Suzuki Jimny 3-Door to return in 2026

SUZUKI Australia’s long “production pause” on its Japanese-built Jimny 3-Door compact SUV ends soon with the arrival of a more ADR compliant model fitted with extra safety kit next February accompanied by a price rise of between $500 and $1500 (see table below).

The larger Indian-built Jimny XL 5-Door was also withdrawn from sale earlier this year for a month due to an undisclosed “operational error” quickly dealt with by head office in Japan at the end of August when it reappeared in dealerships.

Speculation as to the reason for the 5-Door stop-sales order centred on “quality, safety, performance and compliance concerns” surrounding the Indian factory where the model is manufactured.

As reported previously in GoAuto, after an unsurprisingly favourable (self) investigation outcome Suzuki Australia’s general manager Michael Pachota said, “Following a thorough investigation, Suzuki Motor Corporation has concluded that there are no concerns regarding quality, safety performance, or compliance with regulations for this model”.

The 3-Door Jimny was not subjected to an investigation as per the 5-Door as it was withdrawn for ADR related issues and not something else.

The updated Jimny 3-Door 4x4 comprises two models, Jimny and Jimny Lite the former available with five-speed manual or optional four-speed automatic transmission, possibly the last of its kind in existence.

Suzuki Australia this week confirmed the tiddler’s return “with a host of key updates focused on safety, technology, and driver convenience”.

“Both Jimny 3-Door variants …will benefit from these enhancements, delivering more modern features while staying true to the model’s rugged, retro appeal,” Suzuki Australia said in a statement.

Key new features on Jimny Lite include a 7.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

The Jimny gains a 9.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, front and rear parking sensors, dual sensor brake support II, lane departure prevention, and adaptive cruise control.

During its hiatus, Suzuki initiated further changes to the 3-Door Jimny in the process retiring redundant tech like its CD player that made the diminutive fourbie one of the last new vehicles in Australia have one.

“We’re excited to be reintroducing the updated Jimny to Australian roads for 2026,” added Mr Pachota.

“Our customers are incredibly passionate about this model, and the new safety and connectivity updates make it even more appealing.

“The Jimny has always stood out as an iconic, capable, and authentic 4x4.”

The Jimny has a been available Down Under for more than 50 years earning a reputation in some quarters as the ultimate compact 4x4 – small in size, big in personality, and unstoppable in capability.

The model’s nostalgic retro styling rings a bell with many new generation buyers as do its lightweight agility, and uncompromising toughness to the point where it has developed a cult following around the world.

Here, this spirit is so strong that it’s inspired an unofficial tradition known as ‘Jimny Law’ where owners, when parking, are compelled to park next to any other Jimny they spot.

And at a more pecuniary level, the Jimny continues to prove its profound market desirability exemplified in the 2025 Automotive Insight Reports (AIR), compiled by AutoGrab and the Australian Automotive Dealer Association.

The pair placed Jimny at the top of the SUV segment in retained value with two- to four-year old used Jimny sales achieving some of the strongest resale results in the industry and continuing to do so … a testament to its enduring demand and unmatched ownership appeal.

2026 Suzuki Jimny 3-door pricing*

*Pricing excludes on-road costs.