The Suzuki Jimny's been updated... in Japan

The Suzuki Jimny recently made a mildly triumphant return to UK showrooms. We say mildly because it’s as a commercial vehicle only and in severely limited numbers. It seems almost certain that the weeniest though hardiest member of Suzuki’s 4x4 has little future in Britain until a cleaner engine can slot up front.

Which means we’re highly unlikely to see the humongous tech leaps the updated Jimny has made, on Japanese shores at least. Believe it or not, it’s over three years since the wee Suzuki’s retro makeover. And lo, a facelift has landed.

One that’s sensibly not messed with the doe-eyed styling, but has simply Polyfilla’d a few cracks with little slivers of technology.

So there’s now – shock! – stop/start in traffic, though only if you go for the automatic. There are automatic headlights. A spare wheel cover is now standard-fit.

And that’s it. Mid-life updates get little tamer. But with Jimny demand consistently outstripping supply, Suzuki would have been foolish to fiddle too much with a successful formula. Oh, and if you really want the Jimny’s JDM ability rubbed in your face, prices start at the Yen equivalent of £9,800…

What's it like living with a Suzuki Jimny?