When Suzuki launched the fourth-generation Jimny back in 2018, it quickly gained a cult following. With its rugged charm and retro boxy design reminiscent of a miniature Mercedes G-Class, it stood out from the crowd. Fans loved its character and off-road abilities, but many pointed out one major flaw: it was seriously lacking in space. Now, for the first time ever, the Jimny is available in a five-door version — a long-awaited upgrade that brings added practicality without losing its distinctive charm.
This new variant stretches the wheelbase by 340mm, offering a welcome boost in interior space and increasing boot capacity by 126 litres. It’s a significant improvement for those who found the original too cramped for family life or extended trips. Yet, there’s a catch for UK buyers: the Jimny five-door still produces too much CO2 to be sold widely in Britain. The model reviewed here was tested in South Africa, where emissions regulations are more lenient.
Despite its extended dimensions, the five-door Jimny maintains the same height and width as the original three-door version. It still occupies less space than a Fiat 500 and looks almost toy-like when parked among larger SUVs. Yet the interior manages to feel airy and comfortable, accommodating a family of four along with their holiday luggage with ease. However, the rear bench only includes two seatbelts, which may limit its appeal for families with more than two children.
A particularly clever feature is the ability to fold all the seats flat to create a pair of beds — perfect for camping enthusiasts. The cabin itself is built with durability in mind. Surfaces feel sturdy, controls are chunky and easy to grip, and there are plenty of grab handles for those rougher off-road outings.
Modern technology hasn’t been forgotten either. A 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The interface can occasionally be fiddly, especially when trying to select smaller icons, but overall it’s a welcome update for a car that prides itself on simplicity.
Mechanically, the five-door Jimny shares the same ladder-frame chassis and three-link rigid axle suspension as the standard model. While the longer wheelbase smooths out the ride slightly, it still feels unsettled on paved roads — an unavoidable trade-off for its genuine off-road credentials.
Powering the Jimny is a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine producing 103bhp and 99lb ft of torque. With an extra 75kg of weight to carry, it’s not exactly quick. Steep hills and motorway driving require frequent gear changes and plenty of revs. The steering is heavy and vague, and the braking system leaves much to be desired in terms of responsiveness and feel.
Despite these drawbacks, the Jimny’s charm remains undiminished. Once you leave the tarmac, it truly comes alive. On rough tracks and trails, it performs like a miniature Jeep Wrangler. We tested the five-speed manual gearbox, which proved more than capable of managing the modest torque. It feels perfectly at home on gravel roads, forest paths and rural lanes.
We also tackled an off-road course, taking advantage of the Jimny’s 210mm ground clearance, 36-degree approach angle and 47-degree departure angle. While it lacks locking differentials, which made it struggle in deep mud, even this hiccup felt like part of the adventure — and that’s exactly what this car is about.
In essence, the five-door Jimny offers a unique blend of old-school toughness and quirky charm. Its practicality has been significantly improved, and while it’s far from refined on the road, it remains one of the few compact SUVs with real off-road ability. It’s an ideal city car due to its compact size, but at the same time, it’s ready to head into the wild for weekend adventures.
The added space and extra doors make this version the most well-rounded Jimny to date — a model fans have long dreamed of. It’s just unfortunate that import duties and emissions standards keep it out of reach for many markets, including the UK. Nonetheless, for those able to get their hands on one, the five-door Jimny promises a rare blend of character, capability and practicality.