Suzuki refreshed the Jimny range in 2005, seven years after the new model’s initial introduction, which replaced the older and trustworthy Samurai range.
The Jimny was the smallest rough off-roader on the market. It was the only car of its size that sported a body-on-frame construction with rigid axles both front and rear. Even though the carmaker built it with coil-springs, it wasn’t a comfortable partner on the road but a serious contender on a trail. By 2005, Suzuki had to refresh the car to comply with the Euro 4 emission regulations.

Suzuki showed the world that a boxy-looking vehicle doesn’t necessarily mean an ugly car. Despite its flat panels, very appreciated for off-road, the Jimny looked balanced. It was built in a closed or open-top version. For the hard-top version, the car featured unusual-shaped rear side windows. The side-hinged door sported the spare wheel at the back since there was not enough room inside the car to keep it.

Suzuki tried to offer as much comfort as possible for a vehicle light with front and rear live-axles for the interior. There were two bucket seats and a plastic dashboard, which could have been washed with a garden hose. There was a bench for two in the back, but those two had to be very good friends since the car was very narrow. As for the trunk, it was large enough for a two-people tent and two sleeping bags.

Under the hood, Suzuki installed a new 1.3-liter engine with variable valve-timing that provided five more ponies than the non-facelifted version. A 1.5-liter turbo-diesel was also an option. Both of them were paired to a 5-speed manual, and there was no automatic option.