[Darius]

Although the winner of the 2019 World Car Design of the Year award wont be announced until April 17th, the E Pace has secured itself in a top 5 position. The other cars that it is competing against include the Citroen C5 Aircross, Jaguar I Pace, Suzuki Jimny and Volvo XC40. Some steep competition but making it this far is already a good accomplishment. https://autofile.ca/en-ca/auto-articles/top-auto-designers-choose-best-new-designs-for-2019

 

[Surge]

This category has now been narrowed down to the top three. Jaguar I-Pace, Suzuki Jimny and Volvo XC40. I'm a little surprised to see Suzuki here, but the new design of the Jimny is pretty cool looking. Its got a lackluster powertrain though imo.

 

[Darius]

The Jimny would still quite well in NA, even with its smaller engine. Plenty of people looking for a cheaper and more reliable alternative to the new Wrangler. Some aftermarket tuning could provide some decent gains too.

 

[JagMan]

Unfortunately its design isn't appealing enough to pull in buyers from other automakers. The cabin alone has a lot of areas to be addressed.

 

[Surge]

The Jimny is an off roader for those on a budget. With its incredibly cheap starting price, of course its going to be lacking the bells and whistles found on other models in the segment. Its a utility vehicle, first and foremost.

 

[JagMan]

Too bad Suzuki is just keeping it to limited markets which would be great in others like North America where demand has been proven with models like the Jeep Wrangler. Its only growing more with models like the upcoming Gladiator that take after the Jeep Wrangler.

 

[Surge]

The upcoming Ford Bronco is going this route too as there have been some design patents that suggest it will have a removable top and doors alike the Wrangler. Not sure why no one wants to capitalize on the huge FCA reliability concerns that are out there.

 

[JagMan]

I'm actually interested in seeing what that Ford Mach SUV will look like come production.

Spin off's of compact and mid-size versions like what Jaguar did is possible.

 

[MWE22]

Too bad Suzuki is just keeping it to limited markets which would be great in others like North America where demand has been proven with models like the Jeep Wrangler. Its only growing more with models like the upcoming Gladiator that take after the Jeep Wrangler.

Ever since I saw the Jimny I've hope and prayed it would come to North America. I know Suzuki is probably still scarred from what happened in 2013, but the Jimny would be a hit as a more affordable option to the Wrangler.

 

[JagMan]

Ever since I saw the Jimny I've hope and prayed it would come to North America. I know Suzuki is probably still scarred from what happened in 2013, but the Jimny would be a hit as a more affordable option to the Wrangler.

Suzuki hasn't done well in the states with previous models so its easy to see why they sat out for now.

As the SUV market grows I expect Suzuki to make its North American return.

 

[Leo Weston]

Its weird because they do well with motorcycles, you'd think some of that would rub off on their automotive side, even if it came down to partnerships with larger automakers.

 

[MWE22]

Suzuki hasn't done well in the states with previous models so its easy to see why they sat out for now.

As the SUV market grows I expect Suzuki to make its North American return.

I really hope they do haha.

 

[JagMan]

I have a feeling Suzuki is waiting to go electric before making other moves to revamp the brand.

 

[MWE22]

I have a feeling Suzuki is waiting to go electric before making other moves to revamp the brand.

If that means an electric Jimny I'm all for it.

 

[JagMan]

If that means an electric Jimny I'm all for it.

Well, that's a bit of a long shot.
PHEV is likely at this point, full-electric on a retro vehicle is pushing it.