Suzuki Jimny concepts for Tokyo
Thought the Jimny couldn't be any cuter? Think again...
Despite Suzuki’s fairly modest ambitions for the car, and despite the fact it’s not the best 4x4 in the world, there’s no denying that the new Jimny has been launched to a rapturous reception. A combination of rugged ability with sweet styling has won it many fans already. Expect a few more to follow with the reveal of these new concepts...
Set to debut at the Tokyo Auto Salon later this month, the two Jimnys – called the Survive and the Sierra Pickup Style – aren’t yet confirmed for production, but it’s not hard to imagine a groundswell of public support. Interestingly the Survive is based on the JDM Jimny, which uses a 660cc three-cylinder turbo to comply with kei car regulations. It comes fitted with a winch and tow hook, knobbly off-road tyres, a sump guard and an external roll cage. Surely it’s no accident that the makeover looks great, too, toughening up the Jimny just enough to lend some attitude without entirely losing its innocent charm. Let’s hope it’s as tough as it looks...
Even the Jimny Survive must lose out, though, in terms of make-it-now-and-sod-the-cost desirability, to the Sierra Pick Up Style. Look at it! Like a miniature Hilux Invincible or L200 Warrior, it packs all the utilitarian cool of a real life pick up in a teeny-tiny package. Note again the tow hooks and off-road tyres, plus here the wood panelling and spot lights – perfect.
While now based on the Jimny we receive in the UK with its 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine, the Sierra doesn’t look like being a real load lugger of a pick up. Instead the bed looks more suited to serving overpriced coffee and stale sandwiches out of – which they’d certainly have buyers for, if it meant seeing one of these up close.
Hopefully the pick ups can get the go ahead for production, though of course nobody is holding their breath just yet. More news to follow from Tokyo soon!
The car would be utterly impractical for the UK but I'd find it difficult not to put my name down if they did a soft top. Bet they'd hold their value too.
So I hope soon we get the AMG style version!
So I hope soon we get the AMG style version!
In addition, and I appreciate it defeats the purpose, but a five door / SW would fly off the forecourt. This I know belongs in fantasyville
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Need to see one but if all the 2019 allocation is gone then I presume the chances of one in a local dealer is unlikely(?).
I like that so many of the Jimny models that they are showing are re-imagined cars from other manufacturers - there is more than a hint of the mid-90s Toyota Hilux / Land cruiser in the pick up truck, the rugged one has a certain Hummer H2 look to it - especially the grill, earlier version were similar to a mini G Wagen - which is making the car appeal to loads of people who like the nod of the cap to these other big name / big price cars - i suspect the far east will buy many of these versions.
Very thoughtful / when the marketing really works.... here is a bunch of petrolheads on website which predominantly favours faster cars (not a criticsim) waxing lyrical about a small slow cheap 4x4 ...!
i imagine that they will shortly launch a McLaren special edition- edition....
8-)
I secretly want a micro G-wagen version..
Once upon a time the Japanese manufacturers would've staggered the releases in each region to be able to keep up with demand, so Japan in 2019, Europe 2020, US 2021.
The cabin is alright, good infotainment unit although it read one roadsign as 80 not 30, which was a bit of a concern. Not very comfy in the back, the rear seat only comes halfway up my back. They aren't seats for a long journey. Also, don't try sitting in the back seats of a Jimny on a test drive by yourself. The front seats don't tilt and slide on the side catch so it's tricky getting back out again. And it's a case of passengers or ability to carry a bag in the boot, not both.
So far to be expected, but the ride is jittery and the steering is woeful. It's a case of turning the wheel and getting "nothing, nothing, nothing, swerve". Driving out of the dealers forecourt, I nearly mounted the pavement, overcorrected to the wrong side of the road and then was heading towards the pavement again. I managed to get up to 60mph on a few straight bits of A road, but cornering at 45-50 with massive body roll, jittery suspension and vague steering felt genuinely dangerous. As in, give it a year and there'll be a good 2nd hand parts market.
On return to the garage, the dealer pretty much said "yeah, it's s
t isn't it". And yet there's no stock aside from the 1 demo vehicle and a 45 week waiting list. The dealer explained he couldn't take an order even if I wanted one. Not even a brochure. Madness.To those saying it doesn’t handle like a modern hatch - I assume you have not driven a ladder chassis 4x4 or original SJ. It’s abilities offroad will make some sacrifices on road.
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