Suzuki previews all-new Jimny

Suzuki has previewed the all-new Jimny. The long-awaited SUV will go on sale in the UK in 2020 and be powered by the same range of 1.0-litre BoosterJet and 1.2 DualJet petrol engines as the Swift. Prices should start in the region of £12,500.

The boxy, upright design of the old Jimny has been carried over to the new model along, with tough plastic wheel arch claddings and a tailgate-mounted full size spare wheel. However, a new interior should address the refinement shortcomings of the old car and provide a low-cost alternative to the Defender, which was axed by Land Rover in 2016.  

As before, the Jimny is built on a lightweight ladder frame chassis with a low range transmission and lockable differential that should make it apt for tackling heavy mud, snow and sand. 

The petrol engines are expected to mirror the latest Swift, with the 111PS three-cylinder BoosterJet offered alongside the 90PS four-cylinder DualJet. There won't be any diesels, but a hybrid version could make it to the range. 

All models get a part-time four-wheel drive system that can be activated on the move, while a low set of gears should give the 2020 Jimny the same edge as its predecessor off-road.

Like the rest of the Suzuki range, standard equipment should be generous with all getting touchscreen navigation, DAB audio, reversing camera, air conditioning and alloy wheels as standard.