The Suzuki Samurai has been reborn as the Jimny.

Posted on March 17, 2020
Modified
The Suzuki Samurai has been reborn as the Jimny.

Suzuki no longer sells cars in the US, but it's a shame we're missing out on cool vehicles like the Jimny.

This subcompact SUV was updated for 2018. The third-generation model gets a sturdy body-on-frame platform and retro styling reminiscent of the original 1970 Jimny.

It did not receive the pickup truck body that was offered for the Jimny-based Samurai model in the 1980s. Now a Suzuki dealer in New Zealand has solved this problem by selling Jimny conversions to a pickup truck with a new car warranty.

The vehicle, dubbed the Jimny Flat Deck, is manufactured by Cowper Trucks, which offers a range of solutions for the small Jimny. For example, the Jimny's wheelbase can be lengthened by just under 8 inches to accommodate a short or long sleeper, as shown in this photo.

The only powertrain offered for the flat-platform Jimny is a 1.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine rated at 100 hp and 95 lb-ft of torque, paired with a five-speed manual transmission and all-wheel drive system as standard.

For buyers lucky enough to qualify for delivery, the starting price is NZ$37,990 (about $22,850).

Could Suzuki release its own Jimny pickup truck? The company unveiled the Jimny concept at the 2018 Tokyo Motor Show, but has so far kept quiet about possible production plans.

Suzuki turns 100 years old this year. The company was founded by Michio Suzuki as a manufacturer of looms. Since then, the company has developed in various fields and has also been involved in motorcycle and automobile production. The company's first automobile was the small Suzurite SF, produced in 1955 and available in sedan, van, and pickup truck bodies.

You may also like

Nissan GT-R to debut electric car at 2025 Tokyo Auto Salon
Nissan GT-R to debut electric car at 2025 Tokyo Auto Salon

While it remains to be seen whether or not Nissan will include an electric powertrain in the next-generation R36 GT-R, the automaker has already built...

Jan 13

Rolls-Royce Restomod electrifies classic luxury cars
Rolls-Royce Restomod electrifies classic luxury cars

A U.K.-based company plans to electrify classic Rolls-Royce luxury cars beginning in spring 2026.Evice recently unveiled a prototype of its conversion...

Dec 25

CA Dealer Cries Foul, Tries to Stop Scout's Direct Sales Model
CA Dealer Cries Foul, Tries to Stop Scout's Direct Sales Model

The Volkswagen Group and its new EV brand, Scout, have drawn the ire of existing dealers in the state over California's dealer franchise law.Dealers i...

Dec 27


Trending

2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid unveiled for the first time
2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid unveiled for the first time

Subaru has long offered hybrid versions of the Forester in other markets, but an electrified version of the popular compact crossover has finally arri...

Dec 26

McLaren 765LT recalled due to rear window falling out.
McLaren 765LT recalled due to rear window falling out.

McLaren has issued a recall of its 765LT hardcore supercar due to a rear window that may come off.The recall involves the 2021 model year 765LT coupe ...

Dec 24

First Retailer of the 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 to Auction
First Retailer of the 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 to Auction

With the arrival of the 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 and its screaming twin-turbo V-8 engine with 1,064 hp, the American sports car is about to reach h...

Dec 23