Daihatsu Prepares SUV To Compete With Suzuki Jimny

Suzuki Jimny 4x4. (Doc. Global Suzuki)

JAKARTA - Daihatsu is rumored to be presenting a small SUV-style vehicle to rival the reliable Suzuki Jimny 4x4 on the off-road track.

The car is said to have stiffness and a design that almost resembles the Suzuki Jimny 4x4. However, the unnamed model does not necessarily have a four-wheel drive system.

Reporting from Best Car, Monday, November 27, the car is likely to use the Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA) platform which was developed by the Japanese manufacturer himself. The vehicle manufacturer has used DNGA in its small SUV, namely Taft, which had competed with the iconic mini off-road car.

The publication claims the little Daihatsu SUV will have compatible driving performance on urban roads and rough roads, with its body featuring wild and tough designs.

It is likely that the new model will use the same four-wheel drive system as Taft, but this has not been confirmed regarding other details such as machinery, specifications, and costs for the model.

The Jimny competitor is likely to carry the same 658 cc 3-cylinder engine as Taft. However, it is possible that this car will receive a 1.5 liter 4-cylinder engine thanks to the qualified DNGA platform.

Meanwhile, Suzuki Jimny is currently equipped with a K15B 1.5 liter VVT naturally-assisted 4-cylinder engine which produces 100 dk of power and a 130 Nm torque that transmits power through transmission of four automatic accelerations and a four-wheel drive system (4WD).