Suzuki Jimny SUV (1998-2018) - Practicality & boot space

The Suzuki Jimny is about as compact as 4x4s get. It’s 3,675mm long, 1,645mm wide and 1,705mm tall. That makes it very similar in length and width to a Fiat Panda 4x4 Cross (which is essentially a hatchback rather than an SUV and puts the Jimny’s size into a bit more context), although the Suzuki is still taller.

The advantage of such a compact 4x4 is that it’s easy to park. Don’t expect anything in the way of parking aids as standard, but Suzuki will sell you some aftermarket rear parking sensors, which you can have fitted for £261 or buy minus the fitting charge for £195.

Suzuki Jimny interior space & storage

There's a reasonable amount of room up front, but legroom is tight and the back seats are very cramped indeed, with only just enough space for children. Ultimately, the Jimny works best as a rugged two-seater with the rear seats folded down for extra boot space. There’s also a lack of storage inside, with only a lockable glove compartment and two cup-holders, although you do get ISOFIX child-seat mounts in the back.

Boot space

The Jimny’s 113-litre boot is very small and easily beaten by rivals’ luggage room. Even smaller hatchbacks such as the Fiat Panda can top it, even though that car’s 225-litre capacity is itself not much to write home about. Fold the Suzuki’s rear seats down and you get 816 litres of room, which is still small for a full load area. There’s also a big ridge in the middle of the floor, which makes loading heavy objects difficult. On the plus size, you do get a full-size spare wheel, which is housed inside the big, round cover on the outside of the boot door.

Towing

A car with a small petrol engine like the Jimny isn’t the ideal choice for towing heavy loads – vehicles with larger engines and diesels usually make more sense. That said, the Suzuki’s utilitarian nature means it’s likely to be put to work with such duties – just make sure you don’t go over its 1,300kg braked-trailer limit.