Suzuki iM-4 Concept Confirmed for Production

Remember the Suzuki iM-4 Concept we saw earlier this year at the 2015 Geneva motor show? It was shown alongside the iK-2 Concept. Well, according to a recent report from Automotive Express, Suzuki executives have finally given the official go-ahead for production. That means the 4×4 crossover concept will hit the market in production form either at the end of 2017 or at the beginning of 2018, offered as a 2018 MY in both cases.

As a quick refresher course, the iM-4 Concept we saw in Geneva had a number of cool features that we hope to see in the eventual production model. For one, the retro-styled design is actually very eye-catching, and we hope to see the concept’s quirky aesthetic carried over to production. The concept was shown in Geneva with a new 1.2L DUALJET engine and an all-new platform unique to any other Suzuki models. It also used a SHVS hybrid system, but AE said that a hybrid production model isn’t guaranteed.

In the meantime, Suzuki plans to roll out a new Suzuki Swift and Suzuki Swift Sport for the 2017MY, although a definite launch date hasn’t been set. All we know is that they’ll be much like today’s Swift models, but lighter and with a bit more oomph in the Sport model. These cars will NOT be based on the iK-2 Concept though… The iK-2 will come to market as a slightly longer hatch to appease the consistent customer complaints of the Swift not having enough rear legroom.

Japanese Car Auction Find – 2015 Suzuki Jimny

Interestingly, we’d suspected that the iM-4 may come to market as a replacement for the near-twenty year-old Suzuki Jimny. Turns out, Suzuki is planning to launch a new generation of the Jimny sometime in the next few years, but it the iM-4 won’t be that car. Instead, the new Jimny will maintain the same customer intent as the current one – a back-to-basics off-road-ready crossover built on a ladder chassis and AWD.

To give you an idea of what that might look like, what we see here is a 2015 Suzuki Jimny in literally perfect condition. The seats are even wrapped, with only 3 km on the odometer.

It’s easy to see what makes the Jimny so appealing… It’s rugged, clean and extremely capable. This particular Jimny is one of the kei car variants, which means it runs on a small, highly efficient 660cc engine.

With well-rounded interior amenities, a surprising amount of cabin space, a ruggedly retro look and some stylish custom wheels, this auction find is one worth bookmarking. Get more details via the auction sheet translation below:

Grade S, interior A, first registered January 2015, Jimny Land Venture model, 5-speed manual, AC, ABA emissions code, dual airbags, ABS, 4WD, electrical retraction mechanism on mirrors, heated mirrors, indicator door mirrors, keyless entry, smoked glass windows, special chrome grill, original alloy wheels, power steering, power windows, ABS, airbag, no stereo fitted, part-time 4WD, special water repellant seats with heaters, special seat covers, leather steering wheel (with stereo switches), special dark silver alloy wheels, front under decorative part, LED ring fog lights, marks as per map