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When you look at this version of the Jimny, you immediately realize this isn't just another tuning project, but a serious attempt to create the perfect expedition vehicle. I always admired the original Jimny for its honesty and simplicity, but what the engineers at Wald International, together with the specialists at Nomade, have accomplished takes the compact SUV concept to a whole new level. They took the existing design principles—the frame platform, permanent all-wheel drive, and compact dimensions—and developed them to their logical perfection.
The exterior changes are immediately noticeable, but it's important to understand that each element has a specific practical purpose. Those massive fender flares aren't just for show. Their width allows for larger-diameter wheels to be installed without the risk of them scraping the bodywork off-road, and the durable plastic construction can withstand impacts from branches and small stones. The six-bolt wheel mounts, typically found on larger SUVs, demonstrate that the engineers took reliability seriously. I remember how enthusiasts often encountered mounting issues when installing massive wheels on previous generations of the Jimny—but here, this issue has been professionally resolved.
The redesigned bumpers are a different story. Compared to the factory version, the approach and departure angles have improved by approximately 30%, which makes a huge difference in the field. I recall testing the standard Jimny in the Carpathian forests—the front bumper was often a problem when negotiating steep climbs. Here, this issue is completely resolved—the engineers' approach is clearly based on real-world experience. The hood with air intakes not only improves engine cooling under prolonged off-road use but also gives the car a more balanced look—without unnecessary aggression, but with a hint of a sporty character.
The most interesting part of the modifications is, of course, the integration of the rooftop tent. When I first saw a similar solution on a Jeep Wrangler a few years ago, I thought, "Why not do something similar for the Jimny?" And now this idea has been professionally implemented. The beauty of this solution is that it's perfectly suited to the Jimny's dimensions – the vehicle remains compact enough for city driving, yet still has the functionality of a true camper. I recall how my friends and I once tried to install a similar structure on an old Jimny ourselves – the result was far from ideal. Here, the work of professionals is evident – the tent is integrated into the overall design, maintaining the vehicle's centering and creating no unnecessary windage.
Additional roof lighting is truly essential for off-road night driving. The Jimny's standard headlights are good enough for city driving, but in the open, additional lighting is always a plus. Proper headlight installation is especially valuable – they're positioned so as not to blind the driver with reflections from the hood, which often happens with amateur installations. Side skirts not only make entry easier but also serve an important function of protecting the body on rough terrain. I remember on my old Jimny, the side skirts were the first to suffer when driving on rocky roads.
The philosophy of this tuning project clearly echoes classic Japanese approaches to SUV modification. Unlike American traditions, where visual appeal is often paramount, Japanese engineers have always prioritized practicality and functionality. This project is reminiscent of the best tuning examples for the 70-series Toyota Land Cruiser – nothing superfluous, just what's truly needed on the road. At the same time, the influence of modern trends is evident – the roof tent, for example, has become massively popular in recent years.
What's truly important is that all the modifications look organic and do not compromise the vehicle's factory specifications. Too often, I've seen tuning projects where the pursuit of visual effect undermines the balance of the design. Here, however, it's clear that every change was carefully considered and tested. Even the color scheme—a dark body with black elements—not only looks stylish but is also practical for off-road use.
Of course, the question arises: how financially feasible is such a modification? The studio hasn't yet announced the exact price of the package, but it's safe to assume it will be comparable to the price of the base vehicle. However, for the target audience—true off-road enthusiasts—this investment could be entirely justified. After all, they essentially get a ready-made solution that requires no additional modifications and guarantees reliability. This is especially important for those planning to use the vehicle in truly challenging conditions, where every detail matters.
When we reflect on how the Jimny has evolved over the past few years, this project seems like a logical continuation of the model's evolution. From a simple, utilitarian SUV, it has transformed into an iconic vehicle, and now it has the potential to become the benchmark for expeditionary preparedness. And what's especially pleasing is that all of this has been accomplished while preserving the very soul of the Jimny that has always attracted fans of the model. After exploring this project, you begin to look at modern crossovers with their sophisticated electronics in a different way—you realize that there are things that no technology can replace. Simplicity, reliability, and loyalty to tradition—that's what makes such vehicles truly valuable.