Should you buy one?

While some might consider the Suzuki Jimny a cute rufty-toughty 4×4 alternative to a jacked-up, plastic-arched city car or supermini – it’s got all the looks of a baby Mercedes-Benz G-Class, after all – this is really an authentic off-roader capable of rivalling that Mercedes cross-country if required.

As a result, it most certainly isn’t a mild-manner road car that will be comfortable on long trips taken at high speed. The driving experience can be tiring, it’s noisy and it’s not very practical. Literally every price-comparable rival will be better at the day-to-day business of just driving around town or tackling a motorway. Though we will credit that the Jimny offers good urban visibility, is easy to park and won’t be intimidated by even the most vicious of speed bumps.

Where this Suzuki really excels, however, is an off-road tool. With the correct maintenance schedule it should prove reliable, it’s easy to fix and won’t get you stuck very often. It’s safer than an ATV, more weather proof, and can at least make longer journeys if you really need it to.

What we like

Mountain-goat levels of off-road capability. Designed for purpose exceptionally well. Unlikely to let you down.

What we don’t like

On-road manners are poor. Touchscreen infotainment system is ill-judged. Tiny boot unless the rear seats are folded / removed. You’re unlikely to get a bargain-priced used example.