Suzuki Jimny SZ4

Its compact dimensions, coupled with a 1.3-litre petrol engine, make it one of the smallest, least powerful 4x4 vehicles.

But it is a genuine off-roader, with push-button selectable four-wheel drive and high and low gear ratios, and what it lacks in power it makes up for in character by the bag full.

Thee years ago, a Chilean duo drove a modified version up a mountain on the Argentine-Chilean border and set a new record for the highest altitude attained by a four-wheeled vehicle at 6,688 metres (21,942 ft).

That’s the sort of record a Land Rover might be expected to achieve, and gives an idea of what a gutsy performer the Jimny is, despite being a lightweight.

And it’s cheap, too, with a £10,490 tag for the 1.3 JLX and only £500 more for the higher-specification SZ4.

Fun to drive, if a little tiring on longer journeys and a real drag on motorway runs, it backs up its chunky looks with honest performance off the beaten track as well as in the cut and thrust of urban traffic.

The Jimny is the very definition of a niche car, and if you’re one of the few that needs a genuinely compact car that can handle a little rough and tumble, its abilities will help to make up for its flaws.

As a highly mobile small or second car, the Jimny can make a lot of sense. Its boxy shape not only gives it a kind of old-world charm, but also makes it a breeze to park and manoeuvre.

It is basic car design personified, including the large glass house that affords excellent all-round visibility. Less basic is the transmission, a four-wheel drive system that combines with the slim body, decent ground clearance and lack of mass to allow the Jimny to punch above its weight when the going gets tough.

Doing more than paying lip-service to off-road pretentions, the Jimny has a low-ratio transfer box, electrically selected with a dash-mounted button.

But while its basic body – the panels are made of high-tensile galvanised steel and are mounted to the separate chassis – make it a cracking little workhorse off-road, the Jimny’s on-road experience suffers as a result.

In itself, it is not a problem that the 1.3-litre engine needs to be worked hard to make much progress. It is, after all, only a small capacity engine. However, combine it with the proximity of the noisy little unit, the vague, loose steering and the vibration that travels through the steering and gearshift, despite the supple ride, and the Jimny becomes a tiring experience on a long run.

The little car is much better suited to low-speed duties. Around York, its compact size, great visibility and raised driving position made it very useful, and its cheeky looks and rarity value make it an interesting driveway adornment, too.

Clearly aware of the model’s shortcomings, Suzuki has enhanced the comfort offerings of the Jimny in the shape of the SZ4 model. Air-conditioning, ten-spoke 15-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, rear privacy glass, some chrome trim and, perhaps most impressively, part leather and velour upholstery are present. And there is no extra charge for metallic paint.

That’s on top of front fog lamps, roof rails, electric front windows, electric door mirrors, remote central locking, a decent audio system with radio and CD player, ABS with EBD, selectable four-wheel drive with high and low ratios and automatic freewheeling hubs and 50/50 folding rear seatbacks that come with the entry-level JLX model.

There’s little hiding from the compact interior, however. The bonus is that it’s not wasted space that causes the short dimensions, just the same compact exterior dimensions that make the Jimny so useable in the green and the urban jungle.

The rear seats are limited to two and best suited to the small, but the three-door form includes a full-size, side-hinged back door that gives great access to the rear. With the seats in place, there’s just enough room for a small bag quota; drop them and there’s potential to carry larger items – although bikes will need to be roof-bound.

The Jimny has accumulated a loyal following of repeat customers who enjoy a quirky alternative to a supermini or crossover SUV, exceeding expectations off-road while still being more than capable in any urban area.

It achieves 39.2mpg on the combined cycle (37.2mpg for the automatic version) and respective CO2 outputs are 171 and 181g/km, making Jimny one of the least polluting SUVs in its class.

With its practical character, compact size and high-value price tag, Jimny stands as an ideal choice for those motorists looking to explore the adventure of 4x4 motoring for the first time.

Suzuki Jimny SZ4

Price: £10,990 (£10,490 for JLX version).

Engine: 1.3-litre petrol unit developing 84bhp and 81lb/ft of torque.

Transmission: Five-speed manual transmission as standard, driving all four wheels or front wheels only.

Performance: Maximum speed 87ph, 0-62mph 14.1 seconds.

Economy: 39.2mpg.

CO2 Rating: 171g/km