The Suzuki Jimny is fast earning a reputation as the go-to canvas for ‘tribute’ models and styling packages, but the latest makeover reveals an interesting inspiration.
Styling kits for the Suzuki Jimny are nothing new, but the latest aesthetic overhaul for the compact 4x4 comes as an unusual choice.
Now, a firm called Garage Ill (that’s I-L-L) has introduced a version of the Jimny modelled after the Toyota HiLux Champ workhorse ute.
Unlike those aforementioned motoring icons, the HiLux Champ has only been in production for two years, and stranger still, has almost no recognition in Japan, with the model not being sold there by Toyota.
The styling kit, which Garage Ill calls the CH:AMP, gives the Jimny a new front end with square headlights, a boxy new grille insert, outboard orange marker lights, and an eight-slot grille, all modelled after Toyota’s low-cost workhorse.
Trainspotters will note that the real Champ uses a ten-slot grille and has some slightly different headlight detailing, but the inspiration for the styling kit is obvious.
The CH:AMP kit also includes a high-clearance front bumper and a pair of non-functional recovery hooks that aren’t a part of the HiLux Champ’s styling package.
The rest of the Jimny’s bodywork has been left untouched, as is common with the growing array of styling kits from other brands, leaving the bonnet, front guards, and other body panels untouched.
A two-tone finish, with a black roof, mirrors, window surround and wheel arch flares and a set of wide 15-inch alloy wheels and mud-terrain tyres, gives the compact Jimny a distinct look to set it apart from its original styling.
Pricing for the kit, before painting and fitting, starts from ¥JP360,800 ($AU3650), and Garage Ill also offers additional add-ons like LED fog lamps, a retro-style rear bumper, lowering springs and a sports exhaust shared with other styling kits the brand offers.
The interior is also offered with retro leather-look seat covers in brown or black with vintage-look bolsters and braided leather inserts and eyelets, which aren’t a Champ-specific upgrade, but come from Garage Ill’s Jet-Gogo range of accessories.
Along with the new Champ-inspired Kit, Garage Ill also offers a BRON55 styling kit to transform the Jimny into a modern Ford Bronco look-alike, and retro face packages for the Daihatsu Hijet kei truck.
Kez Casey migrated from behind spare parts counters to writing about cars over ten years ago. Raised by a family of automotive workers, Kez grew up in workshops and panel shops before making the switch to reviews and road tests for The Motor Report, Drive and CarAdvice.
