√Mitsubishi, Nissan developing Suzuki Jimny rivals for 2024

The hot-selling Suzuki Jimny may soon have three-door rivals from Mitsubishi and Nissan – with the choice of petrol or electric power – according to a new report.

Mitsubishi may be developing a challenger to the three-door Suzuki Jimny for launch in 2024, according to a new report, twinned with a new model from Nissan.

Japanese publication Best Car reports Mitsubishi is leading the development of a new Suzuki Jimny-sized four-wheel drive, due in 2024 – which will be sold by its maker Mitsubishi, and Alliance partner Nissan, with minor styling differences.

Buyers of both versions will reportedly be able to choose from mild-hybrid petrol and full battery-electric powertrains – with the possibility for the model to eventually go electric – and the option of all-wheel drive (or four-wheel drive).

Mitsubishi’s version of the four-wheel drive will reportedly be known as the Pajero Mini, reviving a nameplate applied to a similar kei-class off-roader from 1994 to 2013.

The name of the Nissan version is not quoted in the report, though one option could be Kix – the badge used for Nissan’s version of the second-generation (and most recent) version of the Pajero Mini, launched in 1998.

As with the brands’ Japanese-market Dayz and eK ‘kei’ cars, the Mitsubishi and Nissan versions of the new mini SUV will be differentiated by “details” – suggesting front bumpers, wheel designs, headlights and badges.

Best Car doesn’t provide details of powertrains, however kei car regulations mandate an engine no larger than 660cc, developing up to 47kW. Mitsubishi and Nissan’s version of such a motor is available in turbocharged form in the eK and Dayz, offering 100Nm.

The Pajero Mini’s electric powertrain could come from the new Nissan Sakura and Mitsubishi eK X EV kei cars, pairing a (you guessed it) 47kW/195Nm electric motor and 20kWh battery for up to 180km of (lenient) claimed driving range.

The new Mitsubishi Pajero Mini – and its Nissan twin – will be sold in Japan from 2024, according to Best Car – however it remains to be seen if they will be offered in export markets such as Australia.

While Australia only gets one version of the Suzuki Jimny, Japanese buyers can opt for a modified version designed to meet kei car rules, with narrower wheel tracks, no black wheel arch flares, and road-oriented wheels and tyres (shown above).

The kei version also receives a 660cc, 47kW turbo engine in line with regulations, rather than the 1.5-litre four-cylinder of the wider Australian-market model – also known as the ‘Sierra’ in Japan.

It remains to be seen if a wider, larger-engined version of the new Pajero Mini (and its Nissan twin) are developed for markets such as Australia. Neither of the two original Pajero Mini generations (1994-98 and 1998-2013) were sold in Australia.

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