Suzuki Jimny 5-Door 2024 Review

In recent years, the demand for vehicles with "rugged design + practical space" in Malaysia's B-Segment SUV market has been gradually increasing. Many consumers want the flexibility of a small car while meeting the needs of short family trips or light outdoor adventures—this is precisely what the 2024 Suzuki Jimny 5-Door targets in this niche market. As an extended version of the three-door model, its biggest selling point is the improved practicality of the rear seats due to the extended wheelbase, while retaining the classic body-on-frame construction (data not mentioned but a traditional feature of the Jimny family) and the full-time four-wheel-drive system. The main purpose of this test drive is to verify whether the extended wheelbase truly addresses the "cramped rear seat" issue of the three-door version and whether the power and configuration can match the price of RM199,950.

The exterior of the Jimny 5-Door continues the family’s iconic boxy design, with an overall rugged style. The front fascia features a vertical slatted chrome grille, paired with round LED headlights on both sides and a black front bumper below, ensuring high recognition; the side profile has straight lines, pronounced front and rear wheel arches, 15-inch wheels with 195/80R15 off-road tires, further enhancing its rugged character; at the rear, square LED taillights echo the front design, and the tailgate is equipped with an external spare tire, aligning with the design logic of a tough SUV. Notably, the extended body length now reaches 3985mm, with a wheelbase of 2590mm—340mm longer than the three-door version, which makes the side view look more balanced.

The interior focuses on practicality with a simple layout. The dashboard uses hard plastic materials, but the joins are neat, giving no sense of cheapness to the touch. The 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system serves as the visual focal point, supporting basic multimedia functions and offering decent operational smoothness; the instrument panel uses backlit analog dials for clear displays of core data such as RPM, speed, and fuel levels. In terms of configuration, it comes standard with single-zone automatic air conditioning, front USB ports, and a 220V power outlet to meet daily charging needs; the multifunction steering wheel integrates audio and cruise control buttons, making operation convenient. The rear seats support a 50:50 split fold, expanding the trunk space from 211 liters to an even larger capacity, enough to hold a stroller or luggage for short trips. The rear also comes equipped with air-conditioning vents and two USB ports, demonstrating attention to detail.

Space performance is the core advantage of the 5-Door version. The front seats are manually adjustable with decent support, and passengers with a height of 175cm will find adequate headroom and legroom; the rear legroom is significantly improved compared to the three-door version, leaving two fists' worth of space for the same-height passengers, along with one fist of headroom, ensuring that long trips won’t feel too cramped. The trunk holds a regular capacity of 211 liters, enough for two 20-inch carry-on suitcases, and after folding the rear seats, it can accommodate larger items such as a folding bicycle or camping gear. As for storage compartments, the door panels can hold two bottles of water, the center armrest box has a moderate depth, and the front cup holders can fit large drinks, making daily use convenient.

In terms of power, it is equipped with a 1.5L naturally aspirated engine, delivering a maximum power of 77kW (105PS) and a maximum torque of 134N·m, paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission and a full-time four-wheel drive system. The official 0-100km/h acceleration time is 17.2 seconds. In actual driving, the start is relatively smooth, the power output is linear at low RPMs, making it suitable for city driving; for overtaking at medium to high speeds, you need to press the accelerator in advance, as the transmission has a 1-2 second delay in downshifting, which is better suited for a relaxed driving style. Driving modes include 2H, 4H, and 4L. For daily city use, the 2H mode is more fuel-efficient; when encountering rough roads or light off-road conditions, switching to 4H ensures reliable off-road performance.

In terms of handling, the non-load-bearing body paired with the solid axle suspension makes the chassis feel relatively firm. When passing over speed bumps or uneven roads, vibrations are directly noticeable, but it doesn’t feel loose. The steering wheel is precise with minimal play, light during low-speed maneuvering, and stable at high speeds. Regarding fuel consumption, in congested urban conditions, the fuel consumption is about 8.5L per 100km, and about 6.8L per 100km during highway cruising. With a fuel tank capacity of 40L, the driving range is approximately 450km, which is in line with the standards for a 1.5L SUV. Noise control is average, and at highway speeds of 110km/h, wind and tire noise are relatively noticeable but within an acceptable range. The seats offer good support, making long journeys less tiring.

Safety features are comprehensive, including 6 airbags, ESP stability control system, hill-start assist, rear parking sensors, and a reversing camera, ensuring daily driving safety. Additionally, the rear ISO FIX anchors and child safety locks make it suitable for family use.

In summary, the core advantages of the 2024 Jimny 5-Door are its practical space, rugged design, and all-wheel-drive system. Compared to its peers like the HR-V or XR-V, it offers stronger off-road capabilities and sufficient rear space for family needs. Although its power may feel underwhelming and the interior materials are average, the 199,950 MYR price tag offers decent value for a rugged 5-door SUV. It is suitable for two groups of people: those who appreciate rugged aesthetics and occasionally go for light off-roading or short family trips, and young families who value large spaces and practicality.

Overall, the Jimny 5-Door is a model with “clear trade-offs” — it sacrifices aggressive power and luxurious interiors in exchange for practical space and off-road capability. If you’re looking for an SUV that balances daily commuting with light outdoor adventures, it can be a pragmatic choice.