By Jimny, it’s got infotainment
Here in The Good Oil offices, we have a lengthy list of vehicles we would like to buy one day. The list is headed with the phrase, “No, but all joking aside, we really, honestly, truly would like to buy a . . . ”
There are hot hatches and luxury SUVs and, naturally, plenty of German performance metal on the list. But possibly at the top would be the Suzuki Jimny.
It’s an amazing wee truck. Unassuming, practical and impressively cheap to buy.
It also feels like a bit of a throwback, in a good way. There’s an undeniable coolness to the Jimny that is hard to pinpoint but it’s just cult enough to engender nods of appreciation from surprising corners. (It’s not fast after all, nor is it especially attractive to look at.)
Well, then. Suzuki has just shown off the next-generation Jimny ahead of its official launch at the start of 2019. And we’re smitten. Baby G-Wagen, anyone?
Rather than softening its edges — as has been done with the bigger Vitara — the new Jimny is even boxier than before. There are bigger guards around the wheel arches and contrasting roof colours, giving it a modern demeanour, but it’s still a rugged looking thing; still essentially a sturdy little box with a wheel at each corner.
Apparently, Suzuki made a special point of seeking out the opinions of rabid fans in redesigning the Jimny for this fourth generation. Existing owners rank the wee truck’s offroad prowess and its knockabout robustness well ahead of on-road performance. (Lucky that; it’s out of puff surprisingly early in the motorway cruise.)
Needless to say, although Suzuki has said its on-road comfort will be improved — and it will even feature modern technology such as a — gasp! — infotainment system with a touchscreen — the Jimny will remain true to its heritage. It will feature three-link rigid axle suspension, part-time four-wheel-drive and a manually-selectable lowrange transfer box.
Suzuki hasn’t given much away as to what will be powering the new Jimny, although a 1-litre three-cylinder Boosterjet turbo is likely. Or the 1.2-litre unit as used in its equally retro-cool Ignis. Either way, we’re anticipating good things will, in this instance, come in small boxes.