The Suzuki Jimny three-door is expected to make a return to Australian showrooms soon, following a pause in imports earlier this year due to updated safety regulations. A new report suggests that a revised model is set to debut in Japan next month, featuring key upgrades to its active safety systems, which could bring it into line with Australian requirements. While the changes are mostly technical, they represent a significant step in revitalising local sales of the compact off-roader.
Why was the Suzuki Jimny three-door put on hold in Australia?
In March 2025, Australia introduced new safety rules that the current Japan-built Jimny, a three-door model, doesn’t meet. While it comes standard with autonomous emergency braking (AEB), it failed to satisfy the performance criteria under the new rules.
In contrast, the Suzuki Jimny XL five-door, built in India and already equipped with enhanced safety systems, continues to be sold locally without issue.
What changes are expected in the 2026 Model?
According to Japanese publication Creative Trend, the revised 2026 Jimny three-door will receive several updates aimed at improving its active safety features. These include:
- Dual-camera setup for the AEB system
- A pause function for traffic sign recognition
- Reverse AEB and false start prevention on four-speed automatic variants
- Adaptive cruise control for automatic variants
These upgrades are expected to bring the Jimny three-door model into compliance with Australia’s new safety requirements.
No design or interior changes
Despite the safety enhancements, the 2026 Jimny three-door is unlikely to see any changes to its exterior or interior design. It is reportedly set to retain the current 7.0-inch infotainment system, or a basic radio in the Lite variant, and will not feature the larger 9.0-inch screen or chrome grille trim found on the five-door Jimny XL.
Price increase expected
With the added safety technology, pricing for the updated Jimny three-door is likely to rise. The report suggests that automatic variants may see the highest price increase. Final pricing for Australia has not yet been confirmed.
Suzuki Australia awaits new stock
While new imports of the three-door Jimny are currently on hold, Suzuki Australia has stated that it has sufficient stock to fulfil backorders. The company’s general manager, Michael Pachota, recently stated the model’s return is not a matter of if, but when.
Jimny sales in Australia
Despite the temporary pause on new three-door imports, the Suzuki Jimny continues to be a strong performer in the local market.
- 2024 saw a record 9,697 deliveries in Australia
- This made it the country’s second-best-selling light SUV, behind the Mazda CX-3
- Year-to-date 2025 sales are down 7% from the same period last year
Final thoughts
The updated 2026 Suzuki Jimny three-door is expected to go on sale in Japan in August, potentially clearing the way for Australian imports to resume. With key safety upgrades in place, the compact off-roader may soon return to local roads, featuring slightly higher pricing but largely retaining its familiar design.
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