The Jimny might be gone from Suzuki dealerships, but not for this family-owned business importing high-spec Suzuki Jimnys from Japan.
When Suzuki pulled the Jimny from UK and EU markets, many thought it was the end of the road for new buyers. But a UK-based family-run importer has stepped in to keep the dream alive, offering high-spec Japanese models that were never available here, with bespoke modifications and a personal touch you won’t find at a dealership.
I caught up with it’s founder, Stephen, to learn how it all started, what makes the Jimny so special, and how they’re helping customers across the UK get behind the wheel of one of the most characterful 4x4s on, and off, the road.
In this guest Q&A, they share their origin story, insights into the import process, what makes the Jimny so special, and why they partnered with Out There Equipped to give every customer the finishing touch their dream 4×4 deserves.
What drew you to focus on importing the Suzuki Jimny?
We just needed a second car that could handle some light off-roading and weekend adventures. We looked at everything from Defenders to Wranglers to pickups, but they were either too expensive, unreliable, or too big.
I’d always liked the new Jimny, but hadn’t considered it until my wife pointed one out. “What is that little G-Wagon?” That’s when it clicked, it ticked every box.
We joined the UK waiting list in 2021, but it became clear we’d only get the commercial version. So we turned to our family contacts in Japan and imported our first Jimny in 2022. We assumed there might be some niche interest in high-spec, 4-seat models, but when Suzuki pulled the Jimny entirely, we realised this could be something much bigger.
What makes the Jimny such a special vehicle for you?
It’s the simplicity, the charm, and the sheer capability. There’s something honest about the Jimny, it doesn’t pretend to be anything it’s not, and that’s rare these days.
It’ll take on just about any terrain with confidence, yet it’s compact enough to navigate the narrow green lanes the UK has to offer. It’s also comfortable enough for long camping trips, overlanding adventures, and dog-friendly days out.
It’s part of our lifestyle now. Once you start using it the way it was meant to be used, it’s hard not to fall in love with it.
How do you source the models you import?
We started with some family connections in the Japanese motor trade, but we’ve since built a strong independent network. Over time, we’ve formed direct relationships with trusted partners on the ground and travelled to Japan ourselves to see every part of the process first-hand.
We focus almost entirely on brand-new vehicles, so our customers get the cleanest possible example. We hand-pick higher-spec trims that were never offered in the UK and avoid anything that doesn’t meet our standards.
It’s a slow process, each car can take several months from order to delivery, but that’s the price of doing things properly. Even with that, we’re still the most affordable Jimny importer out there.
What does the process look like for a customer?
Most people find us through word of mouth, Instagram, or our website. From that first message, we’re on hand seven days a week via phone, WhatsApp, email, or even Instagram DMs, to guide them through the process.
Once they’re ready, we order the Jimny to their exact spec and walk them through over 30 optional modifications, or they can choose from one of our three pre-set packages.
From order to delivery, it’s typically 4 to 5 months. Compared to Suzuki’s old 18-month wait times, it feels pretty quick. Trust is everything to us, we’re a family business and it shows, whether it’s through open communication, video updates, or just the relationships we build over time.
Even after delivery, we stay in touch, whether it’s answering technical questions or sharing meet-up events. It’s become a proper little community.
Are there any unique features or regional models that stand out?
Absolutely. They are all 4-seaters of course but Japanese-spec Jimnys often come with extras that UK versions never had. Things like improved sound insulation, rear parking sensors, push-button start, and keyless entry.
But the standout detail? We fully translate the speedometer from Japanese to English, replicating the UK-spec dash properly. Almost no other importer offers this, and it makes a huge difference.
All of our cars also come with a 10-inch floating Apple CarPlay and Android Auto infotainment unit as standard, giving customers a proper modern setup right out of the box.
We also take on all sorts of mods, sound dampening (stripped back to bare metal), suspension lifts, exhausts, remaps, even turbos. If it can be done to a Jimny, we’ll give it a go.
And yes, we’ve got a handful of 5-door Jimnys on the way, top-spec, automatic, and already getting loads of attention.
How do you handle compliance and paperwork for UK buyers?
Customers don’t have to worry, we take care of everything.
Once the car is purchased, we provide full ship tracking so they can follow its journey from Japan to the UK. When it arrives, we carry out a full UK-spec conversion. There are a lot of poor conversions out there, but we aim for a finish that looks like Suzuki built it that way, no shortcuts.
Each vehicle is registered in the buyer’s name as the first keeper and comes with the original Japanese service book, plus an English owner’s pack and service book. We even register the car with Suzuki UK and they handle the first inspection and service.
We also guide customers through the insurance process, pointing them toward providers who understand imported Jimnys and can offer realistic, affordable cover.
What are your highlights so far?
Since the pandemic, we’ve seen a real shift in how people are choosing to spend their free time more and more are opting for UK based adventures, exploring nature and seeking freedom closer to home. It’s a lifestyle we’re proud to champion, especially for women.
My wife Kimberley and her friends head out every other weekend in our Jimny, embracing the outdoors and discovering hidden gems off the beaten track.
Their enthusiasm and confidence behind the wheel is exactly what we love to see, adventure made accessible, fun and empowering.
In speaking with many of our female customers, we understand that buying a car, especially online, can feel daunting. That’s why we take a calm, reassuring approach, walking through the process step-by-step so our clients feel supported, informed and genuinely excited about their new Jimny.
We’re not just selling cars, we’re encouraging a lifestyle, a sense of freedom and the confidence to head out on your own path. For us, inspiring more women to experience this is something we’re deeply committed to.
What’s next for your business as it grows?
For now, we’re focused solely on 3-door and 5-door Jimnys. But we’re planning to offer both ready-to-go stock and custom orders next year to give buyers more flexibility.
We’ve already designed our own Jimny roof rack and awning after spotting gaps in the market. We’ll continue to expand our in-house mod range where needed, but we also work closely with some great brands already doing amazing work, like Out There Equipped.
We’re not looking to scale beyond a family business, but we’ll grow as far as needed while keeping it personal. We’ll also be producing more video content, attending Jimny events, and sharing more of what goes on behind the scenes.
You’ve partnered with Out There Equipped, why?
We only work with people who care as much about the small details as we do. Out There Equipped handmakes everything in the UK, and you can tell, it has the same quality and thought that we aim for in every Jimny we deliver.
If a customer has waited months for their dream 4×4, it should feel special when they pick it up. There are plenty of generic importers bringing Jimnys in on a conveyor belt, but it’s these small details that keep us unique, and keep customers spreading the word.
What advice would you give someone dreaming of owning a Jimny today?
Make sure it truly fits your lifestyle, though I’ve yet to sell one to someone who didn’t fall in love.
We’re happy to offer test drives before anyone commits. We’ve also partnered with a finance broker to make things more accessible. Just be wary, there are a lot of people trying to make a quick profit.
If you’re considering importing a Jimny yourself, be very careful. We’ve become a bit of a helpline for people whose imports have gone wrong, cars stuck abroad, hidden fees, or worse, vehicles that can’t be registered in the UK.
Fun Q&A
Dream road trip?
We’re planning some proper overlanding into Europe, places like Andorra, Croatia, or even Morocco. We’ve hired Jimnys in the Philippines and Australia too, racing a five-door down Queensland beaches was unforgettable.
Biggest misconception about Jimny imports?
Insurance. People think it’s going to be a nightmare. But we’ve never had a customer leave without a quote they were happy with.
Most-loved colour?
Jungle Green, hands down. We imported the first one into the UK and it always turns heads. This photo is from the largest Jimny meet up in the country, you can see us circled in red.
Hardest one to let go of?
My wife tries to claim any Ivory one that comes through the doors, especially if it’s got a black roof and black accessories. Thankfully for the customer, she’s got no intention of paying me for it.
Thinking of Importing a Jimny?
If you’re serious about owning one of the most capable and characterful 4x4s on the road, skip the waiting lists and compromises. With their expert service, bespoke options, and deep love for the Jimny lifestyle, this family-run importer is making it possible, one adventure-ready 4×4 at a time.
Visit https://www.jimnyimports.co.uk for more info and when you’re picking up your dream Jimny, don’t forget to explore our handcrafted leather accessories to make it feel truly yours.
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