Since the original, LJ10 generation\u2019s introduction in 1970, the Suzuki Jimny has achieved cult status, globally and locally. However, as a friend, and fellow Jimny owner, of mine argues (tongue in cheek, mind), \u201cIt\u2019s not a cult, it\u2019s a lifestyle.\u201d Having owned a Jimny since 2022, I wholeheartedly agree. Apart from its retro-inspired styling and go-anywhere capability, there\u2019s much more to owning this characterful compact 4\u00d74 \u2014 it\u2019s the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Have you ever driven behind a Jimny and seen an oncoming one flashing its headlamps, with the driver waving enthusiastically? That\u2019s for the Jimny in front of you, and just one of the unwritten Jimny rules. In fact, I\u2019ve become so accustomed to doing the so-called \u2018Jimny Wave\u2019, at times, I\u2019ve found myself doing it when driving a test car for work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Non-Jimny owners will be forgiven for not quite understanding the hype surrounding this little off-roader. It\u2019s arguably very much the case of \u201chulle weet nie wat ons weet nie<\/em>\u201d (they don\u2019t know what we know), to quote South Africa\u2019s first UFC Middleweight Champion, Dricus du Plessis. However, attend a Jimny Gathering, and you might just get it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The inaugural Jimny Gathering was held in 2023 in the quaint Free State town of Clarens. Nearly 800 Jimnys, of all generations, from across the country were present. It was a blast, with owners, including myself, and their loved ones celebrating this Suzuki\u2019s long-standing heritage, while setting a new Guinness World Record \u2014 for the most cars to switch on their headlamps simultaneously \u2014 in the process. Following the event, the anticipation for another was high.<\/p>\n\n\n