Suzuki looks like it has got the next Jimny right. When it was launched – so long ago that that I had hair - I wasn’t sure the last one was entirely right.
To this day, I remember getting in one at an office in Harpenden and not even needing to get out of Harpenden before realising that the ride was appalling.
I don’t know how much Suzuki has actually improved it over the years and how much everything else has sunk to its level. Mostly the former, with maybe a bit of the latter.
But today, while it’s still fairly bouncy, that’s just a natural and not unwelcome characteristic of a car that has so very many other charms: its compact nature, its exquisite lightness, its continued purity and honesty to a simple idea that I think you generally only see from Japanese manufacturers these days.
Cars tend to get less competitive during their life cycle, but I love the Jimny more now, and it feels more competitive now (although what its natural rival is, I’m not entirely certain) than it did 20 years ago, when it was described as ‘smart in city, tough in nature’ and cost around £10,000. Today, it’s smarter and tougher than ever.
It’s even at risk of becoming a bit of an icon, like a Toyota Land Cruiser, Mercedes-Benz G-Class, or Jeep Wrangler.
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Sundym
Mind reader or comment reader ?
80sXS
The more I see the new Jimny...
...the more I want one!
scrap
Of course the Defender needs
Of course the Defender needs a complete overall to be competitive, but JLR seem to have abandoned the principal strengths of the old one.
Design ‘DNA’? The more they talk about this, the less I think they understand it. If the new Defender can’t earn its living on a farm, it’s not a Defender. Folk with money will buy a Landcruiser or posh pick up instead.
230SL
Do we really get the Jimny
Do we really get the Jimny DNA, the standard model has a triple, narrow track and better approach angles, seems we get the Sierra model, which I like, but I think it looks more fun with the narrow track and steel wheels.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oG_tMMhtBGc&t=895s
Thank you.
230SL
oops try againhttps://youtu
oops try againhttps://youtu.be/oG_tMMhtBGc
nicebiscuit
They're choosing not to...
Underpinnings notwithstanding, JLR could choose to position the Defender as a relatively affordable and rugged vehicle. It would then underpin the credibility of the rest of the range much like the old one did. It's fine for it to cost money because of engineering content or ability - the old one was hardly cheap, but not because of branding and bling like the Evoque. But I dont think LR is about proper cars any more. Its about being a luxury brand. Which is a shame.
jason_recliner
In the Words of Run DMC, It's Tricky
nomayor
Well,
"Why the new Suzuki Jimny is everything the Land Rover Defender can't be"
Well first of all the Jimny is a car for those who really bought it for what it is. It is not a car bought by those with very small "little John", just to show off.
Deputy
Right size
80sXS
Character
Last time I was in Italy it was great to see all the battered old Fiat Panda 4x4s still doing the business in the Tuscany hills. I wished I could have taken one home with me!
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