Suzuki brings its

WHEN Suzuki goes about reworking the Jimny the whole automotive world sits up and pays attention.

After all, this is the original compact SUV.

In one form or another Suzuki’s go-anywhere baby 4x4 has been around for the best part of 50 years and now there’s a new one on the way.

It’s the mark four model and follows on from the current Jimny which has been with us since 1998. In Britain the Jimny has developed a loyal fan club of drivers who admire – and need – its all-terrain ability.

If anything, the new Jimny is even more capable and looks much more rugged and purposeful.

Out goes the 1.3-litre petrol engine and in comes a new 1.5-litre block that meets all the latest emission standards.

It is also right up to date on technology with a seven-inch touchscreen display, full smartphone compatibility, sat nav and plenty of driver aids.

The new Jimny will be on sale in January and although prices and exact performance data are still to be released, expect it cost from between £15,000 and £18,000 for the two models available from launch.

Those will be badged SZ4 and SZ5 with the higher grade model including LED headlamps, heated front seats, navigation, climate control and 15-inch alloys.

The base version has steel wheels, air conditioning, Bluetooth connectivity and cruise control in its manifest and although it lacks some of the smarter systems it does have lane departure warning, a driver fatigue monitor, automatic emergency braking and a full gamut of off-road systems.