With sprawling waiting lists and mass global demand, it’s safe to say Suzuki‘s tiny off-roader has captured our hearts and the Jimny isn’t going anywhere soon. The automaker recently unveiled the Suzuki Jimny XL 5-door model, which could well prove to be the better bet due to its increased practicality which surprisingly doesn’t come at the expense of its undeniable ‘fun’ quotient.
From a design perspective, the upcoming Suzuki Jimny XL 5-Door doesn’t stray too far from the beaten track. The basics remain the same: a proper off-roader within a classic-looking bodyshell and with capabilities that go way beyond its diminutive size. Crucially, the 5-door XL is 340mm longer and adds the same number in terms of increasing its wheelbase. As a result, the pint-sized off-roader can finally carry more luggage than just your toothbrush.
The Jimny XL has 211 litres of luggage capacity and that is a lot more useful than the 85 litres you get on the 3-door model. Space at the rear seats is much better too although taller passengers might struggle but it is a vastly more practical machine than the 3-door.
The equipment levels are similarly decent but nothing to write home about. This time around, Suzuki has adorned the Jimny with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a rear-view camera, wireless connectivity, LED lights, autonomous emergency braking, and lane departure alert.
With a small increase in weight and turning circle, the Jimny XL is not as agile as its 3-door sibling but is not far behind. Despite the extra weight, the 1.5l petrol offers up enough torque to make for a comfortable daily cruise with the automatic being perfect for everyday use although the manual is more fun and engaging. The extra set of doors and the increased length also reduce the bounciness of the ride a bit.
Off-road, the 5-door Jimny XL is as competent as its smaller sibling with excellent approach/departure angles and the 1.5l petrol engine having just about enough steam for getting out of tricky situations. It is a proper 4×4 tool, this and not your average small crossover.
Prices start at $34,990 for the manual 5-door XL Jimny while the automatic is yours for $36,490- a sizeable $3,000 increase over the 3-door. Hence, the 3-door remains the more fun option in terms of its capabilities but it remains somewhat of a one-sided novelty, while the 5-door changes things with a substantial increase in space. So, we suggest the 5-door XL as a fun-to-drive, economical and compact family off-roader with an endearing personality.
