Suzuki Jimny Built for Rough Use and Daily Comfort

The Suzuki Jimny stands out for its tough build quality, compact size, and capable 4x4 off-road abilities.  It is well-known in the UAE among enthusiasts for its durability, low maintenance costs, and proven reliability. It has also been identified with the unique boxy look, chunky proportions, and imposing road presence. Suzuki has designed it that way with the purpose of making it work better where it counts. 

The arrival of the five-door version truly changed the game. When Suzuki extended the wheelbase and added a proper rear seat, suddenly, families started taking the Jimny seriously. We take a closer look at some of the standout features that make it indeed an attractive option among buyers in the UAE.

Small but Strong Powertrain 

The Jimny is packed with a proven and reliable 1.5-liter petrol engine, capable of producing 101hp of power and 130 Nm of torque. For a 4x4 SUV, this may not look really exciting, but that's not the case. The Japanese automaker has tuned this engine precisely for low-end torque, which is exactly what matters when you're climbing steep dunes or rocky wadis, something owners do here in the UAE.

Despite being a tough SUV, you can expect an everyday mileage in double digits, close to 11 km/l. For a 4x4 with running AC in desert heat, this is quite reasonable, and most buyers find it noticeable. The engines give you the impression of being responsive and easily handling every terrain that we encounter across the country without any real issues. This also points towards Suzuki’s focus on making it quite capable for its intended purpose.  As far as the gearbox is concerned, you get to choose between a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic. Most Off-roaders users prefer the manual because they get direct control when things get difficult. City drivers choose the automatic for smooth stop-and-go traffic on Sheikh Zayed Road.

Smart All-Grip Pro 4WD

The transmission is called All-Grip Pro, and it's more modern than one would really think of. Three modes handle everything: 2WD mode for normal roads saves fuel and reduces noise. 4WD High engages extra traction for gravel and dirt, and the 4WD Low multiplies torque for sand, mud, or steep climbs. This is not complex electronic tech that might fail if the battery dies, its real strength is its mechanical and proven performance. When one diagonal wheel loses grip on slippery surfaces, the system automatically brakes that wheel and redirects torque to the ones with traction. Simple. Reliable. It works.

Compact but Rugged  

By all standards, the Jimny is compact; this is visible at first glance, no matter what profile you look at. But the SUV is built on a full-width rigid ladder-frame with independent front suspension and a solid rear axle. When an obstacle pushes one wheel up, the opposite wheel moves down. That's how you maintain grip on uneven terrain. The ground clearance of 210mm is ideal for taking on all types of terrains. Its approach angle is 37 degrees, while the departure angle is 49 degrees. These numbers matter when you're navigating rocky wadis or soft sand. 

The dimensions are key indicators of its size; it is less than four meters in length, 3,625mm to be precise, and 1,645mm wide. This means the Jimny fits through gaps where bigger SUVs get stuck. It weighs 1,545 kg, making it lightweight, because anyone would agree that weight is the enemy in sand. Most heavy vehicles slump, while the Jimny glides over it.

Practical Cabin 

The cabin is another key standout feature of this off-road SUV. This is quite clear the moment you step inside, you instantly feel this is a practical and not a luxury-focused one. Hard plastics dominate the cabin, and the seats are made of tough vinyl upholstery. The floor is waterproof, and you can tell that everything is designed to shrug off sand, mud, and sweat.

The seven-inch touchscreen handles Bluetooth, USB, and smartphone control. Aftermarket units can add Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The steering wheel has audio and phone controls to minimize distractions on desert convoys.

Single-zone AC cools the cabin in under two minutes, even in 45-degree desert heat. Four vents circulate air effectively. It's not a climate cave, but it's adequate. Storage is practical: glovebox, deep door pockets, console cubbies, cup holders. The rear cargo section includes a 12V outlet for camping accessories. Fold the rear seats flat, and the cargo space expands to 830 liters for camping gear or weekend supplies.

Seating is straightforward as well; the front seats are comfortable for long drives. The rear seats fit two adults or three kids comfortably for short trips. This is a five-seater, but expect cramped elbows if five adults spend hours together.

Real Protection

Given the tough and challenging use of the SUV, Suzuki has equipped the Jimny with reasonable safety features, which should make the buyers pretty assured. There are up to six airbags covering front, side, and curtain positions. Anti-lock braking prevents wheel lockup. Electronic stability programs handle understeer and oversteer. Hill Hold Control prevents backward rolling on slopes, while Hill Descent Control automatically brakes on steep descents so you concentrate on steering. These aren't flashy features, but they work when it matters. Also, remember, the ladder frame absorbs impact energy effectively, and the crumple zones on bumpers and fenders deform to reduce injury during accidents. It's proven protection.

Feature	Specification
Engine	1.5L K15B Petrol
Power	101 HP @ 6,000 rpm
Torque	130 Nm @ 4,000 rpm
Transmission	5-Speed Manual / 4-Speed Auto
Drive Type	Part-time 4WD with low-range
Ground Clearance	210 mm
Length	3,625 mm
Wheelbase	2,590 mm
Seating	5 seats
Fuel Tank	40 liters
Fuel Economy	11 km/l (real-world mixed)
Price Range	AED 79,900 - AED 93,900
Turning Radius	4.9 meters

Conclusion

Overall, the Jimny is a combination of an authentic off-road capability with practical city usability at quite an attractive price, making it affordable too. The Jimny has been around for decades, so it is not completely new to users in the UAE. By bringing the five-door version, Suzuki is trying to offer a complete package of a desirable 4x4 SUV that serves adventure seekers and urban drivers equally well.