It is not difficult to find that in recent years, one of the most popular car models seen on the streets of Hong Kong, apart from a series of electric cars, is the iconic 4WD off-road vehicle Jimny from Suzuki. Even after two years of crazy sales, there is still a situation of high demand and low supply, showing the astonishing popularity of Suzuki Jimny in the local market. However, recently a photographer discovered that the Suzuki team is developing a new generation of Jimny in Europe, and the prototype of the new car is already in the testing phase.
As seen in the spy photos taken by a foreign photographer, the next generation of the Suzuki Jimny will become larger in size, and it is very likely to adopt a “5-door” design, replacing the current two-door (three-door) style. From the exterior, this prototype vehicle has been adorned with camouflage prints, and the overall design is not significantly different from the existing Jimny, but there are still changes. It is understood – or from comparing the pictures – that the body structure of the new generation Jimny is also longer than the current version, with the updated wheelbase extending by about 300mm compared to the current version, while the body width and height remain unchanged, which is believed to be related to the construction of the “5-door” design.
In addition, the photographer also shared another interesting note about the shooting: this new car seems to produce no engine noise while driving. What does this mean? If true, it is clear that the new version of the Jimny will be an electric model. However, it is still unclear whether the existing 1.5L naturally aspirated inline-four engine will be supplemented with electric power to introduce a new generation of hybrid options, or if it will be completely replaced by an electric motor, transforming the Jimny into an electric version. What is certain is that these changes are due to Europe’s tightening emissions regulations for gasoline vehicles, and it is believed that whether hybrid or fully electric, both versions will improve the Jimny’s emissions issues in the future.
If you pay attention to the dynamics and market conditions of Jimny, you should have heard that last year there were reports in Japan that Suzuki planned to name the new car Jimny Long. Referring to the specifications and changes mentioned that day, it can also be inferred that the above is indeed Jimny Long. In fact, it is now rumored in Japan that Suzuki is studying a rugged version of the Jimny Long, with a focus on pure off-road positioning. As for the price, it is reported that with the addition of “5 doors” and hybrid changes, the new car will be about 300,000 yen more expensive than the three-door model.
Finally, of course, the debut date of the new car. It is understood that the Jimny Long is likely to appear before the end of the year, and it is temporarily expected that Suzuki will be the first to launch in Europe in 2023. As for car enthusiasts in Hong Kong, I believe they will have to wait patiently.
資料及圖片來源：Motor1.com
