#Suzuki Jimny - The Secret Cult Favourite Hitting Irish Roads

It's small, it's boxy, it's utterly unapologetic, it defies logic and it's turning heads on Irish Roads. Want to learn more about this secret sleeper hit? 

The Jimny, proper off-roader shrunk down to city-friendly proportions. Since 1970, this compact 4x4 has carved out a devoted following across the world, and Ireland is no exception. But here’s the catch – if you’re hoping to walk into a dealership and drive away in a brand-new Jimny tomorrow, you’re going to be disappointed. The situation is a bit more complicated than that. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the Jimny: its heritage, its capabilities, why Irish buyers are so obsessed with it, and how you can actually get your hands on one in 2026.

Quick question; can I buy a new Jimny from Gerry Caffrey Motors in 2026?

Quick answer yes, but let’s address the question everyone’s asking straight away. Brand-new passenger Jimny models are not available in Ireland. Why? That's the big question. The Jimny are a sleeper hit, the cult favourite and the group is growing by the day.

So how can you get your hands on one we hear you ask. Well until recently it was a mission, a trek! And that's where The Jimny Co came to life. Travel in South East Asia and Australia showed Matthew what a giant the little car is. Is has a true following and well deserved cult status in Australasia and one Matthew was determined to bring back. With a passion for this little SUV this became his focus. And in 2025 he launched The Jimny Co here at Gerry Caffrey Motors in Terenure. You cand find more about his travels, adventures and passion for the Jimny on our social pages.

@TheJimnyCo, @GerryCaffreyMotors @CarswithCaff

Used Jimny prices in Ireland and the UK remain strong due to limited supply and cult demand. Clean 2019–2025 examples don’t hang around for long, so if you spot a good one, act quickly. The straightforward advice? Get in touch with us, let us know what you’re after, and we’ll do our best to help you find one.

What makes the Suzuki Jimny special?

The Jimny is essentially a tiny Land Rover that refuses to grow up. It’s been around since 1970, making it one of the longest-running 4x4 nameplates in the world, and over that half-century it has earned a reputation as a genuinely capable off-roader – not a pretender in SUV clothing.

What sets it apart from the endless parade of soft-roading crossovers? The fundamentals. Every Jimny, from the original to the current fourth-generation model, uses a separate ladder frame chassis and rigid axles. This is proper off-road architecture – the same basic recipe you’ll find under a Land Rover Defender or Toyota Land Cruiser. Combine that with a low range transfer gear system (branded ALLGRIP PRO on the latest models), lightweight body, and compact dimensions, and you’ve got a vehicle that can tackle terrain where bigger, heavier SUVs would simply get stuck.

Here’s why the Jimny has such a devoted following:

It looks like a cute tractor wearing a North Face jacket, but make no mistake: farmers, surfers, hillwalkers, and city dwellers across Ireland all love it for the same reason. It actually works.

Jimny generations – from LJ10 to the latest 4x4 hero

The Jimny’s story begins in Japan in 1970, when Suzuki launched the LJ10 – the world’s first series-production four-wheel-drive kei (kei-jidōsha) car. What’s a kei car? It’s a Japanese category for ultra-compact vehicles with strict size and engine limits, designed to qualify for tax benefits. The original Jimny was built to these rules, and it shows.

First generation (1970–1981)

The first generation Jimny was genuinely tiny. Powered by a 359 cc two-stroke twin-cylinder engine producing just 25–27 hp, it had 16-inch wheels, a curb weight of 590 kg, and a top speed of about 75 km/h. That doesn’t sound like much, but Japanese farmers loved it – nearly 5,000 sold in its debut year alone. Its short wheelbase, four-speed manual gearbox, and part-time 4WD with a two-speed transfer case let it scamper through mud and snow where larger rigs would wallow.

Second generation (1981–1998)

The second generation brought the SJ30 and its global variants – the SJ410, SJ413, and the legendary Samurai. Engine sizes grew to 1.0 and 1.3 litres, styling became squarer, and the Jimny spread across the world under various names: Sierra in Australia, Potohar in Pakistan, Santana in Spain, and Samurai in the USA, where it became Suzuki’s first official car sold.

Third generation (1998–2018)

The third generation softened the looks with a more rounded body but kept the ladder frame, live axles, and part-time 4WD. Engine options included 1.3-litre petrol and, in some European markets, turbo-diesel. This generation introduced button-operated 4WD selection and refined the interior without losing the Jimny’s rugged character.

Fourth generation (2018–present)

The current Jimny arrived in 2018 with a deliberate return to the chunky, upright styling of the original. Powered by a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine (around 102 hp), it features modern safety tech while retaining the ladder frame, rigid axles, and low-range transfer case. The retro looks and genuine capability created a surge in demand that Suzuki simply couldn’t meet – hence the current scarcity.

Why the heritage matters for Irish buyers: A vehicle that’s been continuously refined for over 50 years tends to have its weaknesses ironed out. The Jimny’s basic formula works, and that’s why owners trust it on Wicklow mountain tracks and West Cork farm lanes alike.

Off-road engineering: why the Jimny is the real deal

Let’s get into the specifics of why the Jimny outperforms vehicles twice its size when the road disappears.

The basics that matter

Every Jimny generation uses the same core recipe:

Current-generation hardware

The fourth-generation Jimny uses Suzuki’s ALLGRIP PRO system – not to be confused with the ALLGRIP found on the Vitara or S-Cross. This is a proper part-time system with:

• 4L mode – Low-range gearing for serious off roading, steep descents, or deep mud
• 4H mode – Four-wheel drive for snow, gravel, or wet grass
• 2H mode – Rear-wheel drive for normal road use, saving fuel

The system also includes hill descent control, which automatically modulates braking force to maintain a steady crawl down steep slopes without the driver touching the brakes. Hill hold prevents rollback when starting on inclines.

The numbers that impress

Approach angle: Up to 37 degrees

Departure angle: Up to 49 degrees

Ramp breakover angle: Excellent for its size

Ground clearance: 210 mm

Wheelbase: Just 65 inches – tighter than a shopping trolley

These figures mean the Jimny can tackle Irish bog tracks, forestry lanes, and rocky paths without constantly scraping its bumpers or getting hung up on ridges.

A note on 4WD use

Here’s something important: the Jimny’s 4WD system has no centre differential. This means you should only engage 4H or 4L on slippery surfaces – gravel, mud, snow, wet grass. Using 4WD on dry tarmac will cause transmission wind-up and potentially damage the drivetrain. Think of it this way: 4WD is for adventure, 2H is for the M50.

Design and interior: retro charm, rugged heart

The fourth-generation Jimny’s styling is a masterclass in knowing your audience. Where most car designers chase smooth, swoopy lines, Suzuki went deliberately boxy – and buyers loved it.

Exterior highlights

Flat clamshell bonnet – Easy to see the corners when manoeuvring

Vertical grille with round headlights – Direct callback to the original LJ10

Upright pillars and squared-off bodywork – Maximises interior space in a tiny footprint

LED headlamps with washers – High and low beams with high beam assist on higher specs

Drip rails along the roof – Stops rainwater pouring down your sleeve when you open the door (genius for Ireland)

Chunky unpainted bumpers – Shrug off hedge scratches and minor impacts

The design serves function as much as form. Those roof gutters are ideal for fitting roof racks, surfboards, or kayaks. The unpainted plastic cladding means you won’t weep over a scratched wheel arch after threading through a narrow lane.

Interior character

Inside, the Jimny is deliberately simple. The dashboard is mostly black, the switches are large and easy to use with gloves, and the instruments have an analogue feel that minimises distractions. The steering wheel is pleasantly chunky, and everything falls to hand naturally. The high seating position and large windscreen give you great visuals on the road, you can see all the traffic ahead in Dublin but off road keeps those panoramic scenes coming.

Honest compromises to consider:

The cabin is narrow – two adults up front are fine but it's not for frenemies!

Rear seats are tight for adults (fine for children or short trips)

The boot is tiny with seats up – around 85 litres

Cabin noise at motorway speeds is noticeable – it’s a small, boxy vehicle, not a limousine

But here’s the thing: climb inside a Jimny, and it feels like you’re in a little expedition vehicle. There’s something genuinely charming about its honest, tool-like character. Everything is wipe-clean, ready for wet boots and sandy wetsuits.

Engines, driving and day-to-day use

Power and transmission

Most of our imports have been 5 speed automatics, giving you one less thing to think about when off roading and more focus to enjoy the views. In city traffic it is one less chore in the stop go traffic and makes driving that little bit more enjoyable.

The manual gearbox is a joy for those who like an engaging drive, with a positive, mechanical feel that matches the Jimny’s character.

On-road behaviour

Around town and on national roads, the Jimny is perfectly pleasant. The upright driving position gives excellent visibility, the tight turning circle makes parking almost fun, and the light controls suit stop-start traffic. Parking becomes a doddle, with cars getting bigger and parking spaces feeling smaller and smaller the Jimny is nippy and easy to park.

On the motorway? It takes more effort. The boxy shape creates wind noise at speed, the relatively short gearing keeps the engine busy, and stability requires attention on windy days. Top speed is around 100-110 km/h in practice, and overtaking requires planning rather than impulse.

But slow down, and the Jimny comes alive. It’s one of those increasingly rare “slow car fast” experiences – you actually enjoy driving it at sensible speeds, rather than needing three-figure velocities to feel anything.

The commercial vehicle twist

Around 2021, later European Jimnys were reclassified as N1 commercial vehicles – two-seaters with a flat load area in the rear. This helped Suzuki meet fleet emissions targets under EU rules. For Irish buyers, this matters for tax purposes and business use considerations. If you see a “Jimny Commercial” or “Jimny LCV” advertised, this is what it means.

Dublin parking advantage

Here’s a genuine benefit for city drivers: the Jimny’s tiny footprint makes it easier to thread through Rathmines traffic and slot into tight Terenure parking spaces where big SUVs simply won’t fit. Parking in Dundrum? Not a problem. This little gem is made for tight spaces. Pride of place in the smallest gap in the car park? The Jimny has you covered.

Safety and technology

The latest Jimny comes with Suzuki Safety Support, a suite of driver assistance features designed to help on Irish roads.

Key safety systems:

These systems are particularly useful on rural Irish roads – narrow lanes at night, wet weather, and steep hills near the coast all benefit from the extra electronic support.

A realistic perspective

The Jimny prioritises off-road robustness over big-car refinement. Crash test scores reflect its size and weight class rather than matching larger, heavier SUVs. Buyers should see it as a specialist 4x4 rather than an all-round family vehicle. If your priority is the highest possible safety rating, a larger Suzuki like the Vitara might be more appropriate. If you want genuine capability in a compact package, the Jimny delivers.

The Jimny’s cult following in Ireland

Walk into any outdoor car park in Glendalough on a Sunday morning, and you’ll spot them: Jimnys with roof tents, Jimnys with mud splattered up the doors, Jimnys with “ALLGRIP PRO” stickers that have actually seen use. Ireland has fallen hard for this little 4x4.

The fanbase is wonderfully diverse. Hillwalkers in Wicklow love it for access roads that would strand a regular car. Surfers in Clare appreciate its ability to reach remote beach car parks. Farmers across Tipperary and beyond use them as genuinely practical workhorses. And in Dublin? There’s a growing tribe of urban drivers who simply think it’s the coolest thing on four wheels – even if they never venture beyond the M50. And at The Jimny Co we wanted to build a community, people with the same love and passion for this little monster. And so we started our Jimny meet ups, meet at a coffee space outside of Dublin and then a drive down winding country roads, over hills letting the Jimny show what it is made for. Country roads. Mud. Hills. Adventure.

Scarcity breeds desire

The switch to commercial specification and limited new stock have made used Irish-reg passenger Jimnys something of a collector’s item. Clean 2019–2022 examples command strong money on classifieds, and jimny sales don’t hang around for long. Owners joke about receiving offers in car parks from strangers desperate to get their hands on one.

The mod scene

Social media has amplified the cult. Owners share photos of their Jimnys in dramatic Irish scenery – Connemara bogs, Donegal coast roads, Wicklow mountain tracks. The aftermarket scene has exploded too: lift kits, snorkels, winches, mud-terrain tyres, roof racks, and custom bumpers. You’ll see lifted Jimnys with roof tents in Glendalough car park, looking ready for an Arctic expedition – even if their weekly adventure is the school run in Templeogue.

The Suzuki Jimny Club Ireland and various online communities bring enthusiasts together, swapping parts, sharing track recommendations, and organising meet-ups. It’s become less about transport and more about lifestyle – which, if we’re honest, is exactly what Suzuki intended.

Jimny practicality: load space, commercial variants and everyday life

Let’s be realistic about what the Jimny can and can’t do as a practical vehicle.

Passenger vs commercial versions

Passenger Jimny (4-seat): Rear seats fold near-flat to extend the load area. With seats up, boot space is around 85 litres – enough for a couple of bags of shopping. Fold them down, and you have a surprisingly useful 830 litres.

Commercial Jimny (2-seat): Flat load floor in the rear, designed for tools, equipment, or deliveries. Better suited to business use and benefits from lower commercial vehicle taxation.

What actually fits

Real-world examples of Jimny load capacity:

• Hiking gear for four people (with roof rack for extras)
• Camera equipment for outdoor photography
• Tools and supplies for a small trades business
• A medium-sized dog crate
• Two mountain bikes with wheels removed (or on a rear rack)
• Camping gear for a weekend away

For commercial uses we have Jimny Co members who run catering companies and coffee shops from their Jimny. Legendary!

Towing capability

The Jimny can handle light-duty towing – small trailers, garden waste, light boats. Typical braked towing capacity is around 1,350 kg, which covers most weekend-warrior needs. It’s not designed for heavy horse boxes or large caravans, but for occasional light towing, it’s more than adequate.

Buying a used Suzuki Jimny in Ireland

If you’ve decided a Jimny is for you, here’s what to consider when shopping for a used example.

What you’ll find on the market

Third-generation (pre-2018): 1.3-litre petrol engines, more rounded styling, generally lower prices but higher mileages

Fourth-generation (2018–2022 passenger): 1.5-litre petrol, the sought-after retro styling, typically commanding premium prices

Fourth-generation commercial (2021+): Two-seater with flat load area, often lower mileage, different tax implications

Key checks for Irish buyers

Mileage and pricing

Low-mileage 2019–2022 examples are rare and command significant premiums. Expect to pay more for clean, well-maintained examples than you would for equivalent-age vehicles in other segments. The cult demand keeps used prices strong, and there’s minimal depreciation risk for buyers.

The dealer advantage

Buying from a trusted main dealer like Gerry Caffrey Motors offers several benefits:

roper background checks – HPI/history verification as standard

Trusted Partners in Japan – We work with trusted partners to make sure all out Jimny's meet our standards, giving you peace of mind

Transparent trade-in values – Fair deal on your current car

Tailored finance – Packages structured to your situation

Suzuki expertise – We know these vehicles inside out

If you’re in the market for a used Jimny, enquire with us. We can help you navigate the process and find a vehicle that meets your needs without the risk of private sale unknowns.

How Gerry Caffrey Motors can help Jimny fans

Gerry Caffrey Motors has been a Suzuki dealer in Terenure, Dublin since 1987. We serve South Dublin areas including Rathfarnham, Templeogue, Dundrum, and beyond – and we’ve seen Jimny enthusiasm grow year on year.

What we offer Jimny buyers and owners:

Sourcing used Jimnys – We track availability and can alert you when suitable examples appear

Finance solutions – Competitive rates structured around your budget and requirements

Trade-in valuations – Fair, transparent pricing on your existing car

Extended warranties – Additional cover options on approved used vehicles

Suzuki-approved servicing – Genuine parts, trained technicians, proper diagnostics

4x4 system maintenance – Transfer case, differential, and off-road component checks

Our workshop can handle everything from routine services to more specialist 4x4 maintenance. If you’re using your Jimny as it’s designed to be used – off-road, in mud, through challenging terrain – we can keep it running reliably.

Beyond the Jimny

If a Jimny proves elusive, we stock the full Suzuki range. The Vitara, S-Cross, and Swift all offer excellent value and Suzuki reliability. Many customers who came looking for a Jimny have left happy in a Vitara with ALLGRIP 4WD – still capable, but more readily available. But for those who have their heart set on the Jimny we will help you move mountains to make sure you can drive over mountains, hills and the M50, come in and talk to us today and lets get you into one of our best kept secrest.

Whether you’re determined to track down a clean used Jimny or open to exploring the wider Suzuki range, we’re here to help. At The Jimny Co and Gerry Caffrey Motors in Terenure, we pride ourselves on honest advice, fair deals, and a no-pressure sales environment.

Give us a call, drop by, or enquire online. We’ll do everything we can to get you into the right Suzuki – Jimny or otherwise. The adventure starts when you’re ready.

@TheJimnyCo @GerryCaffreyMotors @CarswithCaff