Suzuki Jimny SZ5
Discussion
Time for another update.
Took the Jimny on a proper road trip. While I'd done a few longish motorway trips previously, this was the first trip away. Covid and other things had prevented me doing this earlier.
Went to North Wales & Anglesey for 5 nights. Did over 700 miles there and back, very mixed terrain. Some motorway on the way there and back. Also the A55 Express way, but lots of fast A roads and tiny country lanes.
The Jimny performed flawlessly really. It's sit at 70mph on cruise control on the motorway, although I typically ran nearer to 60-65mph.
Was very comfortable and extremely capable for everything we did.
The weather was pretty amazing for Wales. Very glad of the air conditioning.
On the Welsh hills it goes well enough, the 1.5 is very smooth and tractable. But it did perhaps lack a little grunt at times. On some of the very steep roads you'd be flat out in 2nd gear with it only able to hold revs rather than accelerate.
TBH - my only complaint was the range. MPG was fairly poor, running at motorway speeds (such as on the A55), basically anything over 3000-3500rpm in top, it seems to drink fuel. Running about it was better, but the Snowdonia mountains do make you use the revs. MPG varied between 31.6 and 36.2 to a tank. (Usage is key to mpg, on a trip locally the other day I got 39.2mpg, it really is the high speed that ruins mpg on these).
The real issue for me however is the tank range (compounded by the worlds worst fuel gauge/range meter), it just is too small for this kind of use. For example, the hotel was 267 miles from home.
But with 35 useable litres of fuel (7.69 gallons) at 34mpg is only 261 miles. And while you can always find a fuel station in Wales. It is amazing how far you need to drive sometimes, waiting until the fuel light comes on is probably unwise. Meaning you'd really need to be looking out for a petrol station from as little as 220 miles. On a 6 day trip it meant I had to visit the petrol station no less 4 times to ensure we didn't run out in the middle of nowhere.
It is such a shame that the long range (80 litre) fuel tank is so expensive. I've found it for sale in the UK, but it costs 10% of the price the entire Jimny retailed at!!! But one day maybe....
On the trip, we were two up. And reasonably loaded in the back, but no where near capacity. Although I did have my large Halfords 40ltr coolbox in the back too (handy having the 12v outlet in the boot). But it would have been nice to secure some items a bit better.
So I have since bought these:
Available on JimnyStyle or eBay. The ones from JimnyStyle come with stainless screws.
Very east to install, just pop out the plastic cap (under rear side windows) and screw in the rings.
You can fit as many or as little of them as you like (there are other accessories than can mount here too). I opted for a pair on either side, sensibly spaced. Which will allow for a bungie or similar to hold items in place in the future.
_______________________________
Browsing eBay I noticed a new style storage tray for the Jimny that I'd not seen before. So I ordered it up as it didn't cost much.
Arrived fairly quickly to.
It is designed to fit on top of the radio screen binnacle.
It only sticks in place with self adhesive tape, much like the tray above the speedo/tacho binnacles. But it seems it'll do the job and make a previously vacant space of some use. Where you could put your wallet, glasses, keys or in my case to put my handheld PMR446 radio whilst driving.
It's great that the aftermarket is catering for this shortsightedness from Suzuki. Its just a real shame Suzuki didn't think a bit harder about the interior when designing it.
Took the Jimny on a proper road trip. While I'd done a few longish motorway trips previously, this was the first trip away. Covid and other things had prevented me doing this earlier.
Went to North Wales & Anglesey for 5 nights. Did over 700 miles there and back, very mixed terrain. Some motorway on the way there and back. Also the A55 Express way, but lots of fast A roads and tiny country lanes.
The Jimny performed flawlessly really. It's sit at 70mph on cruise control on the motorway, although I typically ran nearer to 60-65mph.
Was very comfortable and extremely capable for everything we did.
The weather was pretty amazing for Wales. Very glad of the air conditioning.
On the Welsh hills it goes well enough, the 1.5 is very smooth and tractable. But it did perhaps lack a little grunt at times. On some of the very steep roads you'd be flat out in 2nd gear with it only able to hold revs rather than accelerate.
TBH - my only complaint was the range. MPG was fairly poor, running at motorway speeds (such as on the A55), basically anything over 3000-3500rpm in top, it seems to drink fuel. Running about it was better, but the Snowdonia mountains do make you use the revs. MPG varied between 31.6 and 36.2 to a tank. (Usage is key to mpg, on a trip locally the other day I got 39.2mpg, it really is the high speed that ruins mpg on these).
The real issue for me however is the tank range (compounded by the worlds worst fuel gauge/range meter), it just is too small for this kind of use. For example, the hotel was 267 miles from home.
But with 35 useable litres of fuel (7.69 gallons) at 34mpg is only 261 miles. And while you can always find a fuel station in Wales. It is amazing how far you need to drive sometimes, waiting until the fuel light comes on is probably unwise. Meaning you'd really need to be looking out for a petrol station from as little as 220 miles. On a 6 day trip it meant I had to visit the petrol station no less 4 times to ensure we didn't run out in the middle of nowhere.
It is such a shame that the long range (80 litre) fuel tank is so expensive. I've found it for sale in the UK, but it costs 10% of the price the entire Jimny retailed at!!! But one day maybe....
On the trip, we were two up. And reasonably loaded in the back, but no where near capacity. Although I did have my large Halfords 40ltr coolbox in the back too (handy having the 12v outlet in the boot). But it would have been nice to secure some items a bit better.
So I have since bought these:
Available on JimnyStyle or eBay. The ones from JimnyStyle come with stainless screws.
Very east to install, just pop out the plastic cap (under rear side windows) and screw in the rings.
You can fit as many or as little of them as you like (there are other accessories than can mount here too). I opted for a pair on either side, sensibly spaced. Which will allow for a bungie or similar to hold items in place in the future.
_______________________________
Browsing eBay I noticed a new style storage tray for the Jimny that I'd not seen before. So I ordered it up as it didn't cost much.
Arrived fairly quickly to.
It is designed to fit on top of the radio screen binnacle.
It only sticks in place with self adhesive tape, much like the tray above the speedo/tacho binnacles. But it seems it'll do the job and make a previously vacant space of some use. Where you could put your wallet, glasses, keys or in my case to put my handheld PMR446 radio whilst driving.
It's great that the aftermarket is catering for this shortsightedness from Suzuki. Its just a real shame Suzuki didn't think a bit harder about the interior when designing it.
A few things to update this time.
While it was a couple of weeks back, I attended the BigJimny South event. An awesome day out, although I've been suffering with a neck injury, so I was taking it easy and we didn't stay until the end.
I have off roaded the Jimny quite a bit, but it was nice to try it on some different terrain. Lots of grip at the site, but lots of course gravel and stones. What it really showed up is that while a stock Jimny can certainly get places, it definitely lacks ground clearance and to a lesser degree suspension flex.
Almost everywhere it was hitting its underside and trying to sit on its belly. I think it sounded worse than it actually was, as I recently fitted a large transmission skid plate, which does loose you a small bit of clearance. But I think made every impact on the gravely stones very audible indeed.
It was also great to see a lot of other Jimny's, including 4th Gens taking to trails.
Ultimately it has made me rethink what I'll be doing with the suspension. But that will be a post for another day!
Sadly turning to things that don't last.... the keyfob. In just over 2 years of use it has split and no now good at all.
I have leather fobs from cars dating back 20-30 years that haven't failed. A sad sign of the times maybe?
I couldn't find a replacement that I liked, so for now I've just bought some bits from Etsy and 'made' a keyring...
Winch power switch bought. Although I'm still a way off getting a winch, but at least I have this bit ready.
I have also added a couple of small LED spot lights. Very pleased with the final package.
That's probably it for now. I have got some Escape Gear seat covers inbound and a Bravo Snorkel, although I suspect the latter might be Christmas before it turns up as they are on backorder.
While it was a couple of weeks back, I attended the BigJimny South event. An awesome day out, although I've been suffering with a neck injury, so I was taking it easy and we didn't stay until the end.
I have off roaded the Jimny quite a bit, but it was nice to try it on some different terrain. Lots of grip at the site, but lots of course gravel and stones. What it really showed up is that while a stock Jimny can certainly get places, it definitely lacks ground clearance and to a lesser degree suspension flex.
Almost everywhere it was hitting its underside and trying to sit on its belly. I think it sounded worse than it actually was, as I recently fitted a large transmission skid plate, which does loose you a small bit of clearance. But I think made every impact on the gravely stones very audible indeed.
It was also great to see a lot of other Jimny's, including 4th Gens taking to trails.
Ultimately it has made me rethink what I'll be doing with the suspension. But that will be a post for another day!
Sadly turning to things that don't last.... the keyfob. In just over 2 years of use it has split and no now good at all.
I have leather fobs from cars dating back 20-30 years that haven't failed. A sad sign of the times maybe?
I couldn't find a replacement that I liked, so for now I've just bought some bits from Etsy and 'made' a keyring...
Winch power switch bought. Although I'm still a way off getting a winch, but at least I have this bit ready.
I have also added a couple of small LED spot lights. Very pleased with the final package.
That's probably it for now. I have got some Escape Gear seat covers inbound and a Bravo Snorkel, although I suspect the latter might be Christmas before it turns up as they are on backorder.
Harrison Bergeron said:
can you not just lash some jerry cans to the back or something?
To some extent yes, although I'd see them as more emergency use, rather than increasing range.I suspect there is also the risk someone would try and knick them or empty them too.
There is this bracket, but you need the Rotopax can and mounting kit too.
https://jimnystyle.com/collections/jimny-exterior/...
Which I suspect all adds up to the best part of £300 to get. It also only allows you to carry 2 US gallons (approx 7.4 litres).
You can also get this Rotopax mount, but you again need the can and actual locking mount part, plus the ladder to fit it too.
https://jimnystyle.com/collections/jimny-exterior/...
ChocolateFrog said:
Are there no aftermarket fuel tank solutions? Although I guess even then you'll probably not see change from £1000.
Yes Long Ranger from Oz do an 80 litre tank. It is on my wish list. Devon4x4 seem to stock them. But they are horrendously expensive when you think the entire Jimny only cost £19khttps://www.devon4x4.com/long-ranger-auxiliary-fue...
10L
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/293364723498
5L
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/373992983697
You may have to get the locking mount separately. I can't find it, but a proper car mount will have a bracing plate.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/125492302000
If you look on ebay, you can get all colours and capacities. You can also get them on aliexpress.
https://m.aliexpress.com/item/4000040774580.html
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/293364723498
5L
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/373992983697
You may have to get the locking mount separately. I can't find it, but a proper car mount will have a bracing plate.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/125492302000
If you look on ebay, you can get all colours and capacities. You can also get them on aliexpress.
https://m.aliexpress.com/item/4000040774580.html
Edited by SlimJim16v on Saturday 5th November 17:09
So I had a little money come in and decided to treat myself, or rather treat the Jimny. I splashed out on some Escape Gear seat covers.
Escape Gear are based in South Africa, making this the first time I've ever ordered anything from SA. Mostly painless, although their website threw a bit of a wobbly, the main sales pages switched me to UK and pounds Sterling £ and also through PayPal, but it wouldn't Submit the order on the last step, moaning about different currencies. The final submission page would only display in USD$, even if you changed it, it would then auto re-load as USD.
After much faffing about, 5 attempts and two different browsers I eventually got it to take the order by processing the entire order and PayPal in USD instead of Sterling....a good job I'm quite persistent, else they could have lost a sale!
Comms was pretty good and shipping very fast considering the distance involved.
The seat covers are a little pricey, but I know of nobody else that offers covers like this for the Jimny.
They offer 3 colours and 2 materials, although only 2 colours are available in one of the materials.
I went with Khaki as I thought it would suit the Chiffon Ivory paintwork and help lighten up an otherwise fairly black standard interior.
The seat covers are quite comprehensive including seat bases, backs and head restraints. They also cater for side airbags (well they ask and it has a label, I'm assuming the cover would rip/tear and still allow deployment???). And different types of rear bench (I guess other markets have different configurations).
These aren't cheap covers your often see that are 1 piece and never really fit. They are 100% tailor made.
Fitting is reasonably involved. But worth doing right. The rear bench was the most challenging and I'm still not 100% happy with how I have it, but lets say I'm 98% happy.
I'm also a little unsure on a couple of straps on the front seat bases. A couple are very difficult to reach to adjust and are thusly a little too lose currently.
Sadly I think Escape Gear forgot to include the vehicle specific instructions when they packed my order up. 90% of it is quite obvious, especially if you watched their fitting video on their site. However, I would say their comms via email were very fast and helpful. Quickly sending me through some *.pdf copies of the instructions.
For some reason the camera makes the colour look darker in some shots, the image above is correct for the colour.
The seat covers give a couple of extra stowage pockets (one on each seat), which in a Jimny is always welcome.
You also get a pocket on the back of both seats. The factory seats only have a pocket on the passenger seat.
Escape Gear are based in South Africa, making this the first time I've ever ordered anything from SA. Mostly painless, although their website threw a bit of a wobbly, the main sales pages switched me to UK and pounds Sterling £ and also through PayPal, but it wouldn't Submit the order on the last step, moaning about different currencies. The final submission page would only display in USD$, even if you changed it, it would then auto re-load as USD.
After much faffing about, 5 attempts and two different browsers I eventually got it to take the order by processing the entire order and PayPal in USD instead of Sterling....a good job I'm quite persistent, else they could have lost a sale!
Comms was pretty good and shipping very fast considering the distance involved.
The seat covers are a little pricey, but I know of nobody else that offers covers like this for the Jimny.
They offer 3 colours and 2 materials, although only 2 colours are available in one of the materials.
I went with Khaki as I thought it would suit the Chiffon Ivory paintwork and help lighten up an otherwise fairly black standard interior.
The seat covers are quite comprehensive including seat bases, backs and head restraints. They also cater for side airbags (well they ask and it has a label, I'm assuming the cover would rip/tear and still allow deployment???). And different types of rear bench (I guess other markets have different configurations).
These aren't cheap covers your often see that are 1 piece and never really fit. They are 100% tailor made.
Fitting is reasonably involved. But worth doing right. The rear bench was the most challenging and I'm still not 100% happy with how I have it, but lets say I'm 98% happy.
I'm also a little unsure on a couple of straps on the front seat bases. A couple are very difficult to reach to adjust and are thusly a little too lose currently.
Sadly I think Escape Gear forgot to include the vehicle specific instructions when they packed my order up. 90% of it is quite obvious, especially if you watched their fitting video on their site. However, I would say their comms via email were very fast and helpful. Quickly sending me through some *.pdf copies of the instructions.
For some reason the camera makes the colour look darker in some shots, the image above is correct for the colour.
The seat covers give a couple of extra stowage pockets (one on each seat), which in a Jimny is always welcome.
You also get a pocket on the back of both seats. The factory seats only have a pocket on the passenger seat.
I have always been disappointed with the standard reversing light. From the drivers seat you can hardly tell it illuminates and you can't really see anything on the reversing camera.
I'm sure part of the issue is like so many Japanese car makers, they have cheaped out on the rear fog light, only giving you one and the space on the other light cluster becomes the reverse light. So not only do you end up with on only one rear fog, you get stiffed with only one reversing light too.
As you can see, it is a somewhat under specced bulb as standard and quite dim, no wonder you can't see anything at night with it.
Now replaced with an LED upgrade.
Which is quite a bit brighter. But of course doesn't solve the issue of only having one lamp.
But a very worthwhile upgrade non the less.
I'm sure part of the issue is like so many Japanese car makers, they have cheaped out on the rear fog light, only giving you one and the space on the other light cluster becomes the reverse light. So not only do you end up with on only one rear fog, you get stiffed with only one reversing light too.
As you can see, it is a somewhat under specced bulb as standard and quite dim, no wonder you can't see anything at night with it.
Now replaced with an LED upgrade.
Which is quite a bit brighter. But of course doesn't solve the issue of only having one lamp.
But a very worthwhile upgrade non the less.
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