New Zealand gets bespoke Suzuki Jimny ute

Pick-up trucks are big business these days with the Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger and Mitsubishi Triton proving popular with buyers but what if you wanted something smaller (and cuter)? Meet the Suzuki Jimny ute!

Offered by Suzuki New Zealand, the Jimny ute conversion comes with a NZ$37,990 (A$37,270) price tag or NZ$12,000 (A$11,773) more than the base JX Manual trim the ute is based on in the country (Australian models start from A$25,990).

For the outlay, you get full factory warranty and decent workmanship. The mini-ute also retains the Jimny’s small footprint and front cabin, with its rear seats and boot swapped out for a small loading deck with collapsible sides. The modification sees a carpeted area behind the front seats to keep things tidy.

The interior is carried over from the regular Jimny, too, including its Bluetooth audio system, manual air-conditioning, urethane steering wheel and fabric seats.

Similarly, its 1.5-litre aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine producing 75kW and 130Nm continues to motivate the little ute. It is connected to a 5-speed manual and Suzuki’s Allgrip Pro dual range four-wheel drive system.

What do you think? Would you like to see the Jimny ute in Australia?