Yorkshire-based Twisted Automotive, known for their modified Land Rover Defenders, announced a new project based on the Suzuki Jimny. The tuner will endow the tiny off-roader with a series of visual, interior, and mechanical upgrades, for a limited number of build slots.
This is the first time in its 21-year history that Twisted Automotive makes a full conversion of anything else than a Land Rover Defender. Charles Fawcett, Founder and Managing Director of Twister, described the Suzuki Jimny as a “pure, proper little off-roader” adding that it is “almost a miniature Defender with similar architecture, driveline, and analog feel”.
The company published previewed their build nicknamed “Little Twisted” with two teasers. In both cases, the vehicles ride on aftermarket alloy wheels shod in off-road tires and appear to have a lifted suspension. One has a vivid yellow livery with black stripes on the side. The other is silver with gray stickers but also features a body-colored grille, gray-painted fenders, and a roof rack by off-road specialist Front Runner which will supply the accessories.
Read: Twisted Automotive Ready To Modify 16 Classic Defender 110s It’s Been Sitting On Since 2016
Specific details of the model will be announced later in 2023, but Twisted’s CEO revealed that their Jimny will offer “a more engaging handling and power delivery, utilizing our Twisted wheel and tire package along with honed progressive suspension. It will benefit from extensive soundproofing, upgraded media interface, audio system and our signature custom interior”. All these modifications – including chassis and performance tweaks – justify the “full conversion” moniker used by the company, improving on the weak spots of the Jimny.
Twister’s Suzuki Jimny will be based on the two-seater LCV with the naturally-aspirated 1.5-liter engine, the 5-speed manual transmission and the AllGrip Pro 4WD system, which is the only available option in Europe and the UK. However, the tuner admitted that “additional variants haven’t been ruled out” for the future, likely hinting at the upcoming Jimny facelift. This will be offered in three-door and five-door guises with a cleaner electrified powertrain allowing the passenger version to return, while Suzuki has also confirmed a fully electric trim.
Twisted is already accepting reservations for the “limited number of build slots” with an indicative pricing right below the £50,000 ($62,000) mark before taxes. This number is much higher than the entry price of a stock Suzuki Jimny but sounds like a bargain next to Twisted’s pricey Land Rover Defender builds. Furthermore, the tuner will also offer various accessories for existing Jimny owners that want to upgrade their vehicles.
