Pull up a camp chair, Jimny fans. This one is legendary.
In 2007, two Chileans, Gonzalo Bravo and Eduardo Canales, looked at Ojos del Salado, the highest volcano on Earth, and thought: “Let’s drive up that.”
Their weapon of choice? A modified Suzuki Samurai, an SJ-series Jimny. Wheel by wheel, they pushed their little rig up the Andes to a jaw-dropping 6,688 metres, setting the record for the highest altitude ever reached by a four-wheeled vehicle at the time. For context, that’s higher than any mountain in Australia by about 4,400 metres. Mount Kosciuszko could never.
But the best bit? A Jeep team had made the climb earlier and left a “Jeep Parking Only” sign on the mountain. When the Suzuki crew got there, they reportedly pulled it up and took it home as a souvenir.
Little car, big attitude. The rhino would be proud.
So the next time someone calls your Jimny “cute,” remind them it once took a Jeep sign off a volcano.
Purchase a Jimny this October to December and your next adventure could be on us!
With 214 winners, over $30,000 worth of prizes, and inspiring 365 days of adventure – it’s one of the biggest Jimny giveaways Queensland’s ever seen! To get amongst the adventure, join the Jimny tribe now.
For more than 50 years the Jimny was a strictly two-door affair. That was great for off-road agility, less great for anyone climbing into the back seat with the grace of a rhino on roller skates.
Then in January 2023, Suzuki unveiled the first factory five-door Jimny in India, and the Jimny world lost its collective mind.
So what changed? The wheelbase got stretched and two rear doors were added. That means your mates can hop in the back without a yoga warm-up, and there’s more room for camping gear, snacks and the dog.
What didn’t change? The good stuff. It still has the trusty 1.5L engine and the proper off-road bones that make a Jimny a Jimny. Same attitude, just a little longer.
It’s one of the biggest shake-ups to the Jimny formula in decades, and here in Australia you’ll know it as the Jimny XL.
So if anyone says the Jimny is “too small for the family,” you can tell them it’s got a door for everyone now.
In 1981, Suzuki gave the Jimny its now-famous rhino logomark, and 4×4 fans around the world fell for it overnight. It makes sense. Both are tough, love nature, live for the great outdoors and will charge at any challenge thrown their way.
But here’s the plot twist: they’re not exactly alike. It’s cool, we get it, you’re not a rhinologist. So you don’t embarrass yourself next time you’re on safari, here are a few differences Suzuki have spotted:
Diet: A rhino chomps through 50kg of grass a day. Your Jimny sips fuel and asks for nothing more than a good beach track.
Weight: Rhinos tip the scales at over two tonnes. The Jimny keeps things light at around a tonne, which is exactly why it floats over sand like a pro.
Eyesight: Rhinos are famously short-sighted. The Jimny comes with headlights, so night drives are a go.
Squad goals: A group of rhinos is called a “crash” (yikes). A group of Jimnys? That’s a convoy, and we love to see it.
Accessories: Rhinos are strictly au naturel. Jimnys? Roof racks, lift kits, snorkels, the works. Just ask the Jimniacs.
So next time someone points at your spare wheel cover and says “nice rhino,” you’ll know the real story.
Pat (@pattyliciousaf) is a scientist by trade. In his spare time he loves off-roading in his Jimny, making music, gaming, or just standing back and admiring his Jimny! Depending on his mood and who he’s with, he’s just as happy indoors as he is out exploring.
His Jimny is called “Nimny.”
His most memorable experience was his very first drive, from the dealership in Caboolture home to Brisbane. Nimny was a spontaneous buy. He never test drove a Jimny, but while browsing new cars one day he spotted the Kinetic Yellow, called the dealer and locked it in! Coming from V6 and V8 cars, the only thought in his head on that first drive was “what have I done?” But with every minute behind the wheel, he fell more and more in love with Nimny.
Pat’s most drool-worthy rig is Anastasia’s retrozook (@retrozook). He says it’s the most unique and creative Jimny he’s ever seen!
Cape York sits at the top of his bucket list. His off-road rec is Fraser Island – a beautiful sand island where you can drive the beach and camp. There’s plenty to do, but his favourite part is heading north along the coastline, especially past South Ngkala Rocks. It’s by far his favourite island he’s taken Nimny to!
The Suzuki Swarm QLD in 2024 brought together Jimny owners from across Queensland and beyond for a celebration of everything that makes the Jimny community special.
Held at Samford, just west of Brisbane, the event welcomed:
🚙 220 Suzuki vehicles
👥 450 attendees
🛣️ Over 900km travelled by enthusiasts to attend
From classic LJs and Sierras through to the latest Jimnys, the Swarm showcased Suzuki’s rich 4×4 heritage.
One of the standout vehicles was Rod and Jenny Reardon’s beautifully restored 1977 Suzuki LJ50 from Cedar Creek.
Owned for 25 years, the LJ50 has a true Suzuki story behind it. Before its restoration, it spent years as a hardworking paddock basher and cow chaser before being transformed into the incredible example displayed at the Swarm.
First imported into Australia in April 1974, the LJ50 represents the beginning of Suzuki’s iconic 4×4 legacy, making its appearance at the Swarm a fitting tribute to 50 years of history.
Brad Duncan from Springfield brought along his unique fire-engine-red LJ50, presented as a flat tray utility model. According to Brad, it is the only LJ50 officially registered as a ute in Australia. After 10 years of ownership and four years of restoration work, this rare Suzuki was a true highlight.
The event also showcased the incredible creativity of modern Jimny owners, including the MaxTrax prize Jimny — a fully customised adventure build featuring suspension upgrades, a custom canopy, roof storage, solar panels, a fridge and onboard power setup.
From classic restorations to fully equipped adventure rigs, every Jimny had its own story to tell.
The Suzuki Swarm was a celebration of the passion, creativity and community that continues to make the Jimny one of Australia’s most loved adventure vehicles.
If you’ve somehow missed it, the Jimny Maroon Edition has officially hit the road!
This one-off concept has been turning heads across Queensland with its bold maroon wrap, white racing stripes and unmistakable Jimny personality. It’s currently touring selected Suzuki Queensland dealerships, giving Jimniacs the chance to check it out up close.
While you’re there, don’t forget to cast your vote on the big question – should the Jimny Maroon Edition become a reality?
If it’s stopping by your local dealership, make sure you swing by before it heads to its next destination. Trust us, photos don’t do it justice.
Every great Jimny adventure comes with the little things… snack wrappers, coffee receipts, bait packets or the odd tissue after a dusty day on the tracks.
That’s where the Baggo comes in. It loops neatly around the gear shifter to give you a dedicated spot for all those little bits of rubbish while you’re out exploring. When you’re done, simply empty it and you’re ready for the next adventure.
Whether you’re heading off-road, camping for the weekend or just chasing the next scenic drive, it’s one of those simple accessories that helps keep your Jimny as tidy as the day you left home.
Let’s make it official. Chuck in your deets and join the tribe to get first access to awesome Jimny offers, free stuff, discounts, merch and more. You’ll be in with a grin.
