New Suzuki Jimny 2020 converted to baby ute to rival Toyota HiLux

Tired of waiting for Suzuki to make a ute out of its tiny Jimny off-roader?

Shropshire Quads might have the answer for you, converting the light SUV into a rugged workhorse complete with steel tray.

The family-run business located near Birmingham in the UK specialises in utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) for farming and agricultural use, but has also dabbled in old and new Jimny ute conversions.

“We felt that there was a niche gap in the agriculture/land management sector for a small lightweight pick-up with more creature comforts and reliability than your usual UTVs,” the firm’s website said.

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“We now convert quality, low mileage Suzuki Jimny’s to pick-ups using the best quality, factory designed and manufactured components.

“We hope you agree that we offer the best Suzuki Jimny Pickup on the market.”

Shropshire Quads do all the work on site, starting with the cutting and removal of the rear quarter.

A polymer coating is then sprayed to the bare metal of the interior to waterproof the interior for use without carpets before the metal rear bulkhead with heated rear screen is attached with plastic side mouldings for a ‘factory’ look.

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The rear tray is made from stainless steel and aluminium “with quality tailgate latches that eliminate any rattle”, according to the firm.

The conversion won't come cheap however, with Shropshire Quads asking £7000 ($A13,278) before tax to get the job done, though given its base of operations in the UK, it likely won’t be able to service Australian customers.

For reference, the Jimny starts at £19,249 in the UK, while it's available at $23,990 before on-road costs in Australia.

However, a similar conversion program could be introduced locally by an Australian converter.

Powering the new Jimny ute is a carryover 1.5-litre petrol engine outputting 75kW/130Nm, which is paired to either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic.

Drive is sent to all four wheels with a selectable four-wheel-drive system.