When it comes to pint-sized off-roaders, few vehicles command as much love and loyalty in South Africa as the Suzuki Jimny. From the boxy charm of the early generations to the ruggedly modern fourth-gen model, the Jimny has earned a reputation as a go-anywhere companion. Whether it’s conquering rocky trails, cruising along sandy beaches, or squeezing through tight bushveld tracks, this little 4×4 is more than just a pretty face – it’s a legend!
South Africans, being the outdoor enthusiasts they are, have embraced the Jimny for its unbeatable combination of off-road prowess, compact size, and undeniable personality. It’s the perfect partner for those who believe that adventure begins where the tar ends. And let’s not forget the wallet-friendly fuel consumption that ensures you can afford to keep exploring.
We approached a few passionate Jimny owners across Mzansi to share why this plucky vehicle holds a special place in their hearts. Spoiler alert: it’s not just about capability – it’s about the community, the stories, and the endless sense of fun that the Jimny inspires. Buckle up, and let’s dive into why the Jimny is truly a love affair on four wheels.
Jannie Weitz – 2017 Suzuki Jimny Gen 3
Despite its diminutive size, the Jimny is phenomenally capable off-road and has taken me on several unforgettable adventures to far-off and remote places. It’s usually just me in the vehicle, so packing space is just right and given its excellent fuel economy and reliability, it hasn’t put a foot wrong yet. My Jimny is the tool for my passion. It allows me to get out of town and into the wilderness. We all know the city can suffocate us adventurers, and sometimes it’s necessary to go to a place where people are scarce and stars plentiful, to escape from the chaos of your busy life. I can’t wait for the next adventure!”
Anton Schoeman – 2013 Suzuki Jimny
Jeremy Clarkson once said that there are two distinct types of people on this planet. The first is the type of person who regards a vehicle as a simple mode of transportation, just a bundle of rubber, glass, and steel. Then you get people like you and me, who truly believe that a soul lies under all of that steel, rubber, and glass. I don’t believe that my Suzuki is alive, but I love it as if it is. For the longest time, it has only been my Jimny and I. I’ve even dedicated multiple social media pages across Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok to it to show people what the Jimny life and culture are all about. I have a real passion for working on my Jimny. I love adding and removing bits to make it as capable as possible, so I can show people that you don’t need a big fuel-guzzling 4×4 to explore the wonders nature offers.
Russel & Tiffany Naude – 2022 Jimny GLX
Back in the day, the high seas were ruled by pirates looting the Spanish and English fleets around the beautiful Caribbean islands. These days a pirate also rules the back roads of South Africa in search of life’s true treasure: adventure. I love Jimbo, my little pirate! If you have ever wondered if owning a Jimny is worth it, let me tell you it most certainly is. The Suzuki Jimny is truly the underdog of the overlanding community, and Jimbo the Pirate has been the source of some great memories as we conquer the back roads of South Africa. So, set the sails and go exploring!’
*Follow the Adventures of Pirate on Instagram: jimbo_the_pirate_jimny
Nick Ferreira – 2020 Suzuki Jimny GLX
The Jimny is one of the most fun cars I have ever driven. Yes – it is most certainly not the biggest 4×4 out there, but it makes up for it with pure excitement. When you’re cruising on the road, the Jimny’s compact size and easy handling make it a dream. It’s perfect for zipping through tight city streets and finding parking spots without hassle. The steering is super responsive, and the whole driving experience feels so alive, especially when you take those corners with some oomph. But the real magic happens when I take Mamba – as we call our Jimny – off the beaten path. It’s like a little beast that can handle anything you throw at it. Seriously, this baby is built to handle it all, whether you’re conquering steep hills, tackling muddy trails, or crawling over rocks. The 4×4 system and low-range gear ratio give it the traction and power to take on rough terrain like a champ. And the cool part? Because it’s so compact, you can take it to places bigger SUVs wouldn’t dare to go. Almost like a secret weapon for off-roading, the Jimny can easily squeeze through narrow trails and tight spaces, giving you access to those hidden gems that larger vehicles can’t reach. Pure fun, I tell you!
*Follow Nick and his adventures with Mamba on social media: @mamba_the_jimny
Nathi & Noli Pholoba – 2020 Suzuki Jimny 1.5 GLX AT
We have always loved taking road trips and exploring the gems South Africa has to offer. However, with our ordinary day-to-day car, we found that we were limited in the choice of adventures we could embark on due to accessibility and road conditions. That’s when we decided to bite the bullet and buy a Suzuki Jimny. As our confidence grew, we ventured across South Africa’s border to places we could only dream of in the past… from the Gonarezhou National Park in the south of Zimbabwe, all the way to Victoria Falls in the northwestern part of that country. In fact, it was on this memorable trip that we named our Jimny Mupanguri, which means ‘explorer’ in Shona, one of Zimbabwe’s official languages. We absolutely adore our ride and seeing the surprise on the faces of other overlanders when we pull up in our little tyke provides a real kick. The first question is always: “How did this get here?” Our response is usually just to smile… if you know, you know.
*Follow Nathi and Noli’s adventures with Mupanguri on social media: roadtripwith_npholobas
Cobus van Lill – 2023 Suzuki Jimny GLX
I have always thought of the Jimny as a small car with a big heart… just how big that heart truly is, I only discovered when I joined this community when purchasing Skilpad earlier this year. The nickname comes from the tent on the roof, much like a tortoise carrying its ‘home’… and, of course, the Jimny is far from the fastest in the race. It is, however, often the most underrated – and much like the popular children’s tale of the tortoise and the hare, it’s all about how you use what you have. Yes – Skilpad may be small and slow, but it has everything you need for overlanding and 4×4! The biggest challenge when it comes to small 4×4’s is getting the balance and weight right. So, we had to find a rooftop tent that wouldn’t off-balance the Jimny or take a day to set up because we love exploring wherever we camp. And boy, did we strike gold with the RoofPod, which weighs a featherlight 36kg is super aerodynamic – simply perfect for our adventures!”
*Follow Cobus and Skilpad on social media: @the_jimny_camper
Arno Farmer – 2022 Suzuki Jimny GLX
As a young man with an adventurous spirit, dreaming of exploring this beautiful country and continent of ours, I will forever be grateful for the birth of the very capable but relatively affordable Jimny. After a few adjustments – including a tyre upgrade to 215/80 R15, a Front Runner roof rack with some Wolfpack Pro boxes for extra space, a Tough Dog suspension upgrade and a few other odds and ends – the Jimny is now a true off-roading legend. The little tyke – I call him Simba – is set to take us to some uncharted areas, not to mention the daily nods of appreciation when people lay their eyes on this beauty. I will cherish the memories made with Simba forever!”
*Follow Arno and Simba’s adventures on social media: @uncharted_jimny
Stephanie Kusel – 2015 Suzuki Jimny
A Jimny is so much more than just a car. It is a partner, a friend, a way to experience life to the fullest and – as a bonus – the Jimny community is super special and the most helpful car community you will ever come across. Juan the Jimny has been my companion on many adventures and most certainly the best investment I have ever made. It’s a true stalwart and has never let me down!”
*Follow Stephanie and Juan’s adventures on social media: @juan_the_jimny
Chelsea & Jonathan Groome – 2022 Suzuki Jimny 1.5 GLX MT
It’s very difficult not to wax lyrical about our little Jimny, which we have affectionately christened Nala. There’s just so much to adore about it! We initially set out in search of a 4×4 with which to fulfil our dreams of adventure, but could still double up as a versatile everyday runaround vehicle. Little did we realise how quickly our hearts would be captured by this pint-sized powerhouse. The ability to customise it to our liking and add all sorts of extras to truly make it our own was very exciting and we wasted no time in making it uniquely ours. This vehicle has become our perfect match. A major highlight of our Jimny ownership journey was being able to participate in the first-ever Jimny Gathering which took place in Clarens in the Eastern Free State in September 2023. Meeting so many like-minded people who share our unbridled passion for our ride was such a thrill! Who could have thought that a humble little vehicle like the Jimny could amass such a huge following!
*Follow the adventures of the Groomes, their pooches and Nala the Jimny on social media: @Groomedgetaways
