Suzuki Jimny’s capability boosted with portal axles

The Suzuki Jimny has seen its off-road capability increased, along with its ride height.

Swiss company Avus Auto has collaborated with Germany’s Delta4x4 to create a Jimny with 400 millimetres of ground clearance, thanks to the addition of Tibus portal axles.

While ‘portals’ are more often found on serious four-wheel-drive builds, Avus is offering the modification for the smaller Suzuki off-roader, which transfers the drive from the axle down through a gearset to the wheels.

The addition greatly improves under-car clearance, reducing the chances of the vehicle’s differential housings fouling on boulders, logs, and debris when driving along remote tracks.

To put the Jimny’s new-found 400mm ground clearance into perspective, the new Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series enjoys 235mm, while the elevated Ford Ranger Raptor is listed as having 283mm with standard wheels and tyres.

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Avus says it is building just 12 of the portal Jimnys, complete with 40mm suspension lift, adjustable shock absorbers with remote reservoirs, and 18-inch alloy wheels with all-terrain tyres.

Buyers can also option locking differentials at each end, brush guards, and a winch.

Those wanting one of the 12 vehicles being built will need to be in Switzerland or Germany to hand over at least €56,000 (AU$87,300) – with a fully-optioned Jimny costing as much as €65,000 (AU$101,300).