2018 Suzuki Jimny reviewed by the European media

The new model will have a base price of €17,915 (INR 15,19,284.82) in Germany, which is one of the first markets in the old continent where the manufacturer has released the prices. UK based car expert Mat Watson from CarWow has tested the 2018 Suzuki Jimny and here are the highlights from his test drive report.

Mat starts his review of the 2018 Suzuki Jimny by saying that his video report will prove that things that are cheap and small can be cool. The tester has compared the design of the new Jimny with the Mercedes G-Wagon and the Land Rover Defender. He then goes on to point out the various bits of the new model's design that pay homage to the earlier iterations. The round headlamps, for example, seems to have been inspired from the first generation model while the two horizontal slits on the side of the hood are similar to those of the second generation. The vertical slats on the grille mimic those on the previous iteration.

Next, Mat goes on to state that it's not just the design that mimics the earlier versions. Like the previous models, the new version is a proper 4x4. The tester states that in spite of having a ladder-frame construction, the Jimny weighs only 1.3-tonnes, which is fairly light for a proper off-roader. Thanks to short overhangs, the 2018 Suzuki Jimny has an approach angle of 37 degrees, the break over angle is 28 degrees, and the departure angle is 49 degrees. The European car expert goes on to remark how these numbers are better than what you get from a Jeep Wrangler.

In the next section of his review, Mat takes the 2018 Suzuki Jimny off road. He slots the transfer case into 4-Low and shows how easily the small SUV drives uphill. He also demonstrates the SUV's Hill Hold Control and the Hill Descent Control. The new model efficiently manages to clear a section of slush and the articulation test, which impresses the tester no end.

Next, Mat shows the Jimny's 'tiny' boot space of 85-litres. He also shows how getting into Jimny's rear seats isn't particularly easy. The lack of adequate real legroom is another issue. He finds the all-black interior to be dark and dingy. The tester points out that the plastics are hard but feel tough.

The European car expert says that the 2018 Suzuki Jimny feels much better on the road than its predecessor but is, by no means, perfect. He points out how the small SUV is easily bothered by the crosswinds, and a 6-speed gearbox could have made it a much better cruiser. The tester manages to hit a speedo-indicated top speed of 160 kmph. The small dimensions help the driver easily drive the Jimny on the narrow city streets. He's all praise of the seating position and the all-around visibility. Mat is appreciative of the small turning radius but feels that the brakes are a bit spongy. He also notes the high body roll and the low grip levels.

Mat Watson concludes his review of the 2018 Suzuki Jimny by saying that "In the UK at least then, the Jimny will always be a niche vehicle for niche people."