Suzuki has released the first official images of its new Jimny 4WD.
The tiny offroader retains a separate ladder chassis, three-link rigid axle suspension and part time, four-wheel drive with a low range gearing.
That makes it a Jimny in the full sense of the term and not a pretender like some recent releases from other manufacturers that have morphed into softroaders.
The look of the new model is very Jeep-like, with its boxy body, bolt on plastic fender flares and barred radiator grille.
Suzuki be prepared in case Fiat-Chrysler which owns Jeep doesn’t takes exception to the design.
Readers might remember the court case involving GM and the Hummer H2’s radiator grille which Chrysler claimed infringed its copyright back in 2002.
The court eventually found in favour of GM.
Of course the Jimny’s grille has only five slots — not seven like a Jeep.
Just saying.
Suzuki has not revealed details of the new Jimny’s specification or safety equipment at this stage, but the powertrain is sure to be a step forward from the current 62kW 1.3-litre four cylinder petrol engine of the current model.
Let’s hope the four-speed auto is consigned to history too.
Powering the new model could be a 1.0-litre turbo or perhaps 1.5-litre four as reported elsewhere, hooked up to a five-speed manual or CVT style auto.
Satnav looks set to make an appearance, with the interior shot showing the unit found standard in other models including the Swift perched high atop the dash.
Suzuki has indicated the new Jimny will be launched here in the fourth quarter of this year.
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