Most Americans miss out on some really interesting things. Fine, missing out on Kinder eggs is one thing, but missing out on some amazing cars is where we should draw the line.

Take for example the Suzuki Jimny - a pocket-size off-roader capable of treading where only a few would dare. After three generations and more than 2.25 million units sold since 1970, Suzuki finally revealed the first official photos of the fourth generation Jimny.

And, that only happened after some customers captured photos of the new Jimny at a Suzuki private event and published them online. An official live presentation is scheduled for the 2018 Paris Motor Show in October.

A Sweetheart of a Car

Updated for the first time in two decades, the 2019 Suzuki Jimny does not seem to care about automotive trends or the crossover craze. The Jimny stayed true to its original personage sporting the recognizable boxy shape even in the 21st century. It has been only subtly tweaked conforming to the new age reverence for retro style.

It is cute, adorable, and charming in a way only a small off-roader can be. And, if you make an effort, you can see some hints of the new G-class styling on it. This is a freaking baby G-class. Love!

While obviously ecstatically quirky, the Suzuki Jimny is actually a no-nonsense, off-roader with some proper gear to support its shenanigans. Still tight-lipped about the new Jimny tech, Suzuki did honor us with a few important tidbits about the car.

It Will Finally Get Some Refinement Inside

Up until this point, the Jimny was rather spartan inside. Perhaps even too spartan. Luckily, the new-generation model will keep that rugged ambient, but will also benefit from several touches, some of which were picked up from the Ignis Supermini. First of all, it will get a screen and some buttons on the center of the dashboard. But, do not expect any plush materials, soft rubbery plastics, or a myriad of creature comforts inside. The Jimny has to remain affordable, and it’s better to achieve this by ditching luxury than by making cuts related to the off-road tech.

Nevertheless, Suzuki did provide some personalization options. Five, single-tone colors are available - Jungle Green, Bluish Black Pearl, Medium Gray, Silky Silver Metallic, and Superior White. Three two-tone finishes are also available - Kinetic Yellow, Jimny Brisk Blue Metallic, and Chiffon Ivory Metallic. Not that you would care to scratch any of it, of course. The Jimny will simply make you find some problems. Its overhangs are miniscule making for very “off-roady” approach and departure angles. The seating position is high, as is the engine position. Can’t be too careful with it, can you? After all, Jimny doesn’t want you to stop if you see a puddle. Or a river!

Little Power but It's More than Plenty

First of all, it will remain a body-on-frame design, offering a substantial advantage compared to any similar car on the Western car markets, not that I could think of one. With a ladder-frame chassis and beam axles in the front and rear, Suzuki coupled part-time four-wheel drive with a low-range transfer case. Just in case you need that extra control and capability when trying to out-perform a custom Jeep Wrangler in Moab. And, believe me when I say it - this thing will deliver.

And, it will do so with none other than a freaking 1.2-liter engine. The Japanese did not confirm the integration of the small four-cylinder from the Ignis as of yet, but it is one of the more obvious options for the Jimny. With 89 horsepower and 89 pound-feet of torque, this engine might not be thrillingly powerful but, as many times before, it will get the job done. Apart from the small, naturally aspirated unit, the Jimny may actually get a three-cylinder: 1.0-liter Boosterjet. This one churns out 109 horsepower for the Suzuki Swift. Both units could be coupled with a five-speed manual transmission and, probably, with a four-speed automatic.

No love for the U.S.

Unfortunately, the new Suzuki Jimny won’t be joining the American car market. Suzuki does not sell any of it cars here, but even if it did, I have no doubt that the new Jimny would not be offered. The rest of the world will be able to get the Jimny later this year, probably a few weeks upon completion of the 2018 Paris Motor Show. Some of the previous iterations were offered with RWD, so it would not be surprising to see the Jimny offered with an RWD system again. Just for fun!

Further reading

Read more Suzuki news.

Read more Paris Auto Show news.