The Suzuki Jimny stands alone, and that’s one of many key causes ready lists have been so lengthy.
If you need a small, rugged off-roader for round $30k, it’s the Jimny or… nothing. It might probably match into the tightest of parking areas, and it scramble over the rockiest of trails – and it appears to be like nice doing both.
However what in case you don’t need to wait six months or extra to take supply of 1? The members of the CarExpert staff have shared some options it’s possible you’ll need to think about.
Alborz Fallah: GWM Tank 300
Purchase a GWM Tank 300! It appears to be like cooler than a Jimny, has much better creature comforts and doesn’t get blown away by the wind on the freeway. Are you actually by no means going to go off-road anyway?
Jade Credentino: GWM Tank 300
Going to go along with the Tank 300 right here. Alborz beat me to it!
Each time I expertise one, I’m impressed.
Though it’s fairly a major quantity greater than a Jimny, it presents virtually the whole lot you’ll want in case you determine to go off-road and get it soiled or keep on street.
I do know there are loads of Tank 300s kicking round and lots being delivered to clients. New clients will be capable of get one shortly and begin going off-road with fellow Tank 300 house owners.
It has loads of tech and gear together with each a entrance and rear differential lock (with the Hybrid) which is unparalleled except you go into Land Rover, Jeep and Mercedes-Benz territory.
MORE: Purchase a GWM Tank 300
Anthony Crawford: Subaru Crosstrek
Overlook in regards to the GWM Tank 300 – positive it appears to be like cool, however the Jimny tops out at $31,490 plus on-roads, whereas the Tank begins from $55,990+ – so except you’ve simply scooped up a lottery win that’s not going to fly. And, let’s face it, you’re not going rock-hoping or doing any mud slinging however need a cool trying automotive for related bucks.
Straightforward, purchase a Hyundai i20N and have a blast – on and off the monitor. However in case you actually do must go down a dust monitor – get a Subaru Crosstrek.
MORE: Purchase a Subaru Crosstrek
Scott Collie: Mahindra Scorpio
It’s a Mahindra Scorpio for me.
Given the Jimny is an off-roader, I’ve gone for one thing conceptually related. The Scorpio will take you deep into the wilderness, and has the advantage of a diesel engine as an alternative of the, erm, hard-working petrol within the Suzuki.
It’s additionally an even bigger, extra grown up automotive which suggests there’s area for your loved ones or associates.
MORE: Purchase a Mahindra Scorpio
William Stopford: Subaru Crosstrek
Sorry, Suzuki, I could have talked just a few potential Jimny patrons out of your rugged little SUV over time.
I’ve the utmost respect for this little tyke, notably the quantity of off-road capability it presents at a low worth.
The factor is, although, lots of people who’re swayed by the Jimny’s lovely styling don’t really plan to take it off street. Shopping for a Jimny and never utilizing it for what it was designed to do appears a bit foolish. You might as effectively simply add a Liberty Stroll physique equipment with large wheels like somebody I do know did…
Maybe the thought of going off-road intrigues you. In that case, might I recommend the Subaru Crosstrek?
No, it’s nowhere close to as cute because the Suzuki. In truth, I wouldn’t name it cute in any respect. However there’s an honest quantity of floor clearance right here for a small crossover, plus customary all-wheel drive in a section the place that’s not a given. You’ll even have one thing that’s rather more snug on the freeway, and extra sensible in case you’re driving multiple different individual round.
MORE: Purchase a Subaru Crosstrek
Jack Fast: Mahindra Scorpio
The Mahindra Scorpio is significantly bigger, plusher and presents 50 per cent extra seats than the Suzuki Jimny, however I’d argue it’s best to no less than think about the Indian-built SUV as a substitute for the tiny Japanese off-roader.
I had the chance to check the Scorpio’s off-road-ability earlier this yr on Indian and Australian soil and it proved to be an absolute mountain goat. My favorite function was the auto-locking rear differential, although it did clunk into motion slightly loudly and dramatically.
The Scorpio is a greater freeway cruiser than the Jimny with its 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine offering a significantly calmer atmosphere. In the event you’ve ever pushed a Jimny at 110km/h you’ll know precisely what I imply.
In the event you spend nearly all of your time on sealed surfaces, I do know I’d completely be having a look on the Mahindra Scorpio. A really shut second can be the GWM Tank 300.
MORE: Purchase a Mahindra Scorpio
James Wong: Subaru Crosstrek
The Jimny is cool and all, however I doubt most house owners really want the rugged 4×4 functionality the little Suzuki presents – I see heaps of P-platers driving them within the suburbs of Melbourne, and so they’re all the time clear.
In the event you’re adventurous and wish one thing with first rate off-road functionality for related cash, I feel the Subaru Crosstrek is a superb decide.
From the bottom degree ($34,990) you get full-time AWD, 210mm of floor clearance and a way more snug and sensible cabin than the Jimny. You must spend extra to get the intelligent X-Mode off-road settings, although.
It’s additionally extra highly effective and higher to drive in regular situations than the Suzuki, and on the Australian media launch we took the Crosstrek up some fairly gnarly trails and it held its personal. Very spectacular.
MORE: Purchase a Subaru Crosstrek
