2022 Suzuki Jimny ute takes shape? Long-wheelbase test mule could form underpinnings of tiny Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux rival

Suzuki has been caught testing a new, long-wheelbase (LWB) version of its Jimny off-roader, which could form the basis of the rumoured ute version and offer buyers a budget-friendly alternative to the Toyota HiLux and Ford ranger.

The longer wheelbase Jimny is also likely to be used for the long-mooted five-door version of the diminutive SUV, but Suzuki is still playing its cards close to its chest in regards to plans for the future of its popular model.

Last year, reports surfaced that a five-door Jimny would go on sale in 2022, with Suzuki’s Indian production facility gearing up to produce the larger SUV from July this year.

This would line up with the just-surfaced spy shots showing an SUV with clearly larger dimensions and camouflage that could be hiding a set of rear doors.

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Australia has its hand up to expand the Jimny line-up too, telling local media that “if it’s available to us, we will take it”.

The LWB Jimny could also be easily spun off into a ute body style by simply removing the rear seats and adding a tray.

Several car-modifying firms around the world have already taken the hacksaw to the three-door Jimny to build their own diminutive ute, but an official offering from Suzuki could be a big hit in the ute-hungry Australian market.

Last year, Suzuki Europe was forced to drop the Jimny from sale due to tightening emissions regulations, and was forced to reclassify the nameplate as a light-commercial vehicle by deleting the rear seats to offer more load-lugging capability.

As such, a pick-up version of the LWB Jimny could also be offered in Europe and across the world amid the sudden boom in smaller utes, led by the Hyundai Santa Cruze, Ford Maverick and Fiat Strada.

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Either way, the new version of the Jimny – whether a five-door or ute – is expected to employee a carryover 1.5-litre petrol engine, which outputs 75kW/135Nm to all four wheels.

Similarly, the five-speed manual and four-speed auto options are expected to also carryover from the existing car, as is the low-range transfer case and hill-control functionality to add in the Jimny’s off-road ability.

But expect to also pay more for the five-door and/or ute Jimny, as the current three-door iteration opens at $25,990 before on-road costs for the manual and moves up to $27,990 for the automatic.

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