Pick-up trucks like the Toyota Hilux,
Mitsubishi Triton and Ford Ranger are popular options for those in the market
for such vehicles, but they can be rather large for some to handle. If you want
something smaller, Suzuki New Zealand may have the perfect ute for
you.
The company is offering a truck conversion
for the Jimny for the price of NZ$ 37,990, which is a cool NZ$ 12,000 more than the base JX Manual trim the ute is based on. In fact, the
Jimny ute is the most expensive option in the line-up, as it costs even more
than the range-topping Sierra Auto Two Tone variant that retails at NZ$ 29,990.
For the money, you get an official factory
warranty and rather good workmanship. The ute retains most of the Jimny’s small
footprint, but gets its rear axed to make room for a small loading deck with
collapsible sides. There’s also a caged partition just behind the cabin, with a
carpeted area behind the front seats to keep things neat and tidy.
As this is based on the entry-level JX
Manual variant, you don’t get luxuries like LED headlamps or alloy wheels.
Instead, the utility-focused vehicle is fitted with halogen lights and black
steel wheels instead. The interior retains the same dashboard as a regular
Jimny, and includes a Bluetooth-enabled radio head unit, manual
air-conditioning, a urethane steering wheel and fabric seats.
Under the bonnet, there is still a 1.5
litre four-cylinder petrol engine with 100 hp and 130 Nm of torque, with drive
going to all four wheels via a five-speed manual and Suzuki’s Allgrip Pro 4WD
system.
Previous generations of the Jimny have
been offered with a chassis cab configuration in the past, and the latest one
looks to continue that tradition. Of course, the price tag isn’t the cheapest
when compared to proper pick-up trucks that can offer better towing and
carrying capabilities, but if you want something unique and quirky, the Jimny
ute is a good bet.
