This Tiny Suzuki Jimny Just Got a Chevrolet K5 Blazer Makeover—and It’s Surprisingly Convincing

Alpine Style has introduced a new version of the five-seat Suzuki Jimny Nomad styled after American SUVs from the 1970s. Despite the dramatic visual makeover, the underlying vehicle remains mechanically unchanged.

The new Beas+L was created by Cal’s Motor, the Japanese custom shop operated by Alpine Style. The project draws heavily from classic Chevrolet SUVs. At first glance, the Beas+L barely resembles a Suzuki Jimny, but underneath the retro bodywork it retains the original vehicle’s chassis and mechanical components.

Up front, the Japanese off-roader gets a massive grille inspired by the one used on the Chevrolet K5 Blazer. A large bumper sits below it. Buyers can choose from three headlight designs: square two-section units, four-section units, or the Jimny’s original round headlights. The rear of the vehicle also receives new taillights and a redesigned bumper.

Alpine Style says the bodywork was designed around the structural characteristics of the original Jimny. Importantly, the extensive exterior changes do not interfere with the Suzuki’s safety systems. All of the sensors remain mounted in their original locations, and the Beas+L retains Suzuki’s collision-mitigation braking system.

Pricing for the Beas+L starts at about $27,000 (¥4.14 million). Along with the base off-roader, buyers get a multimedia system with a small touchscreen and navigation, a backup camera, and 16-inch wheels. The final price depends heavily on the body-kit configuration. Buyers can also add options such as a new brown leather interior.

Under the hood, the Beas+L uses the Jimny’s naturally aspirated 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing up to 101 hp. The engine can be paired with either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission. Four-wheel drive is standard, while every Beas+L also comes with hill-start assist and hill-descent control.

As part of the latest Jimny update, Suzuki added a new safety system capable of detecting vehicles, motorcycles, and pedestrians, including at night. The Japanese off-roader also features adaptive cruise control, four parking sensors, and lane-keeping assist. All of these systems carry over to the Beas+L.

For now, Alpine Style is selling the Beas+L only in its home market of Japan. The company has not announced plans to export the retro-styled off-roader.