Suzuki Australia is considering expanding its popular Jimny range to include commercial vehicles, such as utes and panel vans. Michael Pachota, the general manager of Suzuki Australia, expressed enthusiasm for the potential addition during the launch of the new Fronx Hybrid light SUV.
“A Jimny ute would be awesome in Australia. A Jimny anything is awesome in Australia,” Pachota told CarExpert. He highlighted that sales of the Jimny three-door and Jimny XL models are consistently increasing. Pachota believes that adding a utility or panel van to the lineup would capitalize on this growing interest.
Currently, the Jimny range consists solely of a small wagon available in either three-door or five-door XL body styles. There are no commercial versions of the current fourth-generation Jimny in production. However, Suzuki New Zealand has offered an aftermarket ute conversion since 2020, suggesting a market appetite for such vehicles.
Historical Context
Suzuki has a rich history of compact utes, having previously produced models such as the Caribian Sporty in the 1990s and the Mighty Boy in the 1980s. Concepts like the Jimny Sierra Pick Up Style, introduced in 2019, have also captured the interest of potential buyers.
The Jimny has evolved significantly since its first generation, which was sold in Australia as the Suzuki Stockman. This early model resembled the utilitarian Willys Jeep and was built to Japan’s kei car specifications, which included smaller engine and size requirements. In contrast, the current Australian-market three-door Jimny measures 3,480 mm in length, 1,645 mm in width, and 1,720 mm in height. The five-door Jimny XL adds 340 mm in length but remains nearly 2 meters shorter than larger pickups like the Ford Ranger.
A Growing Market for Compact Utes
Despite Australia’s preference for larger utes, such as the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux, Pachota remains optimistic about the appeal of a Jimny ute. He noted the vehicle’s small dimensions could cater to various applications where traditional pickups might be too large.
During the Fronx launch, hosted in Victoria’s Goulburn Valley wine region, Pachota pointed out that the narrow vineyard lines could accommodate a Jimny ute perfectly. “The agricultural need in Australia… I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s one on the property based on the old Jimny Stockman, because there used to be a utility,” he remarked.
While there is currently no confirmation from Suzuki regarding the development of a Jimny ute, Pachota expressed hope for the direction the company might take. “I have my fingers crossed and hope and pray that Suzuki Motor Corporation looks down that path, because there’s a huge market here for Australia,” he said.
As the demand for compact and versatile vehicles continues to rise, Suzuki’s consideration of expanding the Jimny lineup could prove to be a strategic move, tapping into both nostalgia and practicality for a diverse audience.
