel a bit bouncy and less refined than more road-focused SUVs.Given its small size and engine, the Jimny 5-Door offers decent fuel efficiency, particularly in city driving where its compact dimensions and light weight are beneficial. However, fuel consumption can increase during off-road use or at higher speeds on highways as I found out when doing long distance travel with it.

COMFORT

Inside, the 5-Door Jimny offers a utilitarian yet functional interior. The materials are durable and easy to clean, reflecting the vehicle’s off-road nature. The additional rear doors make accessing the back seats more convenient, and the increased cabin space offers better comfort for passengers. However, while it is roomier than the 3-Door version, it’s still relatively compact, and taller passengers might find the rear seating somewhat tight on long journeys. The cargo space benefits from the extended body, making it more practical for carrying luggage or gear. The rear seats can be folded down to further expand the cargo area, although the space is still modest compared to larger SUVs. While the materials used are pretty durable, it's not the most comfortable car for long distance travels, the boxy design makes for lots of wind noise, the road noise in the cabin is pretty loud and the cheap stereo doesn't help drown all of this out, so its pretty prevalent when driving. The Jimny 5-Door is not packed with high-tech features, but it includes a larger touchscreen infotainment unit than the 3-door and has wireless mobile phone connectivity.

VERDICT

The Suzuki Jimny 5-Door is a niche vehicle that excels in what it is designed for: rugged off-road capability in a compact, affordable package. It’s perfect for adventurers, off-road enthusiasts, or anyone who appreciates a vehicle with character and charm. The added practicality of the 5-Door model makes it a more versatile option for daily use, though it still maintains the quirks and limitations of the Jimny lineage. The Suzuki Jimny 5-Door is priced competitively, offering great value for those seeking an affordable, capable off-road vehicle. Its charm lies in its simplicity, off-road capability, and unique style, which is hard to find at this price point. However, those looking for more comfort, space, and advanced features might need to consider other options or larger SUVs.