Tuning firm Twisted Automotive has turned its attention to the Suzuki Jimny, marking the first time in its 21-year history that it has carried out conversions on anything other than the classic Land Rover Defender.

A revamped and souped-up version of the commercial spec Jimny LCV two-seater – dubbed “Little Twisted” – will cost less than £50,000, for which buyers will get better power delivery, handling and suspension.

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“The Jimny is a pure, proper little off-roader. It’s almost a miniature Defender with similar architecture, driveline and an analogue feel,” says Twisted’s managing director, Charles Fawcett.

“It is one of the very few vehicles still in production with the same driving essence as that of its predecessors launched more than 40 years ago.”

The base Jimny LCV comes with a 1.5-litre K15B engine allied to a five-speed manual transmission and Allgrip Pro selectable four-wheel drive system.

With just two seats in the front, it also provides an 863-litre flat-floored load area fronted by a safety cargo partition.

The Twisted treatment will give it better wheels and tyres, progressive suspension, extra soundproofing, an upgraded media interface and audio system, and a bespoke interior.

Further technical details of the modifications will be unveiled when the development vehicles are signed off later in 2023.

The company primarily intends to offer complete builds, but customers will also be able to send in their own vehicles for customisation, and it hasn’t ruled out doing the same for Jimny models other than the LCV.

Interested parties can register their interest now, with a limited number of build slots available.