Well that’s a cutesy little thing, eh?
Japanese compact-car specialists Suzuki are very close to pulling the wraps off their new compact off-roader, the Jimny, if the steady-stream of spy shots are any indication. These latest images come off the back of wider shots outside a Suzuki facility in Japan, and give us a better look at the latest-generation wallet-friendly off-road runabout.
Where the Jimny adopted a somewhat modern look in its current generation, the upcoming Jimny is very clearly going back to its roots. The generous use of black, unpainted plastic (from the bumpers to the front fascia), the round headlights… it’s clear that the Jimny wants to channel the same go-anywhere do-anything capabilities of the original.
As seen in the previous leak, the Jimny shown here is clearly a Japan-market model, which is why it’s missing the wheelarch extensions and side steps. The narrower Jimny seen here is likely the way it is as to comply with strict compact-car regulations in Japan (which allows for special tax breaks, among others). It’ll likely feature a small 660cc engine under the bonnet as well, again in order to comply with compact-car regulations there.
International models will get punchier engines though, either a 1.0-litre three-pot or a 1.2-litre Boosterjet, both turbocharged and petrol-fuelled. A torquey little turbo engine would be great with the Jimny, and be a much-needed modern update on the experience. It’ll also go well with the more modern cabin, expected to feature a large touchscreen and a multi-information drivers display nestled between the dials.
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