Twenty years since the third generation of the much-loved Suzuki Jimny was launched globally, the small 4×4 made quite a stir in the market. While the Jimny has only been on South-African roads since 2008, it became well known as the small 4×4 with an abundance of character and the ability to show larger 4×4 drivers a thing or two in rough terrain.
Since its inception in the 1970 with the Suzuki LJ10 (have a look at our NamWheels Suzuki Jimny Lineage article: https://www.namwheels.com/lineage-suzuki-jimny/) the Jimny has been a success from the word “GO”! However, as Jimny sales figures rocketed exponentially, the brand has not seen a new Jimny in nearly 20 years. Well, the wait is over and it was certainly worth it!
Read moreJohannesburg Festival of Motoring launch report: Suzuki Jimny
With the new Jimny said to go on sale in November 2018, here is a look back at the car that crept into many hearts; including ours.
Loved by many, the Suzuki Jimny has a very rich history in southern Africa. Known for its small appearance, the Jimny has become known as the nimble 4×4 that will get you anywhere and even put larger, more expensive SUV’s to shame. It quickly became Suzuki’s stable model in southern Africa, and with good reason.
#LikeNoOther was the main topic at the recent launch of the brand-new Suzuki Ignis. First shown at the 2015 Paris Motor show and launched in South Africa at the end of May 2017, this car should attract an abundance of attention.
Toe die eerste vinnige Suzuki motorfietse hulle merk op die wêreldkaart gemaak het, was ek amper klaar met skool. In 1973 het ek die eerste J10 Suzuki Jeep in Angola gesien, en kort nadat die bosoorlog begin het, het ‘n paar ondernemende dienspligtiges in 1975 ‘n paar van die linkerhandstuurmodelle as “oorlogsbuit” terug gebring.
Most automobiles, even small and cheap ones, improve with every generation and cater for society’s increasing demands of comfort and safety features. I typed “most” because you do get a few which never got that memo – one of them is the Suzuki Jimny.
Suzuki is in Suid-Afrika bekend vir hulle klein 4×4 voertuie, die Jimny en Vitara asook klein luikrug modelle, die Alto en Swift en dan hulle natuurlik ‘n lang geskiedenis as vervaardigers van motorfietse.
Met die herbekendstelling van die klein Suzuki, die Jimny 4×4, ‘n jaar of drie gelede, moes my gedagtes teruggaan na my eerste kennismaking met die Suzuki jeepie by ‘n Suzuki handelaar in Angola in 1973. Ons het slegs die legendariese motorfietse in Suid-Afrika en so ‘n klein broodwaentjie/bakkie.
Good news and bad news. The good news is that I’ve just tested an automotive icon which most of my peers describe in an animated fashion; the bad news is that I haven’t got the foggiest idea how to review it.
Mention the name Suzuki and most people will immediately answer with marine or motorbike stories, plus the odd tale about an SJ4 or Jimny adventure. The plucky Jimny was recently joined by the brilliant Swift and miniscule Alto, while the Vitara and Grand Vitara SUV’s also soldier on.