Suzuki Jimny Nomade Bookings Reopen in Japan After Hiatus

The Suzuki Jimny Nomade 5-door returns for booking with massive demand and up to a 4-year wait.

Suzuki has reopened bookings for the Jimny Nomade in Japan, and once again the response has been extraordinary. Buyers who place new orders now may have to wait up to four years for delivery, a sign of how strong the demand remains for this compact off-roader.

When the Jimny Nomade was first launched in Japan in April 2025, it became an instant sensation. More than 50,000 bookings were received within just four days, forcing Suzuki to stop accepting reservations. Production simply could not keep up with the sudden rush. After several months of suspension, bookings are set to reopen in January 2026, with the same extended delivery period expected to continue.

The story behind the Jimny Nomade is even more interesting when you look at where it comes from. Every unit of the five-door Jimny sold in Japan is built in India at Suzuki Motor Gujarat’s manufacturing facility. The plant produces around 3,000 to 4,000 units a month and ships them to over 100 countries including Japan, Australia, South Africa, Mexico, and Chile. For Maruti Suzuki, the Jimny 5-door has become one of its biggest export successes and is now the company’s second most exported model after the Fronx.

Despite being made in India, the Japan-spec Jimny Nomade sells for a higher price. It starts at about 2.65 million yen, which is roughly ₹14.9 lakh. In India, the same model is priced between ₹12.7 and ₹14.9 lakh ex-showroom. The price difference reflects both import costs and the extra features that come with the Japanese version. It is a rare case where a car made in India is shipped back to Japan and sold as a premium product.

Design and Performance

The Jimny Nomade keeps the instantly recognizable boxy profile that has defined the Jimny name for decades. The five-slot gunmetal grille with chrome accents adds a refined touch, while the longer wheelbase and rear doors improve access and interior space. Underneath, the SUV continues to use a traditional ladder-frame chassis with a part-time 4WD system and a 3-link rigid axle suspension. The setup gives the Jimny its strong off-road character while also improving stability at higher speeds.

Power comes from Suzuki’s 1.5-litre K15B petrol engine that produces 102 horsepower and 130 Newton-meters of torque. Buyers can choose between a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic gearbox. Although the engine is not built for outright performance, its proven reliability and smooth power delivery make it a good fit for the Jimny’s rugged personality.

Colors and Interior

Japanese buyers can choose from six exterior colors, three of which are exclusive to Japan. Sizzling Red Metallic has a vivid and energetic appearance, while Celestial Blue Pearl Metallic gives a modern and refined look. The standout new shade is Chiffon Ivory Metallic with a black roof, a creamy and elegant tone that adds a premium touch. Jungle Green remains a favorite among off-road fans, while Arctic White Pearl and Bluish Black Pearl complete the lineup.

Interestingly, Japan does not get the Kinetic Yellow with Bluish Black roof that became the most iconic color combination in Indian showrooms. The reason may be that Japanese customers tend to prefer more subtle and mature colors such as Jungle Green, which convey a sense of understated style.

Inside, the Nomade features grey and black dual-tone fabric upholstery instead of the all-black seats offered in India. The lighter color scheme makes the cabin feel more spacious and bright. Heated front seats and heated outside mirrors come as standard, features that make sense for Japan’s colder climate. Small auxiliary mirrors under the side mirrors help drivers see obstacles during tight off-road maneuvers.

The dashboard layout remains functional with upright lines, rotary air-conditioning controls, and a three-spoke steering wheel. However, the Japan-spec model also includes advanced safety systems such as Adaptive Cruise Control and Dual Camera Brake Support, part of Suzuki’s ADAS suite.

The Jimny Nomade’s success in Japan highlights how Suzuki has managed to create a product that blends nostalgia with practicality. Even though the wait time stretches up to four years, the enthusiasm among buyers shows no sign of fading. For Suzuki, the Nomade is proof that a compact 4x4 can still capture the imagination of drivers around the world. Whether on Japanese streets or Indian assembly lines, the Jimny continues to represent simplicity, durability, and adventure in one compact package.