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Jane Hyde

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With so much excitement over new Range Rover and Evoque models it’s hardly surprising that the baby of the Land Rover range has drifted out of the spotlight. The Freelander 2 is still a superb compact luxury SUV, available and affordable with it

 TARGET RANGE:  £6,000 – £36,000 

A drive last year on the icy roads of a Canadian winter reminded editor Nigel Fryatt of what a competent, comfortable and pleasant car the Freelander 2 is. It was a reminder, rather than a sudden realisation, because we’ve always liked Land Rover’s compact SUV, it’s just that little has changed since the introduction in 2006, so we’ve not felt the need to reappraise the model on more than a few key occasions.

From launch the Freelander appealed to us more for its technology than for its styling – we felt some disappointment that it had lost some of the traditional visual off-road appeal of the original, describing it as ‘a baby Discovery, though it looks more like a road-going SUV.’

Like the original the Freelander 2 has ‘intelligent’ four-wheel drive, though with a more advanced Haldex central coupling which ensures quicker engagement of drive to the rear wheels when needed. A key improvement is that all but the base S versions have the clever Terrain Response system aimed at enhancing off-road capability. Build quality is also significantly better than the original, while the interiors are also more stylish and better equipped, with top versions offering Bluetooth connectivity and premium sound systems.

The original engine choice consisted of a lively 3.2-litre petrol straight-six – as used in the Volvo XC90 – or a 2.2-litre turbodiesel, jointly developed by Ford and Peugeot, offering refined performance, quite lively with its 149-horse output, and better fuel consumption. These promised better reliability than the K-series engines of the original, though they’re also more dependent on proper service attention with high-quality lubricants. The 3.2 i6 has a six-speed automatic; the Td4 could have the automatic or a six-speed manual.

For 2009 manual versions of the TD4 could be specified with stop-start – the first application of this technology to an SUV. Look out for the TD4.e badging, signifying the stop/start system, which cuts CO2 emissions by eight per cent and increases urban fuel economy by up to 20 per cent. Not to be confused with the eD4 versions of 2010, which are two-wheel drive.

The major improvement with the 2010 facelift was the switch to revised versions of the turbodiesel engine, the TD4 producing slightly less power but offering significantly more torque, thereby improving mid-range response and contributing to more relaxed highway cruising, the SD4 with an extra 30bhp providing much livelier performance with very little reduction in fuel economy, effectively replacing the six-cylinder petrol engine. The 2010 model year also saw a new grille with revised lamp and bumper treatment, while all manual versions gained start/stop technology.

The next significant revamp came late in 2012 for the 2013 model year, mainly affecting the interior which has a redesigned centre console with more storage space and the original Terrain Response dial replaced by switches. Passive start means it’s no longer necessary to ‘dock’ the key in its dashboard slot, the car will start at the push of a button as long as you have the key somewhere about your person. Other useful gimmicks on top models include a reversing camera with trailer hitch assist, plus voice-activation for audio and sat nav. Top models also get a premium Meridian 17-speaker surround-sound system. The Freelander 2 has largely thrown off the veil of unreliability that tarnished the reputation of the original – regardless of which the original remained a hugely popular choice, and the Freelander 2 has proved even more so. In consequence there is a huge selection of good second-hand models available, with a particularly good supply of low-mileage nearly new 2013 examples on offer at dealerships around the country. Anyone seeking a well equipped, technologically advanced all-terrain multipurpose vehicle need look no further.

 Our verdicts 

When we watched the wraps come off at the unveiling of the Freelander 2 at the British International Motor Show in July 2006 we may have been underwhelmed by the styling – we thought it a somewhat bland road-biased design lacking the off-road cues that other Land Rover products exhibited so dramatically – but we were impressed by the high levels of new technology, the improved build quality, the enhanced luxury of the interior and equipment… and, of course, the price. At a heady £34,000 for the range-topping HSE the compact Land Rover was aiming high, as ought to befit a sibling of the all-conquering luxury Range Rover.

The Freelander 2 may have had urban styling, but we had an early opportunity to enjoy its wild-country behaviour. We were invited to get hands-on with one in South Africa where we were able to drive within yards of rhinos and elephants in the expansive Shamwari game reserve, even going as far as to offer the car’s services as a bushveld taxi. Our reporter wrote in the January 2007 issue: ‘Our passenger was a fully-grown Blesbok antelope with impressively sharp horns that had to be moved to another part of the reserve. It had been tranquillised by the vet, and it took four of us to lift it into the Freelander, which underlined its vastly improved passenger space. With the rear seats folded flat it swallowed the antelope and four adults. And for those owners whose daily drive will always be on tarmac, the great news is that the Freelander 2 is even better on road with ride and handling that would not shame a Range Rover.’

Our first opportunity to subject the Freelander 2 to a full road test was featured in the May issue of that year, in a shoot-out against the BMW X3 and a Honda CR-V. The Freelander 2 came out the clear winner largely on account of its superior off-road ability. We argued that the Honda had distanced itself too far from any off-road intention, while the BMW’s high price (the base X3 was £6000 more expensive than the range-topping Freelander 2) projected an overly exclusive image for this sector. We said: ‘In comparison the Freelander 2 is equally desirable, well-built, has better economy, is easier on the wallet and at home on any surface, a winning combination.’

In our February 2008 issue we pitted the Freelander 2 against four other key “soft-roaders” in an ultimate off-road test that measured hill-climbing ability, hill descent control, approach and departure angles. turning circle and ground clearance, and included a ramp test and a mud run. The Land Rover knocked the Honda CR-V into fifth place closely behind the Toyota Rav4, which was just beaten by the Vauxhall Antara, leaving the Nissan X-Trail in second place. We commented: ‘These soft-roaders will spend the majority of time on tarmac, but it’s the Freelander 2 that could make all the difference when going off-road is the only option.’
The Freelander 2 has been a regular contender in our 4×4 Of The Year competitions, never a winner but always scoring well in spite of increasing competition from more and more competent compact SUVs. The last word came in our 2014 contest (in the Winter 2013 issue) where we commented: ‘There’s an argument for buying a Freelander 2 just to get the premium Meridian audio system in the HSE… few others in the class can achieve the level of off-road extremes attainable by the Freelander, and it does it with very little fuss… still a very enjoyable car to drive and the only one to adhere to its all-terrain roots, but high price and fading image lose it points.’

 Which one to buy 

All versions of the Freelander 2 have the electronic traction and stability aids, including Hill Descent Control and roll stability control, and all have electric windows front and rear, split-folding rear seats and remote entry with push-button start. The base S has cloth upholstery, check for examples that had the optional climate control, electric sunroof, privacy glass and parking aids fitted. Expect to pay at least £6000 for an early example with over 100,000 miles, up to £8000 for a well-kept low-mileage example with extras.

The GS gains automatic headlamps and rain-sensing wipers, electric door mirrors, cruise control and Bluetooth connectivity; some will have had the optional leather upholstery, satnav and upgraded Alpine stereo system. Deans of Sutton Coldfield (07717 006697) were offering a high-mileage green 2007 2.2 Td4 GS with black cloth interior for £6290, again expect to pay at least £8000 for a low-mileage example in top condition.

The XS adds useful features such as parking aids front and rear and audio controls on the steering wheel, the SE adds satnav but the HSE is arguably the one to go for since it has the leather upholstery, sunroof, auto climate control and 14-speaker concert-quality stereo as standard, along with 18-inch alloys. One of the keenest deals we spotted was the one-owner 2007 3.2 HSE, green with Napoli leather upholstery, with only 79,000 miles going for just over £8000 at Glenfield of Kilmarnock (01563 532100). Yes, that’s with the petrol engine, but in view of the possible problems with the earlier turbodiesel, from clogging diesel particulate filters to failing high pressure fuel pumps, the petrol version offers an affordable way into luxury SUV motoring with lower overall long term maintenance costs.

Look out for an HST which made a brief appearance in 2008, less luxury than the HSE but with a sports styling pack with front and rear bumper aprons, side sill mouldings and a rear roof spoiler, along with 19-inch alloy 10-spoke wheels with shadow chrome finish, leather seat facings, privacy glass and metallic paint.

Stretch the budget to a 2010 model year example to take advantage of the uprated turbodiesel. New entry-level additions to the range for 2010 were the Black and White special editions, priced £2000 below the 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe 2.2 diesel yet including keyless start and stop/start.

Expect to pay £15,000 for a low-mileage 2010 TD4 S or GS, from £16,000 for a TD4 HSE with over 100,000 miles, £18,000 for an SD4 GS, though we’ve seen many of all of these asking over £20,000, so it pays to shop around for something like the 2010 GS in metallic black with full service history, 89,000 miles asking £12,490 from Johnsons 4×4 of Horsham, West Sussex  (01403 790699).

For newer models you may consider it something of a toss up between a luxuriously-equipped 2010 HSE or an up-specified 2012 GS –  Farnell of  Bradford (01132 425500) were offering one of each for the same money, £19,844 – the 62,000-mile TD4 HSE in Santorini Black with panoramic sunroof or the newer TD4 GS in Fuji White with only 11,000 miles, leather seats and stop-start technology. However, best buys would seem to be one of the nearly-new 2013 examples being offered by dealers nationwide, with mid-range GS and XS examples on offer from £25,000 (up to £5000 off the new list price) to SD4 HSE LUX models from £30,000, some £8000 under the new list price.

ENGINE DRIVETRAIN CHASSIS BODY AND INTERIOR
There are horror stories of Td4 engines self-destructing with broken camshafts and seized high-pressure fuel pumps, but these appear to be related to poor servicing such as missed or overdue oil changes or the use of low quality fuels – in diesels the fuel acts as a lubricant and cheap fuels may not have the correct additives. Nevertheless we’ve seen dozens of Freelander 2 Td4 models with over 130,000 miles on them apparently still going strong, so it’s really a matter of ensuring that any older model you buy does have a genuine and reputable full service history. Otherwise points to look out for are typical for any turbodiesel – if it blows too much black smoke on acceleration, or hesitates during acceleration, it could mean impending turbo failure; if it has a DP filter (optional on earlier models) make sure on a test drive that it accelerates well and cruises smoothly. Also check underneath for signs of oil leaks. The turbodiesel engines have belt-driven camshafts, the belts are scheduled to last an impressive 150,000 miles – a point to bear in mind if you’re buying an older model closing in on that mileage. A cam belt change needn’t be expensive at a good specialist garage, but it’s a good excuse to argue £250 off the selling price.
The six-speed manual seems to be trouble-free, check on a test drive that all gears engage smoothly. Automatics are generally reliable, though some failures have been recorded – make sure it shifts smoothly without clonks or jerks and that it kicks down smartly. There have been some cases of rear differential failure, especially in vehicles that have been towing heavy loads – the Freelander is rated to tow 2000kg but it’s particularly important not to overstep the tow bar limit. Check that the vehicle turns smoothly with no tyre squeal or jerkiness suggesting that four-wheel drive is engaging when it shouldn’t – this generation Haldex coupling needs regular oil and filter changes at 20,000-mile intervals, so make sure the service record shows this has been done.
Steering rack failure is not unknown, so make sure the steering feels smooth and responsive from lock to lock, with no excessive groaning or squeaking noises. The Freelander 2 has a lot of electronic wizardry affecting the suspension, with its roll stability and traction controls, so satisfy yourself that it drives stably and doesn’t lean too much or wallow unacceptably in curves. Brakes are generally trouble free, but check the state of the discs, which may have been scored by off-road grit, at the same time if the vehicle had obviously been used off-road check for scuffing to the sills that might have been hidden under filler and paint. The parking brake is a clever electronically operated system – it periodically checks that the brakes are still applied as the discs cool down and can be used as an emergency brake while on the move – but it’s expensive to repair if it goes wrong so check that it works silently and effectively.
Electronic glitches are always possible in a car packed with this much technology, one of the oddball features in the Freelander 2 being that the stereo doesn’t turn off with the ignition and can drain the battery if left too long; the satnav screen may not illuminate properly and the fuel gauge may give false readings. Check these and also the more standard electrically operated items such as the window winders, the sunroof and the electric seat adjustment on premium models. Regular use on long drives may have resulted in stone chips, so check that the grille and bonnet are pristine and not patched with touch-up paint; also suspect a car still glistening after a wash or polish, which might be an attempt to disguise faint scratches on the paintwork caused by off-roading through rough undergrowth.

 Or you could consider… 

Honda CR-VNissan X-TrailToyota Rav4


Another car that started life as a convincing 4×4 but has defaulted with each new generation to a purely road-going family car with styling that makes it seem more of a hatchback than an estate, and although it retains 4×4 functionality it’s hardly by means of a serious off-roading system. What the CR-V does have to offer is refined and comfortable family accommodation with smooth-revving and refined engines, and good handling behaviour. The new model from 2012 is more efficient and even more refined, but even the earlier version is efficient and versatile, making them worthy contenders even if neither has anything like the 4×4 credibility of the Freelander 2.

While the unstoppable Qashqai serves the needs of the growing numbers of urban 4×4 enthusiasts, the X-Trail has remained true to its off-road roots. The upgrade for 2007 saw many improvements – the oddball siting of the instruments in the centre of the dashboard gave way to a proper panel in front of the driver, ride and handling were improved and refinement reached new heights, but it remains a sensible and versatile family estate. The driving position is lower, but not by so much as to lose the commanding view ahead. Some may consider the styling dated, but it still has impressive road presence and is probably the most practical vehicle in its class.

The latest edition of the Rav4 is as luxurious a five-seater family car as anyone could wish for, with excellent road manners and refined performance, but it’s become so far removed from its off-road funster roots that we can’t help wondering why it’s still considered to be a ‘recreational’ vehicle. Much the same can be said of the earlier model – dating from 2006 – though the interior isn’t quite as well appointed as some rivals of its time – including the Freelander 2.  Choose between petrol and diesel automatics, though the facelifted version from 2010 had extra efficiency measures on the turbodiesel making it one of the most economical SUVs in the class.

95453kia_Sportage GT-Line 1.6 T-GDI MT6_019Kia has seen the Sportage enter the Top Ten UK best-sellers as the all-new model enjoyed its first month on sale.

With 2,889 new cars delivered to customers in February, Kia saw its market share reach 3.46 per cent and for the first two months of 2016 the brand recorded a sales figure of 7,955 – a 3.14 per cent market share.

In its first month on sale Sportage contributed to a stunning performance with 1,521 vehicles delivered to customers and dealers report huge demand for March deliveries. More than 5,000 customer orders have been placed since the latest generation of Kia’s stand-out compact SUV hit showrooms on 5 February.

Paul Philpott, President and Chief Executive of Kia Motors (UK) Limited commented: ”We have been delighted at the customer response to the all-new Sportage. We knew it was a handsome, modern and high-quality product and clearly both existing Sportage-owners and customers new to the brand agree with us.

“Our dealers have been swamped by demand for the car with the high-specification trim versions being particularly popular. It is remarkable that Sportage has entered the UK’s Top Ten as the new car has enjoyed its first month on sale and I am confident that we shall see its performance maintained throughout 2016,” he added.

The all-new Sportage range features 18 variants with four engines and three transmissions. Prices range from £17,995 to £31,645. Full details are available at www.Kia.co.uk

 

1948 Land Rover Series I Chassis 149 Side Plate Engine HR

1948 Land Rover Series I Chassis 149 Side Plate Engine HR

Just one week after a number of new record prices were achieved, Silverstone Auctions secured more high prices in its sale at the Practical Classics Restoration and Classic Car Show on Sunday. 75 per cent of the cars on offer were successfully hammered away at the NEC, Birmingham in front of hundreds of classic car fans at the show for a total sales figure of £1.5million.

In the home city of Land Rover, record prices were secured for two very special Series One examples. One of the earliest Land Rovers produced, a 1948 Series One Chassis #149, sold for £47,250, more than £20,000 over its lower estimate, and the highest price for a Series One in recent years. Not only that but one of the last Defenders produced, a 2016 Land Rover 110 Heritage Edition, one of only 400 made and with just 108 miles on the odometer, sold for £42,188.

1950 Land Rover Series I Station Wagon Coachwork by Tickford HR

1950 Land Rover Series I Station Wagon Coachwork by Tickford HR

A historically important and very rare car, a 1950 Land Rover Series I Station Wagon with coachwork by Tickford, sold for £38,250, a world record price. With early Land Rover’s status as important collectors’ items now proven, these cars are sure to prove a canny purchase for the new owners.

Befitting the show, a selection of fantastic barn finds and restoration projects were presented to visitors. An original UK right-hand drive, matching numbers 1978 Aston Martin V8 Series III offered as a non-running project, sold for £47,250. A 1968 Jaguar E-Type Series II Roadster, a matching numbers example which will provide the new owner a wonderful project, sold for £41,625.

Consignments are now being invited into the May Sale, taking place at Silverstone circuit on May 21st, and to Silverstone Auctions’ first international sale which takes place at The Classic Race Aarhus in Denmark on the 28th and 29th of May.

www.silverstoneauctions.com

You can find view the full results from the sale at the Practical Classics Restoration and Classic Car Show here: https://www.silverstoneauctions.com/the-restoration-show-sale-2016/view_lots/pn/all.

142882_10_5The award-winning Nissan Qashqai crossover will be the company’s first vehicle in Europe to feature autonomous ‘Piloted Drive’ technology when it rolls off the line next year.

Produced at Nissan’s flagship manufacturing plant in Sunderland, UK, the refreshed Qashqai will be equipped with ‘Piloted Drive 1.0’ a feature that allows cars to drive autonomously and safely in a single lane in heavy traffic conditions on highways.

Thousands of hours of testing and multiple sensors on the car ensure that the system anticipates its surroundings correctly.

The announcement marks an important step in the brand’s commitment to making autonomous drive technologies accessible to all and paves the way for Nissan’s Intelligent Mobility vision, a 360-degree approach to a smart automotive future.  Nissan has already set out its commitment to launch a range of vehicles with autonomous drive capabilities by 2020, including vehicles that will be able to safely navigate city intersections.

During the next four years, Nissan will launch vehicles with increased autonomous capabilities like “multiple-lane control,” which can autonomously negotiate hazards and change lanes during highway driving. And by the end of the decade, Nissan will introduce “inner-city” autonomy, enabling vehicles to negotiate city cross-roads and intersections without driver intervention.

The technology will be installed on mainstream, mass-market cars at affordable prices, with Piloted Drive 1.0 coming to Japan in 2016. An on-road demo event in Europe in 2016, will showcase the maturity of Nissan’s autonomous drive technology.

FordGeneva2016_NewKuga_01The new Kuga will offer technologies and updates to make driving simpler, safer, more enjoyable and more affordable. These include Ford’s new SYNC 3 communications and entertainment system, innovative driver assistance technologies, an ergonomic and comfortable interior and a new 120PS 1.5-litre TDCi diesel engine.

The new Kuga also will offer Ford’s Perpendicular Parking technology that helps drivers park hands-free in spaces alongside other cars; an enhanced version of the Active City Stop collision avoidance system; and Ford’s Adaptive Front Lighting System for optimised visibility in low light. Further sophisticated technologies include Hands-Free Liftgate and Ford Intelligent All Wheel Drive.

The new Ford Kuga will allow drivers to control audio, navigation, and climate functions plus connected smartphones using simple, more conversational voice commands, with Ford’s new SYNC 3 connectivity system. SYNC 3 delivers faster performance, simplified commands, and supports five additional languages.

Ford is launching the new Kuga and the larger Edge SUV this year, after introducing an updated EcoSport last year. New Kuga and the Edge are among five all-new or redesigned Ford vehicles that will compete in the SUV and crossover space in the next three years.

Also debuting in Geneva is a concept version of a forthcoming Ford Kuga Vignale, offering an insight into the future of Ford luxury SUVs in Europe and featuring unique, upscale design and specification. With the Ford Kuga Vignale, high-specification Kuga Titanium and a sporty Kuga model, Ford will offer its broadest ever Kuga line-up.

 

Hyundai TucsonHyundai’s All New Tucson compact SUV, introduced to the European market in late  2015, will now offer a sixth powertrain option for the Tucson. An efficient 1.7-litre  diesel with seven-speed double clutch transmission (7DCT) will be added.

The All-New Tucson is Hyundai Motor’s fastest-selling European model with more than 115,000 cars ordered in Europe.The powertrain range of the compact SUV – already one of the widest in the segment – is now further extended with the addition of the dynamic 104 kW (141 PS) 1.7-litre turbo diesel engine. In combination with the efficient seven-speed double clutch transmission (7DCT) and front wheel drive it emits only 129 g of CO2 and consumes a moderate 4.9 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres (combined). The turbo diesel engine provides a maximum torque of 340 Nm over a wide rev range of 1,750 rpm to 2,500 rpm.

Hyundai Motor’s in-house developed 7DCT system offers a choice between fully automatic operation and sequential manual gear changes, selected with the gear lever for greater driver involvement. The 7DCT provides 20% higher fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emissions compared to a six-speed automatic transmission. For further efficiency the new powertrain also comes with the Integrated Stop & Go (ISG) system as standard, which is also available for the 1.7-litre (low power), and the 2.0-litre standard-power diesel engines as well as the 1.6-litre petrol engine.

00093917_Dacia Duster Chestnut Brown_72dpiIn addition to the announcement of the Easy-R transmission with its dCi 90 diesel engine (6 gear automated transmission), the 2016 Geneva Motor Show sees Dacia take the wraps off a new series of limited-edition versions. 

Dacia’s stand at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show features the Duster Essential which introduces a new series of limited-edition versions of the Duster, Sandero and Logan MCV as well as other models available outside the UK. The name of this series of limited editions will vary depending on market and in certain countries.

These limited-edition versions combine a smart look with enhanced travelling comfort. Exterior features include a new body colour (Chestnut Brown) and new alloy wheels, along with specific badging and body colour bumpers. Inside, passengers benefit from Bluetooth and USB connectivity, electric front windows and central locking.

Like all Dacias, these limited-edition versions come with a three-year/100,000km (60,000 miles) warranty.

SIV-2 (8)SsangYong Motor Company unveiled a possible future midsize SUV at the Geneva Motor Show.

CEO, Johng-sik Choi said: “By launching the Tivoli B-segment crossover in 2015, SsangYong clearly demonstrated its ability to design, manufacture and sell a contemporary car that absolutely addresses customer demand; it is already our most successful new car launch, and has well exceeded expectations,” said Mr. Choi.

“Based on the experience and confidence we have taken from Tivoli, we are keen to create cars with the style, technology and features motorists will be looking for tomorrow.

“Projecting that thinking forward is essential, and I am delighted by the glimpse into the future this exciting new SIV-2 concept demonstrates.”

The SsangYong SIV-2 (Smart Interface Vehicle) is a midsize premium SUV development concept.  It is the next iteration on from the SIV-1 showcased at Geneva two years ago, and takes a step further under the design concept of ‘Dynamic Motion’.

Based on SsangYong’s development theme of ‘Robust, Specialty, Premium’, this new concept pursues the emotional interface between the driver and car, and will evolve to become a key strategic model within the SsangYong range.

161222_Volvo_XC90_ExcellenceThe most luxurious car in Volvo Cars’ 89-year history – the four-seat XC90 Excellence – makes its European debut at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show. The top-of-the-line XC90 Excellence is based on the award-winning XC90 SUV.

It features extended leather-covered surfacing, finest-quality upholstery and hand-crafted crystal glasses from Orrefors, the famous Swedish glass maker.

The comfort of the individual and adjustable rear seats, combined with a massage function and specially designed headrests, is further augmented with a refrigerator, two folding tables and cup holders with both heating and cooling options.

The XC90 Excellence is built on Volvo’s modular Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) and comes with the award-winning T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid powertrain as standard, offering three distinct driving modes in one car – Pure, Hybrid and Power. This means the XC90 Excellence can provide up to 410 hp combined with impressively low emissions.

The XC90 Excellence is now exclusively available for ordering online in selected markets.

It follows in the footsteps of the First Edition XC90, a special and limited series of 1,927 individually numbered cars sold only online via www.volvocars.com. All 1,927 XC90 First Edition cars, celebrating the year Volvo was founded, were sold out within 48 hours after the start of sales in 2014.

Online sales for the XC90 Excellence have now started in Switzerland, France, Belgium and Luxembourg, while China will be added later this spring.

While the car is exclusively available online for now, it will become available for ordering at Volvo dealerships in other markets later this year, including in the United States.

See the video on the 4×4 Magazine Facebook page.

 

 

It’s become a mini-classic in its own lifetime, with cute styling that suits it just as well for the city as for hardcore mud-plugging. A true off-roader with separate chassis and low range gearing and a reputation for reliability that ensures continued popularity

 TARGET RANGE:  £500 – £13,000 

Oh, sure, we laughed at the Jimny when it appeared in 1998, far too small to be a useful SUV, too puny and low-slung to be a competent off-roader, surely it was nothing more than a nippy, traffic-dodging, easy-park city car, a little kinky in the styling department but hardly more desirable than a Mini…

Yet the Jimny has endured, and although its diminutive dimensions still can’t make it a sensible family SUV, it’s proven to be a great fun car for enthusiasts who wish to be part of the SUV lifestyle without having the need for a full-sized family off-roader. Meanwhile the Jimny’s off-road ability continues to astound as more and more older examples find their way into weekend pay ‘n’ play off-road sites where they can be seen mixing it on equal terms with Jeeps and Land Rovers.

It is an oddball little car, boasting a rugged separate chassis and rigid axles at a time when even the most serious of off-roading SUVs were switching to monocoque bodyshells and independent suspension, in consequence of which, the Jimny is relatively heavy for its size and the ride quality isn’t as good as it could be. Performance is hardly exciting, especially with the original 1298cc engine, which although seemingly right up-to-date at the time with its 16-valve head is a single-cam type that needs to be revved close to its 6000rpm power peak to deliver anything like meaningful acceleration, and works hard with much use of the five-speed manual transmission to keep the Jimny in touch with general traffic. Countering this is the fact that it was never intended to be a long-haul highway cruiser, and the uprated variable valve timing unit installed after 2005 sounds a little less frenetic and returns better fuel consumption.

From the start we were concerned that the Jimny, in spite of its all-terrain pretensions, would not prove capable enough to excite as an off-roader. For one thing peak torque in that original engine comes in at a rather high-revving 4500rpm, which we suspected would make it difficult to drive carefully in slippery muddy terrain. We were also worried by the relative lack of ground clearance and the fact that the mountings for the axle control arms hang so low that they’d almost certainly snag on exposed rocks and roots. However subsequent experience with the Jimny left us more and more impressed with its off-road ability, helped by the excellent approach and departure angles.

Ultimately it was the on-road behaviour that struck us as being more questionable, since the need to keep the engine on the boil, especially in hilly areas, resulted in lots of gear-shifting which led us to advise buyers to consider the four-speed automatic which would be a little less stressful to drive even though it meant higher fuel consumption.

The situation improved with the facelift of 2005, which included the installation of the twin-cam VVT engine. Though torque still peaks at a rather high 4100rpm, the variable valve timing spreads the useful torque band, making for more relaxed highway cruising as well as more effective low-speed off-road control.

The Jimny works as a cheeky city car, but its practicality is limited. The rear seats are fairly minimal and a squeeze to get into, so it’ll seat four at a pinch with very little cargo space behind them – think of it as an economical two-seater shopping car. An older one even makes good sense as a high-fun and surprisingly competent little off-roader, and it’s worth noting that there are suspension upgrades available to improve the ground clearance.

 Our verdicts 

Amused as we were at our first sight of the Jimny, we were quick to recognise its true values – albeit with a touch of sarcasm. The report of our first drive in the new car, which appeared in the December 1998 edition, said: “What couldn’t a Jimny do? Take the family for a two-week touring holiday in Europe, spend all day on motorways and take the Two Fat Ladies anywhere? No – but for just about anything else the new little Suzuki 4×4 is the answer. The Jimny is small, light and agile, a really useful and practical off-road vehicle.” Suzuki’s slogan for the Jimny was “Smart in the city, tough in nature”, and we agreed that it was a practical city car, easy on fuel, easy to park and easy to thread through busy traffic. If there was a downside it was the less-than-perfect ride quality, a natural consequence of the light weight and short wheelbase.

The first Jimny we had on test was a JLX with automatic transmission, arriving in time for inclusion in our 4×4 Of The Year comparison for 1999, featured in the February issue of that year. We wrote: “It’s like a tough, bulky Tonka toy but manages to look cute at the same time. The design is modern yet retains a classic air about it. The Jimny is full of contradictions, but one thing Suzuki is sure about is that it’s on to a winner.”

Even so, we felt the Jimny’s appeal would be limited: “Just as real men don’t eat quiche, it’s doubtful whether they’d want to be seen behind the wheel of a Jimny… it’s a little town runabout for the women in their lives.”

We were more instantly excited by the soft-top that appeared during 2000. Our road test featured in the September issue gave it a four-star (out of five) rating: “It’s a super little car – it would have been five stars had the Jimny been a little more of a rough-and-tumble off-roader because it would be a cracking machine to tackle some summer rock crawling – never mind, it still looks good on the beach, or at least cruising the promenade.” It was rather ironic in view of our reticence over the Jimny’s off-road abilities that in the same issue we featured a JLX that had been given the Scorpion Racing treatment with five-inch longer coil springs, shocks and taller tyres to match.

One of the problems with a car that doesn’t change much with the years is that we have little reason to feature it in subsequent issues, other than as a comparison for other cars of its type – and there just aren’t many others that match the Jimny’s specifications. In November 2000 we tested the Jimny against a Daihatsu Terios, the Terios winning on account of being a more practical five-door family estate. However, with passing time we’d come to consider the Jimny as such a worthy little gem that we featured a reprise road test in our October 2008 issue as a tenth anniversary salute – there was nothing new about the Jimny, but we wondered how it would continue as a part of the Suzuki range in which it had just been sidelined by the SX4 4Grip and a revamped Grand Vitara. We commented: “The Jimny’s heritage should be given more credence, so it’s a shame that a more up-to-date version isn’t imminent. You can’t beat the Jimny’s value for money as a capable off-roader – you wouldn’t want to rely on it for long motorway trips or as a luggage carrier, but it will make you smile.”

 Which one to buy 

The cult-level popularity of this charming roadster appears to have ensured good retained value; although it’s possible to buy an early high-mileage example for as little as £500, we’ve seen plenty of 2000 and 2001 JLXs asking well over £1000, including a 1999 automatic with 85,000 miles on it with a £2195 price tag on it at Wyke Motors of Huddersfield, seeming a tad expensive in spite of its metallic blue paint job and the year’s MOT; call them on 01274 670555 if you reckon it’s worth it. All versions of the Jimny have good equipment, the ‘base’ and most common model being the JLX, which has electric windows, electric door mirrors, central locking and a stereo. Several special editions appeared at various times, look out for a Mode which has leather upholstery, we saw a neat red 2003 example with 97,000 miles and a long MOT going for a mere £1495 at Budget Cars (07974 996559). The JLX+ has alloy wheels and heated door mirrors, fog lamps and headlamp levelling, we spotted a clean blue 2006 model with 89,000 miles on it, good tyres and a full service history going for £3295 at Aston Davenport of Telford (01952 256688). Mileage and condition are only part of the equation when pricing a VVT-engined Jimny; we’ve seen 2005-2008 cars going for anything from £3000 to £8000, presumably whatever the dealer believes he can get for it. If you are paying top money for one make sure it does have a full service history and low mileage, and be prepared to shop around if you think the seller’s being unreasonably optimistic about the car’s worth, especially since we spotted a 2011 SZ3 with just 22,000 miles on it being offered for £8000 by Arnold Clerk of Stoke on Trent (01782 580757), a one-owner car with the balance of its original warranty still covering it.

Our own favourite version of the Jimny is the soft-top which was only available from 2000 to 2005, its special desirability and rarity value ensuring that many will be overpriced; even so, it may be worth paying a little over the top for a good one, especially if it’s one of the O2 special editions. Just check that the folding roof is in good condition and that the folding mechanism still works smoothly before handing over the money. We spied a 2002 model going for a heady £3995, but it did have only 27,000 miles on it along with full service history and long MOT, call Carz of Taunton (07831 187518). Meanwhile A5 Car Sales – on the A5 between the M1 and M40 – had a 2004 O2 convertible priced at just £2995, but it had covered 126,000 miles. Otherwise it’s still in excellent shape, call them on 01327 811110 for more details.

When the badging changed the SZ3 largely reflected the equipment of the JLX with a few minor upgrades, while the SZ4 includes part-leather upholstery and air conditioning. If you’re after something at this mini-luxury level it’s worth looking out for nearly-new deals, such as the 2013 SZ4 automatic with just 15 miles on it being offered for £12,999 by Heathrow Suzuki (01784 229366), over £1000 below the new-car list price.

ENGINE DRIVETRAIN CHASSIS BODY AND INTERIOR
The 1.3-litre petrol engines have belt-driven camshafts that need to be changed at around 80,000 miles, so check when buying a car near or over that mileage to see if the replacement has been done, if not argue £200-£300 off the asking price. These engines also work hard in this application, which can be reflected in excessive wear to the cylinders and the valve train, so make sure the exhaust blows clean and that there are no untoward rattles and clanks under the bonnet. Worn thermostats and failed water pumps can lead to overheating so on a test drive make sure the engine runs cool, in severe cases the overheating can lead to head gasket failure, check for “mayonnaise” under the oil filler cap and make sure the engine runs smoothly and sweetly. Misfiring or erratic running can also be caused by a faulty crank sensor, while erratic intake and exhaust sensors can result in lumpy idling and poor accelerator response. This generally results from the engine running rich which can usually be confirmed by excessive soot deposits in the exhaust tailpipe.
Automatic gearboxes are generally trouble-free but it’s always important to ensure that changes are smooth and that kick down response is good – if changes take too long or the engine is allowed to rev excessively during shifts or before the box kicks down, move on to another car. Manual transmissions will have seen much use just keeping the engine on the boil in general driving, but it is generally a strong enough box to take that punishment; just make sure that change quality is slick and that the synchromesh works smoothly in all gears. Listen for any whining or rumbling noises that might indicate excessive wear and check underneath for signs of oil leaks – or signs that oil leaks have been stopped up with mastics or fillers.
One common problem to watch for is wheel wobble, a vibration through the steering wheel at around 45-50mph rather like the effect of an unbalanced wheel. The cause could be something a bit more elusive, for instance worn kingpins, failing CV joints or disintegrating wheel bearings, all quite common problems. Check that there’s no oil leaking from the ends of the axles, another sign that seals or swivel bearings are failing.
On manuals make sure the clutch engages progressively and strongly, listening particularly for any squealing indicating that the release bearing is excessively worn. Reject any car that shows any sign of clutch slip or excessive pedal travel. Check that the four-wheel drive system engages properly – if it doesn’t, the cause could be nothing more than a cracked vacuum hose, easy enough to repair, but freewheeling hubs can seize if the car has been driven frequently through muddy water. 
The main thing to look for underneath is damage from excessive off-roading exuberance. The chassis is a tough framework and is not particularly susceptible to corrosion, but it’s worth checking on older cars in case there’s been some perforation or excessive rusting around joints and mountings. The heat shield around the rear silencer tends to corrode and loosen, listen for rattles or a buzzing sound indicating that it needs attention. Clonks and rattles can be the result of worn suspension bushes, which can also lead to vague steering, while excessively worn dampers can cause excessive body roll and vague cornering behaviour. Check that the power steering works smoothly, including on full lock, without excessive groaning, clonking or shuddering, replacing a failed pump could be expensive. Check that brake discs haven’t been excessively scored by off-road grit.
The Jimny’s interior is quite remarkably stylish for what might outwardly seem to be a simple car – much smarter and better-finished than the original Vitara, for instance, with good quality plastics on the dash and door facings that are less likely to pick up scuffs and scratches. Upholstery materials are also hardwearing, so even on an older car that hasn’t been thoroughly abused there should be little sign of wear and tear. Even so, check for attempts to repair torn seams on leather-upholstered seats and satisfy yourself that the driver’s seat hasn’t sagged to an uncomfortable degree.
Carpeting can suffer from staining or scuffing from water or grit tramped in on off-road outings, a problem often hidden under accessory carpets or mats. Such wear won’t matter in an older car you’re buying purely for off-road use, but can help you to argue down the price. Because it is a rather low-riding car check the sills for off-road scuff damage that may have been hidden under filler or aftermarket paint. Otherwise the body should be in good shape as many panels are galvanised, but it’s worth checking under the bonnet to see if trapped off-roading muck has set corrosion going on any less protected panels.

 Or you could consider… 

Mitsubishi PininFiat Panda 4x4Daihatsu Terios


In its three-door form probably the only real rival to the Jimny as a true mini-off-roader, since it has mini-Shogun credentials with its low range gearing and super-select four-wheel drive system – which includes a locking rear differential – not to mention gutsier torque from its 1.8-litre engine. The Pinin never achieved the same cult following as the Jimny and disappeared from UK salesrooms in 2006, though it lives on in other countries as the Pajero Mini with a 659cc engine, not recommended for serious off-roading; nevertheless there are many used examples available from British dealers, expect to pay £1000 for an early 2000-2001 model to £5000 for a top-specification 2006 Elegance, and since most were bought for use as stylish city cars it’s more than likely you’ll find one that’s never been off the tarmac. The Pinin is also available as a more practical five-door estate, which outclasses the Jimny as a useful all-rounder.

The previous generation of the Panda 4×4 may just have been too wacky to appeal to the masses, with the unfortunate result that the latest model is just another pretty little city car. If you’re after something to play with off-road it will have to be an earlier model, which at least kind of looks the part although the low ground clearance and lack of low range gearing will limit the extent of your off-roading adventurousness. The Panda makes sense as a town car with occasional off-road capability, but even then it isn’t quite as practical as other compact hatches, particularly in the limited rear seat-fold feature. The two-wheel drive Panda sold quite well – hence the large numbers of them available second-hand – but the 4×4 version was never that popular so you’ll have to search for one; values are pretentiously high, so expect to pay £3000-£5000 for a 2003-2005 example.

By no means a hard-core off-roader, but the original Terios never ceased to surprise us with its ability to cope with rough trails and muddy tracks. The latest version of the diminutive Daihatsu is a little too blandly styled to excite, and though the original didn’t have an awful lot of chunky off-road appeal about it either, the styling is at least oddball enough to stand out from the crowd. It’s a tall, narrow town car, features that make the interior seem airy even though there’s not much elbow room and make it a doddle to thread through city traffic, so it does make sense as a small family car with occasional off-road capability. Expect to pay at least £1000 for an early example in good condition, we’ve seen several dating from 1998 and 1999, some with less than 50,000 miles, up to £3000 for a run-out Tracker of 2006 with under 50,000 miles on it.

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