The Suzuki Jimny stands alone, and that’s one of many key causes ready lists have been so lengthy.
If you’d like a small, rugged off-roader for round $30k, it’s the Jimny or… nothing. It could actually match into the tightest of parking areas, and it scramble over the rockiest of trails – and it seems nice doing both.
However what if you happen to don’t need to wait six months or extra to take supply of 1? The members of the CarExpert group have shared some alternate options it’s possible you’ll need to contemplate.
Alborz Fallah: GWM Tank 300
Purchase a GWM Tank 300! It seems 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 gives virtually all the pieces you’ll want if you happen to resolve to go off-road and get it soiled or keep on highway.
I do know there are a variety of Tank 300s kicking round and many being delivered to prospects. New prospects will be capable of get one shortly and begin going off-road with fellow Tank 300 house owners.
It has loads of tech and tools together with each a entrance and rear differential lock (with the Hybrid) which is unparalleled until you go into Land Rover, Jeep and Mercedes-Benz territory.
MORE: Purchase a GWM Tank 300
Anthony Crawford: Subaru Crosstrek
Neglect in regards to the GWM Tank 300 – certain it seems cool, however the Jimny tops out at $31,490 plus on-roads, whereas the Tank begins from $55,990+ – so until 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 desire a cool trying automotive for comparable bucks.
Simple, purchase a Hyundai i20N and have a blast – on and off the observe. However if you happen to actually do have to go down a mud observe – 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 comparable. The Scorpio will take you deep into the wilderness, and has the good thing about a diesel engine as a substitute of the, erm, hard-working petrol within the Suzuki.
It’s additionally a much bigger, extra grown up automotive which suggests there’s area for your loved ones or buddies.
MORE: Purchase a Mahindra Scorpio
William Stopford: Subaru Crosstrek
Sorry, Suzuki, I could have talked a number of potential Jimny consumers out of your rugged little SUV through the years.
I’ve the utmost respect for this little tyke, notably the quantity of off-road capability it gives at a low worth.
The factor is, although, lots of people who’re swayed by the Jimny’s lovable styling don’t really plan to take it off highway. Shopping for a Jimny and never utilizing it for what it was designed to do appears a bit foolish. Chances are you’ll as nicely simply add a Liberty Stroll physique equipment with huge wheels like somebody I do know did…
Maybe the concept of going off-road intrigues you. In that case, could I counsel the Subaru Crosstrek?
No, it’s nowhere close to as cute because the Suzuki. In actual fact, 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 commonplace all-wheel drive in a phase the place that’s not a given. You’ll even have one thing that’s way more comfy on the freeway, and extra sensible if you happen to’re driving multiple different individual round.
MORE: Purchase a Subaru Crosstrek
Jack Fast: Mahindra Scorpio
The Mahindra Scorpio is significantly bigger, plusher and gives 50 per cent extra seats than the Suzuki Jimny, however I’d argue it’s best to at the very least contemplate 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 12 months 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 just a little 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 the vast majority 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 need the rugged 4×4 functionality the little Suzuki gives – I see heaps of P-platers driving them within the suburbs of Melbourne, they usually’re at all times clear.
In the event you’re adventurous and need one thing with respectable off-road functionality for comparable cash, I believe the Subaru Crosstrek is a good choose.
From the bottom degree ($34,990) you get full-time AWD, 210mm of floor clearance and a way more comfy and sensible cabin than the Jimny. It’s a must to 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.
