Next-gen Suzuki Jimny to stick to its roots

Suzuki is all set to unveil the new Jimny at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show. The small SUV is already being tested in around four countries.

The new SUV, whose images had been leaked earlier, is being developed with the feedback of existing Jimny owners in mind, who rank its effective off-road capabilities and robustness more highly than on-road performance.

Road handling will still be improved, but a Suzuki spokesman explained that the car's unique selling point was its hardy nature, so this will remain the focus during development.

The new Jimny’s design reflects its 4x4 status, taking influence from earlier-generation Jimnys with a simple, box-shaped body.

Much of the design appears similar to that applied to the Mercedes-Benz G-class, such as the squared-off wheel arches and tail-lights located low on the bumper.

Images leaked onto the internet revealed the look of the car's interior. Although it gains modern features such as touchscreen infotainment, the overall design remains clunky – likely due to a priority for function over form to enable users to operate controls and buttons with gloves on.

Suzuki has been testing the car in four countries in order to develop the car's chassis set-up and refinement for launch onto the global market.

The brand has remained tight-lipped as to what will power the future SUV, but sources expect Suzuki’s turbocharged 1.0-litre Boosterjet three-pot to be offered, with the brand’s naturally aspirated 1.2-litre a potential entry-level engine.

Suzuki swapped the manual low-range gear selector in its latest Vitara SUV sold internationally, for an electric rotary dial, but the new Jimny could stick with the former system to maximise its off-road adjustability.