I’ve lost count how many times I've driven the latest model Suzuki Jimny in the last four years, and despite their foibles I’ve always enjoyed the experience.  So when I was invited to Twisted Automotive in Thirsk, North Yorkshire to have a drive in their reimagined Jimny, I was quite excited to find out what they’d done to it.

By the way, if you haven’t heard of Twisted before, they have a 21-year history on making the classic Land Rover Defenders even more capable, plush and civilised, and for the first time in Twisted’s history they’ve begun to carry out full conversions to a vehicle other than that.

Upon arrival ‘our’ Jimny was sat in the showroom looking more purposeful than ever.  Sitting square on satin black 16” alloy wheels shod with BFG ATs and a 1” lift, it looked the part.

Peering inside, it’s fair to say that the Jimny has been transformed.  With the odd exception you will find Twisted leather trim everywhere, from door handles, dash tops and centre console, to gear levers, steering wheel and airbag cover.

It’s the seats that require a special mention, as not only are they recovered, but Twisted have also added new bolsters here and there that make them incredibly comfortable.

Being the commercial model, the team have also removed the bulkhead from behind the seats that now offers both the driver and passenger ample of room to stretch out.

After a quick chat to Twisted’s owner Charles, fellow motoring journalist Andy Harris and I set off on a route that I reckoned would give the Zook a thorough test.

Heading north, we left Thirsk and made our way along the A19 before turning off and weaving our way towards a short green lane on the outskirts of Ingleby Greenhow that promised a water crossing.

Thirty minutes in and both Andy and I were grinning from ear to ear.  Not only was the extra sound deadening worth its weight in gold, but the turbo upgrade that offers 165bhp makes the Jimny both far more usable and a much more relaxing drive.

Of course, Twisted haven’t just bolted on a turbo, they’ve added a sports downpipe, Syvecs ECU and mapping, pipework, oil feeds, a performance air filter and catch tank.  All this, along with a turbo ‘flutter’ transforms the vehicle into something far more useable - and fun.

From Ingleby Greenhow we made our way to the northern end of Rudland Rigg, a once gnarly green lane that has been graded to an inch of its life.

In truth, Andy and I already know just how capable a Jimny is off the beaten track, but we wanted the stunning backdrop for photos.

Rudland Rigg is still a bit rough in places, so it was a good opportunity to see how the suspension stacked up.  Amazingly well, as it turned out.  The 1"+ Bilstein package on this vehicle not only works incredibly well on-road, but off-road it makes the Jimny less ‘pitchy’ and again, far more civilised.  Add the BFGoodrich 16” All Terrain 215 tyres and Twisted’s new rear anti-roll bar and bushes and you’ll understand why I said Twisted have transformed the Jimny.

Amusingly they’ve also fitted an audio engineer developed premium sound system that includes a double din infotainment system with CarPlay, navigation and DAB, but we were too busy nattering to try it out.

Back on the single track roads and our confidence in the Twisted Jimny grew, it’s quieter, quicker and grabbing a foot-full of that 165bhp was instant.  Around the corners it feels much more sure footed and composed, though the new rear anti-roll bar can only do so much before you’re reminded that you’re still in a Jimny!

As well as a healthy standard list (see below), Twisted also offer a comprehensive options list that includes a full exterior colour change, roof rack, Warn winch and adventure bumper, underbody protection, privacy glass and much, much more.

All UK supplied Jimnys are pre-registered and sold as commercial vehicles which means they are fully VAT reclaimable and can be purchased by a business and benefit from capital allowances and super low benefit in kind, just like the Defender, if you are in business, they make a lot of sense. 

Some of you might scoff at the starting price of £49,500 plus VAT, but it isn’t just the new re-upholstered interior that you’re getting, but the R&D that’s gone into choosing the right suspension package, turbo and ECU upgrades, then you begin to understand the premium.

After a four hour adventure both Andy and I concluded that Twisted have indeed completely transformed the Jimny, not just a little bit, but completely.  It’s now a car that I wouldn’t hesitate taking on long journeys, and the difference is that I would thoroughly enjoy the experience!

The base spec for a Jimny by Twisted build includes the following:

• ECU & Turbo installation to 165hp

• Twisted Performance Suspension System

• Twisted Rear Anti-Roll Bar 

• Twisted Jimny 16” Alloy Wheel - finished in satin black 

• BFGoodrich 16” All Terrain 215 Tyre 

• Body Colour Wing Mirrors and Front Grille 

• Twisted Hip Stripe 

• Twisted Exterior Plaque 

• Mid-Line Down Soundproofing (Optional Roof)

• Twisted Leather Trim to Front Seats, Door Handles, Steering Wheel, Gear Levers, Handbrake and Centre Console

• Twisted Soft Touch to Dial Surrounds and Dashboard Vent Rings

• Twisted Audio Upgrade with Double Din Infotainment with Carplay, DAB & Bluetooth
  

For more details, check out their website - https://www.twistedautomotive.com/jimny/

Reviewed in Issue 51 - September 2023