The new fourth-generation Jimny has a tough act to follow. The current car is incredibly long in the tooth, having been on sale since 1998 – but still has a dedicated fanbase who appreciate its combination of compact size, mechanical simplicity and serious off-road ability.
The new model doesn’t stray too far from its predecessor in terms of styling. There’s a tall, boxy bodyshape with a clamshell bonnet and seven-slot front grille, while the retro round headlights and tailgate-mounted spare wheel are as practical as they are charming.
Suzuki’s only confirmed one engine for the European market and surprisingly, it’s not one of the firm’s excellent BoosterJet turbocharged units. Instead, a brand-new naturally aspirated 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol makes an appearance.
The Jimny’s real appeal will be its rugged structure. It’s still based on a ladder frame chassis with a separate low-range gearbox. The car can be operated in 2H front-wheel-drive mode most of the time, maximising fuel economy. 4H activates the four-wheel-drive system and 4L brings in the low-range ‘box for the most challenging off-road conditions.
The previous car was always great off-road, but Suzuki is now promising improved manners on the tarmac too. A newly damped steering column should minimise vibration through the wheel, while the stiffer ladder frame improves ride quality.
The new Jimny will go on sale in the UK next year, and we’ll see full UK pricing and specifications closer to release.
