Suzuki’s Coolest Jimny Yet Is a Cruel Reminder That the Best SUVs Never Make It to America

A throwback ’70s-inspired treatment makes the forbidden SUV even more frustratingly tempting.

suzuki suv against a colorful retro backdropSuzuki

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As Americans, we lead a pretty privileged life. There’s really not a whole lot we can legitimately complain about without getting eye-rolls from many other corners of the world. But there are some aspects of being an American that are undoubtedly annoying. Depending on how into 4x4s you are, the fact that the Suzuki Jimny SUV is not available to U.S. consumers may rank at the top of the list.

The Jimny — a quirky yet endearing diminutive off-roader — left the U.S. market with the rest of Suzuki’s automotive lineup back in 2012, and its continued inaccessibility is a sore spot among a certain sect of car enthusiasts. Now, as if to taunt us further, Suzuki has launched what might just be the coolest and most desirable Jimny variant I’ve ever seen in the new Jimny XL Heritage.

Retro Cars Down Under

The new vehicle is a retro version of the Jimny XL, which itself is a bigger version of the standard Jimny that has a longer wheelbase and five doors instead of three. The special edition is called “Heritage” because of its old-school aesthetics inspired by the Jimnys of the 1970s, ’80s and ’90s, including orange-and-red striped decals, red mudflaps and a Heritage cargo tray.

Outside of the stylistic changes, it’s the same Jimny XL, which means you’re getting Suzuki’s ALLGRIP PRO 4×4 system, a 9″ touchscreen infotainment center with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 1.5L I4 engine tied to a five-speed manual transmission. (Unlike on the standard Jimny XL, there’s no automatic option on the Heritage.)

suzuki jimny suv seen from the sideSuzuki

When it comes to availability, the Jimny XL Heritage is even harder for Americans to get than a standard Jimny. Just 500 examples of the vehicle are being produced across five colorways, and they’re available exclusively to buyers in Australia. Suzuki Australia previously released a similar Heritage version of the standard three-door Jimny which sold out in just two days, so expect a similar buying frenzy when the XL becomes available.

If you happen to be in Australia and have got 36,490 AUD burning a hole in your pocket — that’s only around $24,000 USD, per Motor 1, making its unavailability sting even more — then register your interest at Suzuki Australia now for your chance to buy.

suzuki jimny suvSuzuki

Suzuki Jimny XL Heritage

A retro version of Suzuki’s five-door cult-favorite SUV, this Australian exclusive receives cosmetic touches like retro decals and red mud flaps to go along with its standard stick shift.

Specs

Drivetrain 1.5L four-cylinder engine, all-wheel drive, five-speed manual transmission
Horsepower 101
Torque 96 lb-ft

Pros

  • Awesome throwback retro looks
  • It's a Jimny, but bigger!
  • Super affordable

Cons

  • Low horsepower and torque
  • Not available in the U.S.
  • Very limited production
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