2023 Author: Eric Donovan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-21 15:44
It has rough edges and is still cute. If it then comes across as stripes, one can easily forgive the Suzuki Jimny Cabrio that it is technically a long time getting old.
By Jürgen Wolff
Actually, a wild slap should now follow. Because the fact is: It's tight in Jimny, which is not even 3.7 meters tall. People who are more than (physically) mediocre will rarely find the ideal seating position because the seats cannot be adjusted back far enough. Nobody thinks about a height adjustment. Or the fact that the steering wheel can be adjusted somehow. If you got a bit wider, you have to squeeze your fingers to lock the belt. A seat belt sensor is missing completely - which is a deadly sin in times of standardized EuroNCAP crash tests.
Hooked circuit
The circuit with the long stirring rod is reminiscent of the one in the original Jeep and works hard. Continue. The chassis is hard and likes to rumble. At the rear drum brakes slow down rather moderately. ESP is not even in the surcharge list. There are airbags - exactly two, front left and right. Getting the tailgate open is like a state action, because you have to pry open a number of push buttons and tear open Velcro fasteners. And then there's always a zipper. The two halves of the convertible top are difficult to open and close with force. And … Oh, let's leave it at that, because nobody cares about Jimny, but rather contributes to its cult charm.
Because despite (or maybe because of) all these declarations of war on the comfort-used Central European driver: Everyone loves Jimny. Above all, as a striped special “Daktari” model. In the US series from the 70s, which took place in the middle of Africa, the cross-eyed lion Clarence and jeeps painted like zebras were part of the inventory. A ride in the black and white painted Jimny convertible is a regular trip to the people.
Call for attention
No Ferrari guarantees these (positive) attention values at the traffic lights. Raised thumbs and smiling faces are the least. If you park near the bus station after school has finished, you have not yet got out completely - and the little one is surrounded by young fans. “It's cute,” is standard, “cool” as well. "What is he swallowing?" nobody asks. No test car has fished out so many affectionate nicknames as quickly as Jimny in recent years. “Zebra” was the most obvious, “chipmunk” the most common.
No doubt: the little Suzuki is an absolute popular figure. A cuddle with all-wheel drive. And the technology from ten years ago. Because that's how long the Jimny has been on the German market almost unchanged. And in order to conjure up a bit of life in the model history from time to time, it is regularly available in special editions. Currently as "Camouflage" in military camouflage colors, as "Rock am Ring" for the annual music spectacle of the same name at the Nürburgring - and as "Daktari".
Old interior
Let's blaspheme a little before we get to the positive posts that are definitely there. Inside it becomes clearest how old Jimny is: the plastic there looks rather cheap. Left and right there is plenty of bare metal painted in the same color as the car. There are hardly any shelves. The plastic lining between the front seats is, well, let's say: wobbly. The rigid rear axle ensures that driving behavior is not always completely predictable.
And at 17,700 euros, the striped Jimny isn't exactly cheap either. After all, with the Swift Sport at Suzuki you get a really modern little racing machine with the technology and comfort of today. But firstly, the Jimny convertible without stripes is available from 14,800 euros and secondly, you have to look for a real off-roader for a long time at this price. Because that's Jimny. The all-wheel drive can be switched on at the push of a button - and terrain reduction. That's enough at least for a few rougher stretches off the asphalt slopes. And even if some parts don't look like it: The Jimny is always robust enough for such trips. It is not for nothing that it is part of the standard equipment in rental car fleets on the holiday islands.
Quiet engine
The astonishingly smooth-running 1.3-liter engine with its 63 kW / 86 hp is completely sufficient to chase the Jimny up the dunes and let it swim with you in city traffic. The tight turning circle also makes it very handy. The fact that he needs 14.1 seconds to get from zero to 100 km / h plays only a minor role for Jimny fans. And the modest top speed of 140 km / h as well. And the fact that the consumption of 7.1 liters of Super per 100 kilometers is not exactly modest is what the Jimny has in common with other off-roaders - only that when you look at it, nobody really thinks about it.
For those who like it robust and want to be accompanied by demonstrative sympathy on all routes, the «chipmunk» is an inexpensive and good choice. Those who prefer to be fast, comfortable and up-to-date on the road are certainly better off with the equally expensive Suzuki Swift Sport.
