by An independent designer has reimagined the Suzuki Jimny as a modular electric vehicle. His project transforms from a compact SUV into a pickup or camper. The electric platform could help this small SUV return to the European market.
A New Vision from a Professional
The popular Jimny in its current fourth generation has been produced since 2018, so Suzuki is already actively working on what comes next. While the factory keeps its cards close to its chest, independent designer Christophe Giroux has offered his own interpretation, with modularity as the core principle.
Giroux is not just another budding internet designer, but a professional in his field. For the last six years, he has been developing cars at Ford Europe, but the Jimny is a personal story for him. His family owned two vehicles from the previous generation, and that experience forms the basis of the project. The result is significantly more futuristic than any production car has ever been.
A Lunar Rover, Not a ‘Lunchbox’
The classic boxy silhouette that defined all previous Jimny generations has been discarded. In its place is a muscular, sculpted body that looks built for a lunar expedition rather than a school run. The front features minimalist LED headlights and a closed grille surrounded by thin air intakes for cooling. The rear is styled consistently for a cohesive look.
Illustrations: Christophe Giroux
In profile, massive multi-spoke wheels on grippy tires dominate, along with unusual air intakes cut into the front of the doors. The side sills bear ‘Jimny’ lettering, blue LEDs sit on the fenders, and ‘4×4’ decals confirm what the car’s stance already suggests.
Modularity as a Key Feature
The most interesting aspect is the interchangeable body type. The rear section of the roof can be removed along with the rear windows, turning the car into a small pickup or semi-convertible, echoing the spirit of the original off-roader.
The designer also created a camper configuration with a specially designed tent that turns the Jimny into a mobile base camp. Another intriguing detail is a functional compass with backlighting on the hood, part of which continues inside the cabin.
Illustrations: Christophe Giroux
An Electric Future for Europe
Disappointed that the current model doesn’t meet strict emissions regulations, leading to the withdrawal of its passenger version from European markets, Giroux decided to bet on a fully electric powertrain. As this is a conceptual proposal, it has no indicative power or range figures, but all-wheel drive is a must for anything bearing the Jimny badge.
Suzuki initially announced a fully electric version of the Jimny for Europe, but those plans appear to have been shelved. The current model received minor updates in 2025, proving the company wants to extend its lifecycle without electrifying the proven 1.5-liter naturally aspirated engine.
Illustrations: Christophe Giroux
This concept demonstrates how design thinking can outpace its time, offering not just a styling update but a fundamentally new approach to vehicle usage. Modularity, allowing the compact SUV to transform into a pickup or camper, aligns with modern demands for versatility and customization. Abandoning the gasoline engine in favor of electricity is not just a fashion statement but a pragmatic solution that could open the door for the Jimny to return to markets with stringent environmental standards. While Suzuki seems to have temporarily postponed its electrification plans for the model, such independent projects serve as a reminder of the potential inherent in this iconic vehicle and may influence the manufacturer’s future decisions.
