new suzuki jimny wins 2018 japan GOOD DESIGN gold award

the new suzuki ‘jimny’ and ‘jimny sierra’ have been announced as winners of the 2018 japan GOOD DESIGN gold award. first launched in 1970, the ‘jimny’ was suzuki’s first 4×4 lightweight vehicle, boasting compactness and high off-road stability. now, for the first time in 20 years, the vehicle has been updated with a full model change. ‘we pursued a reasonable and efficient design as a ‘professional tool’ for all users who demand jimny,’ the team at suzuki say. ‘we realized a functional, practical car with regard to loading efficiency, operational performance, and exterior and interior colors.’

images © suzuki motor corporation, unless otherwise stated

notable design attributes of the new suzuki ‘jimny’ and ‘jimny sierra’ build on the heritage of the model and brand. many of the vehicle’s aesthetic elements drew from past legends, generating a familiar yet distinct look. the new model features a boxy silhouette detailed with minimal round headlamps and independent indicators, a front grille with vertical openings, and angled bumper edges that increase clearance at the wheels. these design details — signatures which made the vehicle stand out to judges of the japan GOOD DESIGN gold award 2018 — work to further complement the performance of this sporty, small off-roader.

internally, colors remain minimal, and every detail is thoughtfully crafted to support off-roading and adventure. practical and down-to-earth interior elements realize a beautiful yet functional interior without excessive colors or decoration, thus minimizing distraction for the driver. horizontal lines defined by the vehicle’s interior instrument panel, and vertical lines created by the meter cluster and console panels help the driver recognize the angle of the vehicle in rough and mountainous terrain.

from a practical point of view, everything surrounding the driver and front passenger has been thoughtfully designed for professional use. the instrument panel has a scratch and stain-resistant grained finish, and the grip and switches are easy to operate in both off-road conditions and while wearing gloves. meanwhile, for intuitive operation of the audio system, a bluetooth-compatible smartphone linkage display audio unit with a 7-inch infrared touchscreen is equipped on higher grades.

the new ‘jimny’ comes in eight body colors, including two new hues developed exclusively for the all-new model. a high-visibility ‘kinetic yellow’ is designed to stand out in bad weather or at worksites, while a low-visibility ‘jungle green’ blends in with natural environment.

GOOD DESIGN award best 100 exhibition at tokyo midtown
image © designboom

GOOD DESIGN award best 100 exhibition at tokyo midtown
image © designboom

GOOD DESIGN award best 100 exhibition at tokyo midtown
image © designboom

the GOOD DESIGN award was founded in 1957 by the japanese ministry of international trade and industry and is hosted by the japan institute for design promotion. the ‘g mark’ emblem reflects comprehensive design values and principles that aim to enrich lives, industries and society.