LOOK: 2023 Suzuki Jimny 5-door is happening

Suzuki is still busy testing the long wheelbase Jimny

Back in March 2021, we first saw what appeared to be a prototype five-door version of the Suzuki Jimny. Despite wearing a camouflage livery, it's clear that this particular Jimny has a longer wheelbase and what appears to be a false panel that will hold the rear passenger doors.

With Suzuki already busy testing a prototype, we originally thought that we were mere months away before its official launch. Unfortunately, it seems Suzuki is still busy working on the supposed five-door Jimny.

Fast forward to July 2022, and spy photographers were able to spot another camouflaged Jimny being tested somewhere in Europe. But unlike the previous sighting which only saw the mini 4x4 come with a longer wheelbase, the new prototype that was recently spotted now comes with the doors for the rear passengers. The indicator is the presence of grip levers for the rear doors on the driver's side that can be spotted even with camo. 

Despite the livery still hiding most of the vehicle, it's quite apparent that this Jimny gets additional glass on its side, particularly for the rear passenger doors. It also lacks the spare tire carrier at the back although that might have just been temporarily removed for the sake of testing.

As far as its shape is concerned, the five-door Jimny will still look like the regular 3-door version. However, we might see some changes inside the high-riding Suzuki. Based on the interior spy photos, it appears the five-door Jimny might get a larger touchscreen although this is most likely part of a mid-cycle refresh. After all, the new-generation Jimny made its global debut way back in 2018 and it's due for an update.

Size-wise, the five-door version will reportedly still measure less than 4 meters in length. Meanwhile, the wheelbase will supposedly come in at 2550mm which will be more than double what the three-door Jimny has.

Under the hood, expect the long-wheelbase (LWB) Jimny to continue to be powered by a 1.5-liter K15 four-cylinder engine. However, we won't be surprised if Suzuki will update the engine to come with electrification for the extra get-up and go, as well as fewer emissions. We're also hoping that it will now come with a 6-speed automatic transmission instead of the older 4-speed.

With Suzuki still testing the five-door Jimny, it might be a while before the new 4x4 is officially launched. We'll be keeping our eyes peeled for any more info and pictures.

Source: Carscoops.com