Suzuki Jimny 5-Door Review

The B-segment SUV market has been steadily heating up in Malaysia in recent years. Family users and young consumers tend to prefer vehicles with practical space and strong passability. The 2024 Suzuki Jimny 5-Door is designed to meet this demand. Compared to the 3-door version, the wheelbase of the 5-door version has been extended to 2590mm, directly addressing the cramped rear passenger space issue. At the same time, it retains the core genes of rugged off-road performance, making it highly anticipated even before its launch. In this test drive, I will focus on verifying whether the practicality of the 5-door version is truly up to par and whether its performance in daily driving and light off-roading is well-balanced.

In terms of appearance, the Jimny 5-Door continues the boxy, rugged style of the 3-door version, with straight lines and high recognizability. The front features a five-slot grille paired with round LED headlights, retaining the classic elements. The side profile of the vehicle shows a well-proportioned rear door due to the extended wheelbase, without looking out of place. The 15-inch tires with an 80 aspect ratio emphasize its off-road attributes visually. At the rear, the square-shaped LED tail lights are unified with the overall style, and the black bumper guard below the rear bumper adds a sense of ruggedness. Notably, both front and rear fog lights are standard, providing added safety during rainy or foggy weather.

Stepping inside, the interior mainly uses hard plastics, but the seam workmanship is well-controlled, meeting the standards for this price range. The center console has a simple layout, with a 9-inch touchscreen centrally positioned. It operates smoothly and supports Bluetooth and phone interconnectivity (though it lacks wireless CarPlay, the basic functionality is sufficient). The instrument cluster features backlit analog gauges that are easy to read, catering well to users accustomed to traditional instrumentation. The front features single-zone automatic air conditioning, which is easy to adjust. The rear seats are equipped with independent air vents and a 220V power outlet, which is very practical for family users—rear passengers can charge devices or connect small appliances during long trips.

The space performance is the core upgrade of the 5-door version: with a wheelbase of 2590mm, the rear legroom is approximately 180mm more than the 3-door version. Passengers 175cm tall can sit comfortably with about two fists' distance between their knees and the front seats, making it no longer cramped. The rear seats support a 50:50 split-folding function. When folded down, the trunk volume expands from 211L to nearly 800L, easily accommodating strollers or camping gear. The front seats are manually adjustable, offering moderate wrapping but sufficient support, ensuring comfort during long drives. However, the rear middle seat lacks a headrest, which compromises the comfort of the middle passenger when the car is fully occupied with four people.

In terms of powertrain, the 1.5L naturally aspirated engine delivers a maximum power of 77kW (105PS) and a peak torque of 134N·m, paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission. For daily city driving, the start is relatively smooth. Pressing the accelerator a bit more, the torque becomes evident at 4000 RPM, making overtaking possible with some anticipation. While it lacks strong reserves for acceleration at speeds above 120km/h, it suffices for daily commuting and weekend outings. The driving modes include 2H (rear-wheel drive), 4H (high-speed four-wheel drive), and 4L (low-speed four-wheel drive), with a selector dial located next to the gear lever, making the operation intuitive.

In terms of handling, the steering wheel has a slight dead zone, which is typical for rugged SUVs, but it remains stable at high speeds. The front and rear solid axle suspensions are tuned on the stiffer side, so bumps from speed bumps or uneven roads are more directly felt in the cabin. However, the advantage is that the body has good rigidity during off-road driving. During this test drive, I specifically explored an unpaved road. After engaging the 4H mode, the tire grip was impressive, and it easily tackled light inclines and cross-axle sections. For users who enjoy weekend camping trips to the countryside, it is more than adequate.

In terms of fuel consumption, it is approximately 8.5L per 100 kilometers in urban conditions and about 6.8L on highways. With a 40L fuel tank, the full tank range is approximately 500 kilometers, so refueling is not needed frequently in daily use. Noise control is average, with noticeable wind and tire noise at high speeds, but it is within an acceptable range. Although the manual parking brake is traditional, it is easy to operate, and the hill start assist function prevents the vehicle from rolling back on slopes.

In summary, the 2024 Suzuki Jimny 5-Door has clear core advantages: the practicality of the five-door version is significantly improved, the rear seats are comfortable for passengers, and the trunk can accommodate a good amount of luggage. It retains the rugged off-road DNA, and its light off-road capabilities are outstanding among SUVs in the same class. In terms of features, the six airbags, rear air conditioning, 220V power outlet, and other practical configurations offer solid value for money. Priced at RM199,950, it's nearly 20,000 cheaper than comparable models like the Honda HR-V or Toyota Corolla Cross, making it suitable for users on a budget who want a vehicle that balances family use and light off-road capability.

However, it does have shortcomings: the power is not very strong, and its highway acceleration capability is average. The interior has a plastic feel, and it lacks convenient features such as keyless entry. But considering its positioning, these shortcomings have little impact on its targeted users—it is more suitable for families that value space, off-road capabilities, and cost-effectiveness, or for young people who like rugged styling.

Overall, the Jimny 5-Door is not a model that pursues luxury or performance, but rather a practical-focused rugged SUV. If you need a vehicle for daily commuting, occasional family outings to the countryside, and don't want to spend too much money, it would be a good choice.