While everyone is focused on the lack of a six-speed manual on the recently-introduced 2021 Suzuki Swift Sport, not many actually realized that Malaysia has launched the Swift Sport ahead of bigger / more influential (for Suzuki) neighbours.

Indeed, Malaysia got the Swift Sport ahead of markets where Suzuki has a larger presence, like Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand. At the moment, the only other market to offer the Swift Sport officially in this region is Brunei, but their market is too small.

Also Read: 2021 Suzuki Swift Sport launched in Malaysia, priced at RM 140k, 1.4T with 140 PS and 230 Nm

According to Mohamad Redza Azizan, Head of Company for Suzuki at Naza Eastern Motors, he said that Naza Eastern Motors has a different direction. "We will not push for volume. We will grow things organically, and we will setup a proper structure - for after-sales, sales, marketing and all that," he said. 

Instead, Redza explained that the current plan is to build up the Suzuki brand with two iconic models - Swift Sport and another one which we believe to be the Jimny.

Also Read: Here’s why Naza can’t sell you a 6-speed manual Suzuki Swift Sport

The first is the recently-launched 2021 Suzuki Swift Sport – a lineage that has gained a strong following ever since the second-generation (ZC31S) model was introduced here.

Also Read: 2021 Suzuki Swift Sport: Should you buy recond or brand-new from Naza?

As for the second model, it could be the all-new fourth-generation Suzuki Jimny. The model was introduced in Thailand in March 2019, with prices ranging from THB 1.55 million to THB 1.65 million (that's roughly RM 205k, mind you).

Also Read: RM 200k Suzuki Jimny sold out in Thailand, what about Malaysia?

Putting aside its absurd prices, all 90 units allocated for Thailand were sold as soon as shipments arrived. In fact, buyers of the Jimny in Indonesia have to wait 2 years to get their car. And people say that the RM 140k Swift Sport is expensive? Think again.

When the Suzuki Jimny goes on sale in Malaysia, don’t expect it to be cheap. As reported earlier, the Jimny could be priced close to the RM 200k mark.

Expensive? No doubt, but the Suzuki Jimny is not a car that needs your validation. Instead, it's a statement from Suzuki that modern-day cars still can have character in a sea of soulless machines.