Suzuki Jimny by Twisted Full Review: A Compact 4x4 with a Turbocharged Twist
Watch Vicki Butler-Henderson give her verdict on the Suzuki Jimny by Twisted:
In this review, Vicki takes a closer look at the Suzuki Jimny by Twisted—nicknamed the "TJ"—a small yet surprisingly tough off-roader that's been seriously reimagined by Twisted, the Yorkshire company best known for transforming Land Rover Defenders. Priced just under £60,000, this isn’t your ordinary compact 4x4; it’s a pint-sized, turbocharged machine ready for adventure.
Specifications
• Price: Just under £60,000
• Engine: 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol
• Power: 165 horsepower
• Acceleration: 0-62 mph in about 7 seconds
• Top Speed: 110 mph
• Suspension: Custom shock absorbers with rear anti-roll bar conversion
• Storage Capacity: Around 800 litres
• Colours: Bespoke options available
Design, Exterior & Modifications
This Jimny is an eye-catcher with its rugged, yet refined appearance. Twisted has taken the Jimny’s humble roots and injected a hefty dose of style. The front end now features a colour-coded grille with Twisted’s signature mesh, a subtle nod to its Defender lineage. Upgraded suspension, including custom-made shock absorbers and a rear anti-roll bar, makes the Jimny more stable and predictable—whether you’re darting through city streets or tackling rocky trails. Other touches, like colour-coded rear hinges, give the exterior a cohesive, polished look.
What truly sets Twisted apart is the commitment to bespoke customisation. No two Jimnys are exactly alike, as Twisted offers a range of personalisation options. From unique exterior colours to specific interior finishes and performance enhancements, they tailor each vehicle to match the owner’s individual style and needs, ensuring your TJ is truly one-of-a-kind.
Interior & Comfort Enhancements
Step inside, and you’ll find a cabin that's been transformed from basic to brilliant. Twisted has upgraded the interior with luxurious leather on the seats, steering wheel, gear levers, and even the handbrake. The improved soundproofing makes the cabin quieter and more comfortable—something you’ll appreciate on longer drives.
Despite its compact size, the Jimny’s interior feels surprisingly spacious. Twisted has removed the bulkhead behind the seats, giving you more room and the ability to recline. The Jimny also comes equipped with modern conveniences like Apple CarPlay, sat nav, and a reversing camera, making it as tech-savvy as it is tough.
The rear offers around 800 litres of practical load space, perfect for hauling gear. And in true Twisted fashion, the load area is finished with leather detailing and contrast stitching, ensuring that even the practical parts of this car feel premium.
Tyre Talk
Twisted has fitted the Jimny with 16-inch alloy wheels paired with BF Goodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tyres. These not only give the vehicle a tough, rugged look but also significantly boost its off-road capabilities.
Specifically designed for 4x4s, SUVs, and light trucks, they offer aggressive traction whether you’re cruising on the motorway or navigating challenging terrain. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by drivers, these tyres have proven to be reliable companions for adventure seekers.
Engine & Turbo
Driving the TJ is pure fun, thanks to the turbocharged 1.5-litre engine under the bonnet, which Twisted has tuned to deliver 165 horsepower. This extra power transforms the Jimny, allowing it to sprint from 0 to 62 mph in about 7 seconds, giving it a much more spirited feel than the standard model. The turbo adds a lively, playful character, with the wastegate actuator providing an addictive soundtrack that invites you to push the car harder.
What really sets the TJ apart is how the turbocharged engine brings the Jimny to life, offering plenty of torque and a top speed of 110 mph. The turbo’s responsiveness ensures the TJ feels quick and eager, whether you're cruising on the motorway or tackling steep off-road inclines. Plus, a performance air filter keeps the engine breathing freely, ensuring consistent power delivery in all conditions.
Clutch, Gearbox & Brakes
The five-speed gearbox is a joy to use, with tight, precise shifts that make driving this little 4x4 an engaging experience. The clutch, while a bit heavier than you might expect, is still easy to manage, keeping the Jimny accessible for a wide range of drivers.
The braking system remains standard but does its job just fine. However, for those who want even more stopping power, Twisted offers brake upgrades to match the Jimny’s new performance levels.
Steering & Handling
Twisted has adjusted the steering to handle the larger tyres, resulting in a light steering feel. It’s easy to manoeuvre, though it might lack the direct feedback some drivers prefer. That said, the upgraded suspension and rear anti-roll bar make the Jimny far more stable and confident in corners than you’d expect from such a compact off-roader.
Off-Road Capability & Suspension
True to its roots, the TJ shines when the pavement ends. With 210 millimetres of ground clearance and at just over 1100kg, it has a lightweight design, which keeps it agile and capable in tough terrain. The custom suspension setup and rear anti-roll bar help keep it steady, even on challenging trails. Its wheel-at-each-corner design lets it easily hop over obstacles, proving that this little 4x4 can hold its own against much larger 4x4s.
Vicki's Verdict
"The Suzuki Jimny isn’t the fastest or the best car ever, but it’s always been one of the most delightful things on four wheels—and that’s just been magnified by the magic of Twisted."
Vicki couldn’t be more impressed with the Suzuki Jimny by Twisted. It’s fun, capable, and full of character. The turbocharged engine adds a healthy dose of excitement, while the interior upgrades make it a more comfortable and refined place to be. Whether you’re navigating the urban jungle or exploring the great outdoors, the Jimny by Twisted is ready for anything. With its rugged upgrades and enhanced performance, it’s a small 4x4 with a big personality.
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