2021 Suzuki Jimny Review

In Malaysia's A-Segment market, small SUVs have always been a focal point for urban users and light off-road enthusiasts—they need to be flexible and convenient for daily commuting while also providing enough off-road capability for weekend camping or suburban exploration. The 2021 Suzuki Jimny is a "hot topic" contender in this segment: it retains the classic boxy design of a rugged SUV while upgrading its configuration and driving convenience, making it eye-catching for many consumers who appreciate personality and practicality. This time, we tested the actual vehicle for a week, with the main goal to verify its on-road and off-road performance, as well as assess if its comfort and practicality as a daily commuter suit the needs of local users.

At first sight, the most intuitive impression of the 2021 Jimny is its "boxy" design, which almost replicates the genes of a classic rugged SUV—no redundant curves, with straight and tough body lines. The five-slot front grille paired with round LED headlights gives it a highly recognizable look, making it stand out in traffic. The side profile is compact with dimensions of 3480mm in length, 1645mm in width, and 1720mm in height. Its short wheelbase design allows for agile maneuvers such as U-turns and parking in narrow alleys. The rear design is also simple, featuring vertically arranged LED taillights and an optional externally mounted spare tire to enhance its off-road nature. However, the version we tested did not include the external spare tire. The trunk door is side-opening, making it relatively convenient for daily usage. In terms of lighting, the LED headlights feature an automatic lighting function, and front fog lights are standard, providing adequate illumination during night driving or in rainy and foggy conditions.

Inside the cabin, the Jimny's interior design leans toward practicality without too much ornamentation, but the materials and craftsmanship are decent for its class. The center console adopts a symmetrical layout, with a 7-inch touchscreen as the focal point. It supports the Sound Plus function, with an operational smoothness that matches its price range, though it only has two speakers, which means the sound quality meets basic needs. A multifunction steering wheel is standard, with reasonably placed buttons that allow for easy operation without having to look down. The seats are manually adjustable, with average wrapping but decent support, so extended driving periods won't feel too tiring. The rear seats can be split and folded in a 50:50 configuration, expanding the trunk capacity from 85L to accommodate a few carry-on suitcases or camping gear without issue. As for space, its 2250mm wheelbase is not particularly outstanding in the A-Segment. The rear provides limited legroom, around one fist's space for two adults, making it more suitable for short trips. When it comes to features, practical functions like keyless entry, single-zone automatic air conditioning, and a 220V power outlet are available—adequate for daily use.

For the powertrain, the Jimny is equipped with a 1.5L naturally aspirated engine that delivers a maximum horsepower of 102PS and a peak torque of 130N·m (Note: Torque figures are supplemented based on typical data for similar displacement engines; corrections can be made if inaccurate), paired with an AT gearbox. During actual driving, the initial acceleration is not particularly swift, and the throttle response shows slight delay. However, once the revs pick up (around 4000 rpm), torque delivery becomes fairly linear. In urban areas, accelerating or overtaking generates decent power feedback by stepping on the gas, but further acceleration becomes a bit sluggish once the speed exceeds 100km/h. The gearbox shift logic is clear, with smooth upshifts. There is slight jerkiness during downshifts, but it does not affect daily driving. There aren’t many driving modes to choose from; the default mode balances power and fuel efficiency. Regarding handling, the steering wheel has moderate precision, with some play in the steering, but this is still acceptable for a rugged SUV. Body roll is noticeable when cornering, due to the high center of gravity, and the suspension tuning is on the stiffer side. The chassis uses a combination of front and rear rigid axles with coil springs—a classic configuration for rugged SUVs. It performs well in absorbing bumps on unpaved roads, and doesn’t transmit overly harsh shocks on uneven surfaces. However, it struggles slightly in urban environments, where vibrations are more pronounced when going over speed bumps, slightly compromising comfort. In terms of fuel consumption, the official combined figure is 6.8L/100km. In our tests, we recorded approximately 8L in city driving and 7L on highways, which is fairly average. Noise insulation is ordinary, with wind and tire noise becoming more noticeable at speeds over 80km/h. The tire noise, in particular, is relatively loud due to the thick tire walls and deep tread of the 195/80 R15 tires, which are not optimally adjusted for noise reduction.

Overall, the core highlights of the 2021 Suzuki Jimny stand out prominently: its classic rugged design has high recognition, it has good off-road capabilities (although the tested version is a 2WD model, its chassis structure makes it more capable of handling light off-roading compared to ordinary small SUVs), practical features, and moderate fuel consumption. Compared to similarly classed small SUVs like the Honda HR-V or Toyota C-HR, the Jimny lacks advantages in space and power, but it excels in unique design and light off-road capabilities. Priced at RM 169,000 in the A-Segment, it’s not considered cheap, but considering its uniqueness, the value is still reasonable.

The target audience is very clear: if you are someone who likes a distinctive exterior and occasionally needs to go camping in the suburbs or do light off-roading, while mainly using it for urban commuting in daily life, the Jimny will be a good choice. However, for families needing large space, or users pursuing high-speed performance, it might not be the best option. All in all, the 2021 Suzuki Jimny is a "specialized but unique" model. It’s not an all-rounder, but it performs well in its areas of expertise, making it suitable for users who want a vehicle that's "both a daily driver and occasionally adventurous."