► Bespoke reimagining adds more power, refinementThe Suzuki Jimny by Twisted takes a solid third place in ‘the quickest a car has ever made this road tester cackle with glee’. First place went to the, which I found utterly hilarious the minute I got inside. Second to the Honda S660, mostly because I was realising a dream and driving my first kei car.
. From straight restorations right up to restomods with more powerful engines, uprated interiors, improved off-road ability. You name it, Twisted can probably do it.. The appeal is obvious. The Jimny is in many ways a mini-Defender – it’s a simple, ladder-frame off-roader with the chops to handle serious rough stuff. It’s not, however, the most refined or the most premium package.
Inside, everything you can think of has been wrapped in rich Corinthian leather, there’s a new double-din audio system and stereo upgrade, plus extra soundproofing, all aimed at making it significantly more refined.Once we’d stopped bursting and coasting just to hear the turbo chatter away we headed out onto some of Yorkshire’s nicer country lanes to see what the alterations to the standard Suzuki Jimny had accomplished.
The other modifications also add to the air of maturity. Having the rear anti-roll bar is a godsend – it allows you to approach corners with far more confidence than the standard car, which feels as though it’ll tip over given enough provocation. It rides better, too, though still within the limitations of an off-roader with a very short wheelbase.
Of course it’s still a little monster off-road. Unlike the newer Land Rover products, there’s no automation to the Jimny’s prowess on the rough stuff. Just selectable four-wheel drive from a proper transfer box, chunky tyres, plenty of ground clearance and as much bravery as the person behind the wheel’s willing to offer up.It smells incredible, first off. No vegan leather alternatives here – this is proper cow.