It's obvious that auto manufacturers aren't going to take advantage of the general public's hunger for a new, fuel-efficient, small, street-legal 4x4 vehicle. As side-by-sides continue to explode in popularity, their cost rises. A side-by-side costs as much as a Suzuki Jimny would if it was sold here. Side-by-sides are great and have their place, but there's a gaping hole in the marketplace and no company seems to be filling that hole.
Suzuki is selling it's Jimny around the world. The Jimny is a modernized Samurai, with coil/link suspension, straight axles and a ladder frame. It's available with 1.3-liter gas, or 1.5 liter diesel mills, depending on the market.
The Jimny is a proven 4x4 platform that's used worldwide in some very hostile environments. It's fuel-efficient and small enough to be very popular here, not only as an off-road vehicle, but an all-around, fun utility that almost everyone would like. Remember when the Samurai was introduced? They flew off the showroom floors and headed for the beach, the desert, the mountains, and the malls. This success would be repeated today if the Jimny was brought here.
Suzuki, PLEASE give us the Jimny!