SPY PICS: Suzuki Jimny long-wheelbase spied
Development mule caught testing points to basis for five-door wagon and ute models in pipelineOur spy photographers in Europe have given us the first look at a much-anticipated stretched version of the Suzuki Jimny, which retains its two-door layout in this development mule but clearly adds a longer wheelbase.
As carsales has reported, a more practical five-door version of the reborn Suzuki Jimny is believed to be in the Japanese car-maker’s R&D program.
The longer wheelbase needed for the five-door should also form the basis of a tray-back ute version further down the track.
These latest photographs show the Jimny development model with only two doors, which could point to yet another derivative, however it’s more than likely a precursor to the five-door and ute.
In any case, the stretched Suzuki Jimny will offer more cabin space for passengers and luggage, while maintaining the popular 4x4 off-roader’s rock-hopping capabilities.
Judging by these spy shots, not much else has changed – for now, at least.
The Jimny’s squared-off silhouette remains, while the front-end appears to carry over the same grille, round headlights and bumper with built-in fog lights.
Even the gunmetal grey wheels appear the same as the current 2021 Suzuki Jimny.
Power sources remain the subject of speculation, but the current model’s 75kW/130Nm 1.5-litre four-cylinder should be either upgraded or replaced to cope with the extra weight brought with the long-wheelbase variants.
A new turbocharged engine is believed to be in the works.
Suzuki Australia has expressed interest in offering new variations of the Jimny, with the brand’s general manager Michael Pachota saying he is “keen to release any new derivatives of the popular model”.
“I will say, Suzuki Australia does have its hand held high if there is ever a possibility of this variant in future, as per my previous statements in 2019 when asked if there will be a five-door variant available,” he said.
“Jimny is an amazing product that, even presented with current challenges in market, still continues in very high demand.
“Any further variants would be growing that incredible order bank even further, especially if we ever start marketing any of them.”
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