The Suzuki Jimny, a compact off-road vehicle celebrated for its rugged design and versatility, continues to captivate drivers worldwide.

Despite its compact dimensions, this vehicle impresses with its unique mix of retro and rugged design cues, coupled with the latest 1.5-liter petrol engine that powers it. Its four-wheel-drive system stands out as a strong selling point, underlining Jimny's formidable off-road capabilities.

Despite its off-road prowess, the Jimny's light steering and small turning radius make it a surprisingly nimble vehicle in city traffic conditions.

However, the Jimny is not without its quirks.

The interior design leans toward the basic and utilitarian, with a dashboard and instrument console that may seem outdated to some. The compact size of the vehicle, while beneficial for maneuverability, leads to a rather cramped interior space.

Furthermore, the stiff suspension setup can make for a harsh ride quality, which could prove uncomfortable during long journeys.

Depending on how one plans to use it though, these things might actually be a plus for the capable little off-roader.

Interestingly, a new chapter is on the horizon for the Suzuki Jimny.

The company recently unveiled a new 5-door model of the Jimny, marking a significant expansion of the vehicle's design. This new model retains much of the aesthetic appeal of its predecessor but with some crucial additions and changes.

While the local 3-door Jimny went back to calling Japan its production home, the new Maruti Suzuki 5-door Jimny is built in India.

The most significant change is, of course, the addition of two extra doors, increasing length, wheelbase and weight.

The new model also features a new touchscreen infotainment system (offered in 7 and 9-inch sizes), which adds a layer of modern tech to the vehicle's interior.

The new Jimny also comes packed with safety features like up to 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, Brake Limited Slip Differential, Hill Hold Control, Hill Descent Control, and Brake Assist, some of which are available in the 3-door version as well.

Given these updates, the new 5-door Jimny is expected to garner significant attention from consumers, potentially impacting future sales figures for the 3-door model.

Recent data indicate that the Philippine market Jimny continues to maintain a steady demand.

There are a sizable number of them on Manila's roads, and the model's popularity among the off-roading crowd is steadily rising.

Based on information we gathered from Suzuki Philippines, there is still a small issue with supplying said demand for the 3-door.

Given its popularity and the market's desire for the 3-door version, will an India-sourced 5-door version be a good move for our market if priced properly?

While the Suzuki Jimny has cemented its reputation as a compact and competent off-roader, the introduction of the new 5-door variant is set to push the boundaries of what this beloved vehicle can offer.

Hopefully, the Philippine launch of the 5-door happens within the year, so make sure to watch this space for continuing updates.