A future collectable? Suzuki expects buying frenzy for new special-edition Jimny

Thursday, 18 June 2026 | James Coleman

After more teasers than a Friday night in Mitchell, Suzuki has finally revealed what could become the most desirable version of one of Australia's most desirable 4WDs.

"In the interests of public order, we can confirm that the reported sightings of an elusive, and exclusive, 5-door Kinetic Yellow Jimny with special markings are indeed an entirely new Jimny," Suzuki Australia general manager Michael Pachota announced this week.

"The special edition Jimny Rhino."

If you're wondering what all the fuss is about, the rhino isn't a random choice. It was the logo used on the original Jimny back in 1981 (originally sold here in Australia as the Sierra), symbolising toughness and dependability. (We’ll skip over the fact the rhino is endangered.)

Since then, however, branded Rhino editions have been reserved for overseas markets like Malaysia and South Africa.

This explains the bated breath when Suzuki started dropping cryptic teasers of a new one for Australia in late May.

One tongue-in-cheek promotional photo even showed the vehicle as though it had been captured on a night-vision wildlife camera.

"The Jimny Rhino is expected to attract strong demand from enthusiasts, first-time Jimny buyers (we like to call them 'Adventure Seekers') and collectors alike," the company said.

Mechanically, it’s business as usual. The Rhino is based on the five-door Jimny XL, with Suzuki instead concentrating on making it look a little more special.

That starts with Kinetic Yellow paint - normally reserved for the three-door version - paired with a Pearl Black roof, Rhino-themed decals and badging, a heritage-style Suzuki grille and unique diamond-cut alloy wheels.

Inside, there are upgraded Pioneer speakers, customisable ambient lighting and a collection of exclusive Rhino touches designed to remind passengers they're not sitting in an ordinary Jimny.

Prices start from $44,990 drive-away for the manual and $47,990 drive-away for the automatic.

As for Suzuki's claim that collectors will be lapping it up? The Jimny's recent resale performance suggests it may not be far-fetched.

According to data from the Australian Automotive Dealer Association (AADA) and AutoGrab, the Jimny has topped Australian SUV resale-value rankings for more than a year.

It ranked first for retained value in both the 2-4-year-old and 5-7-year-old SUV categories, with an average retained value of 111 per cent.

In other words, many owners have been able to sell their Jimnys for more than they originally paid.

That's approaching V8 LandCruiser territory.

Suzuki attributes the model's popularity to a simple formula: proven reliability, genuine off-road capability and a design that refuses to follow trends.

"The Jimny has been around since 1970. That's not a coincidence; that's proven reliability," the brand says.

"A tough four-wheel drive made for off-road activities, with a strong body, solid axles and low-range gears."

Then there's the broad appeal.

"A lot of people want a Jimny," the company continues.

"Those weekend activity enthusiasts, city workers who need something zippy, first-car owners or people who have downsized to an apartment and have an incredibly small car space."

And, of course, there's the styling.

“While the rest of the SUV market is busy looking like each other, the Jimny has just kept being the Jimny. Boxy, iconic and immediately recognisable.”

The Suzuki Jimny Rhino is on sale now through dealerships nationwide.