A LIFESTYLE soft-top version of the Suzuki Jimny off-roader is to be unveiled by Suzuki GB at the London Motor Show in October. The car will be built only in Spain at a government-owned former Land Rover assembly centre where it is expected 40,000 Vitara, Samurai and Jimny models will be produced this year.

'Pricing is still to be agreed, but it is our aim to offer the new version at a cost which will be broadly similar to the Metal top model,' said a spokesman. That means close to £10,000. Like its stablemate, the canvas or resin top Jimny has a 1.3-litre, 16-valve aluminium engine which produces 79bhp at 6,000 revs and is linked with a part-time four-wheel-drive-system.