Ever since Suzuki wheeled out a ute-backed version of its box-fresh Jimny at the Tokyo Auto Salon earlier this month, the question of whether we’ll see a load-lugging production version of the Suzuki Jimny is looking like a matter of ‘when’, not ‘if’.

“I’ve been inundated with questions, not only from customers but from dealers as well – ‘we want it, let’s do it!’”, Suzuki Australia general manager Michael Pachota told WhichCar at the national launch of the new Suzuki Jimny.

“The agricultural side of Australia [has a] need for a small off-road vehicle as capable as this with a ute tray. The demand is definitely there. Our dealer network is screaming for it, so when they saw that [concept] it created a few problems for me!

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“But at the same time, I put my hand up for it straight away when Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC) said they would do something with it.”

But it’s not just Australians who want a utility-focused Jimny pick-up – according to Pachota, virtually all markets where Suzuki currently operates have expressed keen interest in such a model.

“Most countries have requested it from SMC. We have a global distributor’s conference every six months, and at the last conference we all voiced our need for a ute-back [Jimny], as well as a five-door,” he said.

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The idea of a five-door Jimny variant would be new ground for the nameplate, which has exclusively been a two- or three-door vehicle. However, the idea of a family of Jimny vehicles with three body styles – three-door and five-door wagon, plus a two-door utility – is an appealing one to Suzuki Australia.

Jeep has already adopted a similar formula with its just-launched JL Wrangler, which will spawn the Jeep Gladiator pick up variant later this year.

“If the name starts with ‘Jimny’, we’ll sell it,” Pachota said. “A five-door would broaden the range of customers beyond just the thrill seekers, the adventure seekers and the young drivers who just want the cutest 4×4 on the block. It would really broaden our demographic.”

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However, indications are that a pick-up utility would be the priority for Suzuki globally rather than a five-door wagon, which would likely require significant engineering to accommodate a proper second row of seats.

“I wouldn’t write [Jimny ute] off,” Pachota said. “They built that concept car to see people’s reactions, and I’m sure that they, like I have, have been inundated with requests to build one. I would be very confident that they would be considering it.”

“The five-door would be great as an added bonus, but once you develop a long-wheelbase platform, you’ve got both ends covered – it’s just about the shell.”

The Suzuki Jimny launches in regular three-door form on January 26, and WhichCar will bring you full pricing and specifications on January 25 – along with our first local review.

Are you one of those who lust after a Jimny ute? Let us know in the comments below!