Feeling some Jimny love

One of Suzuki’s cheekier, trendier and cooler offerings is the pocket-sized Jimny. The 1.5 GL automatic packs plenty ‘attitude’ and it’s hardly a surprise that it’s a favourite.

In a strange twist, I got to drive in two different Jimny vehicles in two successive days.
The first was to get a lift somewhere, courtesy of a colleague who drives a Jimny. It belonged to his late grandfather who used it to ride around on the farm.

Aside from a small crack on the windscreen it looks to be in good shape despite the rigours of farm and rural roads.

The next day I had the chance to drive one, courtesy of Suzuki South Coast. When I arrived, there were two parked at 45 degree angles on the bank outside the dealership.

“Do they want me to try drive it up off the bank, I thought? Perhaps an April Fool’s type prank?”
A moment of mild panic ensued as I pictured myself sliding down the bank and dinging it against the fence.

Luckily, it’s too soon for April Fool’s, the special day is Valentine’s Day, which is I why I wore my favourite and only red golf shirt.

Anyway, less about me and more about the vehicle.
Look, it’s a small vehicle, so I’d like to see if Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth would fit in here, but it’s also not that cramped and I was comfortable enough once I had adjusted the seat.

The first thing I noticed was the blast of the air con. Man, it was great.
Inside, I enjoyed the big windows and easy-to-access dash.

It handled the road well, and took speed humps with minimal bounce and thud.
If you’ve ever been a bit too fast over the speed bumps near Spiller’s Wharf, you’ll know what I mean, need to see the chiropractor afterwards if you hit them too hard.

The Jimny handled these well, although I have since learnt to treat them with more respect.
It’s nippy and agile enough in town and, on the open road, it can pick up some pace, but it’s not going to win any Grand Prix races, definitely not designed for that.

It’s more the kind of vehicle that would want to take on a challenge more rugged.
While it looks compact, there is more space in the ‘boot’ than I expected, perhaps enough for a set of golf clubs or a cricket bag.

When the drive was over, I was reluctant to get out. I considered getting my laptop and working in the Jimny with the wondrous air con doing its thing in our usual February heat and humidity.

For more info on all the technical specs and more, visit the dealership in Port Shepstone.

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