Suzuki Jimny: Passion Over Rationality (Video Review)

The Suzuki Jimny 5 door was a big deal to us, and here’s why.

As a team of auto-journalists we, at the Nepal Drives HQ, have two personalities. One analyses a vehicle based on its merits, value for money proposition, practicality, and usability in everyday life. For this, we use the side of the brain that justifies a vehicle based on sensibility and the rationality of the numbers on the spec sheet. This is the same side of the brain that encourages you to buy the family pack of Dettol soap to save Rs.30 every month.

The other though, holds the reins to our heart. Practicality takes the back seat and we side with the vehicle that gives us the warm, tingly sensation you get akin to when you look at videos of the Alfa Romeo Disco Volante cruising on the shores of Lake Como in Italy. This is the side of the brain that is responsible for the classic traditional film twin-lens reflex camera that is sitting in your cupboard unused for the past 4 years.

Guess which side took the wheel when we spent half our workdays hunting down 30-year old offroaders for our office? Yep, the heart won that round.

A frequent feature in our search history of “classic” cars was the Suzuki Jimny, and for good reason. The Suzuki Jimny has earned its stripes as a cult classic for several reasons. Its iconic design, robust off-road capabilities, and compact size have made it a favourite among enthusiasts.

The Jimny has consistently punched above its weight, offering remarkable reliability and adaptability, making it a legend in the realm of offroad vehicles. Its timeless appeal transcends generations and even after three decades, its allure remains unparalleled. Regardless of its age we wanted to own a Jimny for the sheer thrill of owning a piece of automotive history that continues to exude unparalleled charisma.

Alas, before we could ever pull the trigger and buy any Jimny in the market, the other side of our brains intervened. It’s difficult to justify purchasing a vehicle that would require a lot of effort and TLC to maintain. Surely, this has to be the case for many would be buyers of the age old Jimny. Luckily, the past few years saw the launch of the 4th Gen Suzuki Jimny and sometime later, the 5-door version. A glimmer of hope.

We didn’t waste much time to get the keys to the Jimny when it finally arrived in Nepal. And like any responsible person with four-wheel drive at their disposal would do, we found the gnarliest possible off-road route, and headed straight for the hills, escaping the bustle of the city. It was time to test the fabled capabilities of the Jimny.