One night, about 7 months ago, i was online and thinking about 4x4's. I'd always loved the look of suzuki samurai's and jimnys. Whilst looking through really old examples of samurai's and the newer gen 3 jims, I clocked eyes on a little 4x4 that had the effect of my eyes nearly popping out their sockets. It was the gen 4 jimny!. The looks of the thing blew me away, it was a hybrid of a samurai and a jimny, and even looked like a g wagon. It was love at first sight.
The following weeks were spent looking at the thing, learning as much as i could about it, whilst simoultanuesly trying to figure out how i was gonna raise the cash to buy the thing.
Next thing was getting to a dealer and hearing the dreaded words: "you cant have one though, waiting list". Arggghhhhh!! This made me want one even more. Long story short, and lots of moaning, phone calls, leaving tactical reviews, more moaning and complaining, i managed to get one. The rest is history and my motoring nivana began.
The jimny has an incredable feel to it. Ive always disagreed with people who say its twitchy, skittish and blown around easily. Dont no whether its because i have 215 tyres on or not, or the wind aint been strong enough, but naa, no real issues other than modest buffering. One time though i was coming down past coventry airport in heavy rain, when all of a sudden i hit a fairly deep puddle that had formed arcoss the road, for one thing it blinded me for a good 3 to 4 seconds and the aquaplane effect was terrifying. Thats the only gripe i have had with this compact little terror, is the lightness of the thing when doing 55-60mph through sitting water. I think the ESC saved the day, but the whole event really shook me up and reminded me to be very cautious in the jim in heavy rain. Oh and also on the same day, i hit what seemed to be a diesel slick, again the same effect where i thought id lost control. Dread to think what would of happened without that esc.
I love the mechanical rawness with the jim too. Its a really old school motor, where you can feel and hear every action. The transmission whine is awesome, it feels like a compact little military vehicle, reminds me of the noise the US humvees make. Its not like these new electrical gizmo cats where everything is mooted,numb and sterile. The jim really is a ladder frame with a cabin dropped on the top. Its hard to describe the way it makes you feel, but its very raw and old school. Like getting out of a ford focus and then driving an original mini cooper type feeling.
The engine really is a gruff little bugger, and it really sounds like its garggling nails, or perhaps a better description would be like gargling a bag of tacks. Also when i put my foot to the floor, i could never describe it as slow! Plenty fast enough for me, and around toen id even call it peppy!. A great simple little engine, i have full confdence that suzuki have supplied a dependable and strong unit.
I'm really, really looking forward to some snow this year, it will be great to get it in 4 wheel druve and go on adventuees where others not dare. I pray for snow!
Just like the other comments above, every day is a pleasure in the jim, look forward to every drive. Like you lot, ive had countless folks wanting to know more about it. I'd say the over 50's have been the majoeity of interested people, that, or they are more willing to approach you and talk, not sure. They dont like to hear that there is a waiting list though, that always doesnt go down well.
Earlier today i turned my music down on the motorway and took it to 80mph. What was amazing was how well suzuki have muffled and sound proofed the cabin. Yes the revs were mega high and it was beavering away like a madden, but saying how high it was revving, the sound wasnt half as loud as it should of been. Likewise on a country lane, i stuck it in 3rd and cained it, and the noise in the cabin was very mooted. Overall they have done a great job with keeping the noise down.
I think suzuki have created an amazing vehicle here, i really do. The word is getting around now that this car is a very serious and capable off roader. I think at first some people thought it was a little gimicky urban fashion statement. Now some reputavle and serious 4x4 people have had their hanfs on it, folks know it aint no gimicky toy.
Thats a great, reasuring feeling too, knowing that your driving a great looking, high quality, well made, highly competant vehicle. Its very satisfying!.
Well.......like you lot, it's 100% a keeper for me too. And thats why im looking after it extra carefully. Got my eye on the new bits n bobs coming out for it, a work in progress is underway.
Out of 100, i'd no BS ..... give it a 97.
Would i recomend, HELL YES!!!!
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