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Meet the Jeep Wrangler's tiny Japanese doppelganger, the Suzuki Jimny

We're all eagerly anticipating the 2018 Jeep Wrangler, but it's not the only two-door, body-on-frame off-roader coming out in the near future. Suzuki has its own on the way by the name of Jimny (no, that's not a typo). Long ago, we received the Jimny here in the United States as the eminently capable, though tipsy, Samurai. The Samurai was followed here by the more civilized Sidekick/Tracker, which eventually took on its original name of Vitara. But overseas, the rugged, truck-like Samurai survived as the Jimny. This newest version looks to retain much of its predecessors' capability. In addition to the body-on-frame chassis, it features a solid rear axle. Odds are that it will continue to offer a part-time four-wheel-drive system with a low-range, as with the current one. We can't quite tell if it will still have a solid front axle, though. Styling-wise, the new Jimny does seem to have tougher, chunkier looks than the current one, pictured above. The corners have been squared up, and hard creases added to the flanks. The wheel wells are now more square and look to have bigger flares. We're also noticing some retro touches such as the roof that isn't flush with the rest of the body. The taillights mounted in the rear bumper are also reminiscent of the old Samurai. As nifty as the little Jimny is, we can safely say that we won't be getting it here — Suzuki doesn't sell cars here anymore. But even if Suzuki were still operating in the U.S., we probably wouldn't get the Jimny. It would probably be too crude for most buyers, and it could be tricky to get it to pass safety regulations. Its tall, narrow shape also could be rollover prone, and Suzuki wouldn't want to go through another rollover controversy. But hey, in roughly 25 years, you can import one of these if you really want. Related Video: Featured Gallery Suzuki Jimny spy shots View 11 Photos Image Credit: CarPix, Suzuki Spy Photos Suzuki SUV Economy Cars Off-Road Vehicles suzuki jimny

Suzuki Baleno set for Frankfurt debut [w/video]

Suzuki is following up the introduction of the compact iK-2 concept at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show with the debut of a production version called the Baleno at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show. Beyond some tweaks to the design of the headlights and taillights, the shapes of the chunky, five-door hatchbacks are practically identical. It goes on sale in the UK next summer. The Baleno rides on Suzuki's next-gen platform that's lighter and more rigid than before, and under the hood, there's the Japanese brand's new Boosterjet engine. Despite the high-flying name, it's just a 1.0-liter, direct injected and turbocharged mill. In Geneva, the company also mentioned that a mild hybrid version would be offered. Suzuki is dropping bigger details about the little car in Germany. Until then, the teaser video below provides brief glimpses at the front and rear of the Baleno. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. SUZUKI BALENO HATCHBACK TO DEBUT AT THE 66TH IAA FRANKFURT MOTOR SHOW The all new Baleno, an ideal hatchback from compact car expert Suzuki is set to make its world premiere at the 66th IAA Frankfurt Motor Show.* The debut of the full production version follows on from the iK-2 Concept seen at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year. The Baleno harmoniously combines stylish design, spacious interior and new technologies. These new technologies include the first application of the newly Suzuki developed 1.0-litre BOOSTERJET direct injection turbocharged petrol engine that saves fuel while delivering driving pleasure. Fuel efficiency has been improved by reducing engine displacement; output and torque are boosted by using a turbocharger. In addition to fulfilling fuel efficiency and dynamic performance expectations, the layout has been optimised and various technologies used to reduce weight in order to meet the rigorous size and weight requirements specific to compact cars. The new Baleno will be launched in the UK early next Summer. Further details of the Baleno will be disclosed at the Suzuki press conference at the Frankfurt Motor show. The conference will be held at 1.15pm on Tuesday 15th September. We look forward to welcoming you on stand B12 in Hall 9.0. Learn more at http://www.globalsuzuki.com/iaa2015/, a special Baleno website. *At Messe Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main; press days 15-16 September, public days 17-27 September.

Suzuki Jimny displays Samurai spirit in Japanese snowstorm

Say what you will about its smallest SUVs, but you have to hand it to Suzuki: the likes of the Samurai, Sidekick and Vitara were doing the little-sport-ute-that-could thing long before most of the rest of the industry caught on. And the formula remains relevant enough that Suzuki is still selling the same basic Samurai overseas as the Jimny.
That could be why the Samurai still has something of a cult following. Well, that and the name - which, as it turns out, may not have been such a stretch after all. A Samurai warrior, after all, was just one man - but like any other knight, he was worth more than his headcount on the battlefield. Or in this case, a Japanese snowstorm. Just watch the half-minute video below to see what we mean.