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Hello!
Currently, I am looking to buy a 4WD car that I could daily and off road. I am almost certain that i want a Jimny. As I started reading Jimny wiki I found one thing very concerning - Jimny has and older 4WD system that cannot be engaged on dry surfaces, so if I'm off roading on rocks or gravel (or any dry surface for that matter) I am basically stuck with RWD? Does this reduce Jimny's capabilities?
Thank you!
The post title asks about off-road capability, but the post itself implies you're more interested in on-road use of 4wd?
The part time 4wd system in the Jimny, without a centre differential can't be used on a grippy surface, like tarmac, as there's no way for the front and rear to rotate at different speeds, which causes windup and expensive crunchy noises.
Off-road on a loose surface, including rocks and gravel, this isn't an issue as the terrain allows slippage between front and rear. The Jimny's off-road capability is excellent, being the equivalent of any other 4x4 with a locked centre diff.
If you want a full time AWD which automatically shuffles torque around when road conditions change suddenly, then the Jimny isn't the car you're looking for, however how often is that the case? What situation are you likely to be in where you suddenly have the need for all wheels to be driven? It's far more likely that you'll drive on tarmac and then transition to an unpaved surface, at which point you engage 4wd.
No it's just dry tarmac or similar that is a problem. Any surface that will allow a wheel to slip is ok for 4wd. In practice this means that on a paved road so concrete and tarmac you will be in 4x2 unless it's raining to the point where the entire road is covered in water. On every other surface like gravel or sand or grass or mud etc 4x4 should be engaged to provide the additional stability and traction. Yes a Jimny will get a lot further in 4x2 than a Ford fiesta but it will be safer in 4x4.
Temeraire (2018 quasar grey automatic)
One of the last 200ish of the gen3s, probably.
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Pretty much. That's one of the limitations you get with the Jimny, an old-style transfer box doesn't allow you to benefit from 4wd in changeable on-road conditions, unlike having a centre diff. I'd hoped they would move to having a centre diff with the Gen4, like they did when going from the Series Landy to Defender, but sadly not.
