The Suzuki Jimny is already one of the most affordable yet purest 4x4s on the planet. However, Suzuki has decided to offer an even purer version of its capable compact off-roader called the Jimny Lite, one that gives enthusiasts a everything they need and nothing they don’t.
First, let’s briefly discuss what hasn’t changed. Jimny Lite still comes with all the hardware that makes it so great. It has a true ladder frame architecture, solid axles front and rear, and a low-range transfer case.
Its short wheelbase, narrow track, and minimal overhangs give it stellar approach, breakover, and departure angles of 37, 28, and 49 degrees. The Lite is powered by the same 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 101 horsepower and 96 pound-feet of torque, and will likely weigh about the same or less than the feathery 2,350 pounds of the standard Jimny.
What makes the Jimny Lite special is that all the unnecessary items have been stripped out. It rolls on 15-inch steelies, tougher and cheaper than the standard aluminum alloys. It has halogen headlights rather than LED projectors and the foglamps have been deleted. The side mirrors have a simple black textured plastic units instead of a more expensive gloss black finish. And whereas the standard Jimny can be optioned with a 4-speed automatic, the Lite will have just one transmission option, a 5-speed manual.
The Suzuki Australia website calls it a “Diet Jimny” in an image filename, and with good reason. The minimalism continues inside the cabin. The digital climate controls have been switched out for a manually operated system. Instead of the infotainment touchscreen that includes satellite nav as standard, the Lite sports an old-school in-dash radio and CD player. The unit does have Bluetooth capability, so you can still stream navigation and digital music from your phone.
It reminds us of the race-ready Toyota 86 RC, a blank canvas version of the 86 with steel wheels, unpainted bumpers, and no stereo or aircon. Most enthusiasts will source their own aftermarket wheels, lighting options, and sound system anyway, so why pay for it up front?
Unfortunately, there is probably zero chance that the Jimny Lite will be coming to the US (though our friends south of the border do get the regular Jimny). Nevertheless, it’s good to know that there are companies out there that are willing to give enthusiasts exactly what they want. Every carmaker should be taking a page from Suzuki.
I wish we were getting the Jimny. It would be a perfect Michigan car.
I would love a stripped down Civic SI Hatch. Would Honda ever make it? Not a chance, because besides myself, there are probably no more than a hundred or so other customers for such a thing. Sadly.
I have always been a base model person. I loved how Japan had some cars that were just economic and simple.
In the F31 Leopard world, that would be the Nissan Leopard XJ. VG20E and with MT (which has become rare).
When I bought my 2000 EK hatchback in 2000. I got the basic DX. No radio, sucky wheels…All my other friends were getting their EM1 Civic Si’s. That has always been my way of thinking. I’m going to replace the radio anyway, why pay $500 for a Honda unit when I will put in a Clarion or Alpine unit.
I feel these versions (as it was mentioned) are a blank canvas for enthusiasts to build on. If more companies did that, production costs could come down, probably sell more units due to lower costs and maybe 3rd party companies would make some money making specific upgrade kits (for example a lighting kit).
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Back on topic, I do like the Jimny in general. One of my friends in Nagano has one and took me around in it. I would love a blank canvas and build from that.
We are ready to resume our go-to vacations in Iceland where we rent the Jimny. Perfect wheels for a perfect getaway. Somehow I see stripped down versions as fleet workhorses for utilities. Perfect for light duties that you don’t need a 1 Ton Dually for.
“…15-inch steelies, tougher and cheaper than the standard aluminum alloys.” You forgot “better looking” too.
Love everything about this.
That goes without saying! 🙂
?? Why don’t they market them in the USA?
Because Jeep owns that market for one, and I doubt the Jimny could pass US crash standards. Also most folks that go for the “off road” look don’t want what they would call a “toy” car. it’s just too small.