Leaked: All-new Suzuki Jimny stays tough

Suzuki's all-new fourth-generation Jimny Sierra has been leaked ahead of its official launch next year after images, thought to have been used internally for high-ranking Suzuki execs, fell into the hands of motoring.com.au's spy photographers.

Proving that Suzuki plans to go back to its roots with the next Jimny, the small off-roader gains a boxy, utilitarian look that's reminiscent of the both the first and second-gen models.

According to insiders speaking to our photographer, Suzuki has made no compromises for the new model when it comes to toughness and off-road ability.

Instead of moving to a car-like monocoque architecture like almost all SUVs, for example, the little Jimny gets a stronger, more rigid new ladder-frame chassis.

Instead of torque on-demand all-wheel drive, the Jimny will come with permanent four-wheel drive that features a proper low-ratio gearbox, although the small Suzuki might not completely shun modern 4x4 electronics.

Expect a hill decent and hill start system, plus an off-road traction/stability control setting.

Under the bonnet it's thought the new Jimny will come with the firm's small-capacity turbo engines that should both boost performance and reduce fuel consumption over the current car.

It's not yet known when Suzuki will reveal the all-new Jimny Sierra but with production set to start in Japan in May 2018, it's likely the Japanese car maker might choose to launch its iconic SUV on home turf at the Tokyo motor show in late October.