ZUKIWORLD Online | Suzuki 4x4 Editorial and Forum

ZUKIWORLD Discussion Forum => Suzuki 4x4 Forum => Topic started by: Drone637 on April 20, 2010, 04:03:07 PM

Title: VW Jimny
Post by: Drone637 on April 20, 2010, 04:03:07 PM
Apparently VW is looking into re-badging the Jimny as a light duty 4x4 to aim for markets that VW does not have a foot-hold in.  One of the possible markets is North America.

http://www.automobilemag.com/features/news/1004_volkswagen_suzuki_establishing_new_low_cost_connection/index.html (http://www.automobilemag.com/features/news/1004_volkswagen_suzuki_establishing_new_low_cost_connection/index.html)

Interesting though, isn't it?  Suzuki might also get a range of VW diesels to put in their existing vehicles.  For those who don't know VW purchased 20% of Suzuki earlier this year in order to break into the Indian and small car market.  Maruti Suzuki currently has over a 50% market share in the Indian auto market.
Title: Re: VW Jimny
Post by: wildgoody on April 20, 2010, 07:08:58 PM
Hmm, that could get interesting, I hope they use some of that new found
engineering to improve the Suzuki truck line and not dumb it down
Title: Re: VW Jimny
Post by: Rhinoman on April 21, 2010, 12:33:47 AM
The Jimny is already sold with a 1.5 turbo diesel on mainland Europe and in other markets. Currently it has a Peugeot/Renault engine. I assume that the tie up with VW will mean that the Pug engine will be dropped in the same way that Suzuki dropped the MazdaTD engine when Ford took a share in Mazda.
Title: Re: VW Jimny
Post by: blacktrack99 on April 21, 2010, 04:41:49 PM
I would be the first person on my block to buy a Jimny/Jimny based vehicle if it comes to the US.  Wife says she'll part with her Civic Si if it comes, but we're certainly not holding our breath.
Title: Re: VW Jimny
Post by: bentparts on April 22, 2010, 04:06:08 AM
Bring on the Diesels!
Title: Re: VW Jimny
Post by: heiney.5 on April 22, 2010, 08:38:39 AM
that would be nice to see the Jimny platform in the States. I never understood why smaller cars arent accepted, or atleast not successful here. I know I would consider buying the Jimny, and would probably be first on the list if it has a diesel.

I don't know if you seen the recent story on Pirate, they mentioned the Jimny as being fun and show this pic.
(http://www.pirate4x4.com/gallery/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=120148&g2_serialNumber=4)

I really like the style of this little suzuki. Hopefully VW follows through.
Title: Re: VW Jimny
Post by: Rhinoman on April 22, 2010, 11:27:38 AM
The current Jimny is a 12 year old vehicle so I would be surprised if they rebadged that. There ought to be a new one along soon, I always thought the the X-head thing looked like it was being mooted as the replacement.
Title: Re: VW Jimny
Post by: Drone637 on April 22, 2010, 11:31:36 AM
There is a new model planned in 2011 or 2012, that is the one they are looking at.  :)
Title: Re: VW Jimny
Post by: blacktrack99 on April 22, 2010, 06:22:43 PM
There will be no problems with acceptance in the off-road community.  Consumer Reports be damned.  I'm always thrilled at the number of Sami's that come out to big events considering there hasn't been a new Samurai sold in the US in almost 15 years.

Dear ASMC,
     Do you want to see your North American market share grow again?  Give me something w/ a solid axle again.  Rebadged Nissan trucks don't count.
Title: Re: VW Jimny
Post by: keith on April 22, 2010, 08:08:36 PM
It looks like even in Europe they only make a hardtop version anymore.  I'd want the softop version.
Title: Re: VW Jimny
Post by: Bobthebiker on April 22, 2010, 08:22:40 PM
This I would totally buy if they offered a soft top model.    call me nuts but I want no power steering, no ac, and just the minimalist approach like the sammy has, and a solid axle up front.   diesel in that would be icing on the cake to me, and I'd totally sell a kidney to own it.