SPY PICS: All-new Suzuki Jimny hits the road

Fans of Suzuki's Jimny Sierra will be encouraged by these latest spy pics of the all-new model.

These shots align with apparently official images leaked a few months back and confirm the upcoming Jimny will not depart from the formula which has made the diminutive SUV a favourite in markets throughout the world.

The fourth-generation Jimny looks set to thumb its nose at contemporary aerodynamic curves and while the look is fresh, it is again tough and boxy. Insiders are pointing to an overall length of 3.67m and a width of just 1.6m, but no figures are circulating about ride height.

For serious off-roaders, the best news of all may be Suzuki's decision to eschew a modern monocoque chassis; instead, the latest Jimny will ride on a new, more rigid ladder frame architecture. Our sources indicate rear-wheel drive or AWD variants will be offered, with the latter sporting a proper low ratio gearbox.

Engines will include Suzuki's latest turbocharged units and fuel consumption is expected to be rated as the best so far for a Jimny series. Modern electronics debut in the form of hill descent control, hill-start assist and traction/stability control with off-road settings.

Production is tipped to start in May next year, so anticipate a preview, in some form, at the Tokyo motor show late next month.