While manufacturers launch their beefy off-roaders onto the market with fanfares and expensive promotional campaigns, one little fire-cracker has been going about its business without any fuss.

That’s because the Suzuki Jimmy is a no-nonsense 4×4 that’s cheap as chips and full of fun.

And now a new model is coming to the UK next year and it’s quite the head-turner resembling a mini G-Class. It replaces the existing Jimny that has been around for 20 years, so it was about time the Japanese company came-up with a new take on a formula that has brought it 2.85 million sales worldwide since the first Jimny appeared in 1970.

Originally designed for Japan’s tax-friendly minicar market, the Jimny was the one and only four-wheel-drive model in its segment when it made its debut – and it was incredibly capable off-road.

Details of the new, 2019 version of the Jimny are fairly sparse at the moment but we do know that it will have a ladder frame, three-link, rigid axle suspension and part-time four-wheel-drive with a low range transfer gear.

The design is distinctly retro and squared off on the outside with slab sides and bulging wheel arch extensions, but the cockpit looks really upmarket and modern with a large infotainment touch screen built into the fascia.

Further details are expected later this summer ahead of the car’s Japanese launch with European and UK sales likely to begin next year.