Suzuki's Small Off-Roader Takes on a New Role as a Police Vehicle | Carscoops

      Fortunately for the police officers, this Jimny will not be utilized for high-speed chases.

      The Suzuki Jimny has joined the fleet of Australia’s Police Crime Prevention Unit.

      Officials are optimistic that the 4x4's friendly design will foster community interaction.

      All Jimnys are equipped with a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine and a four-speed automatic transmission.

      Typically, police vehicles are powerful and fast, making them well-suited for apprehending and transporting criminals. However, a police department in Australia recently incorporated one of the least powerful off-road vehicles available, the Suzuki Jimny, into its fleet.

      Endearingly called “Sergeant Jim,” this compact off-roader will be utilized by the Macquarie Police Crime Prevention Unit in New South Wales.

      While the Jimny excels as an off-roader and can keep pace with larger, more costly 4x4s on trails, it cannot compete with the BMW 5-Series, Kia Stingers, and VW Passats that are prevalent in police fleets across Australia. Thankfully, Sgt. Jim will not be deployed in criminal pursuits.

      The four-door Jimny has been provided directly by Suzuki Australia and will be employed to "enhance and promote community engagement" with the NSW Police Force during activities at schools and community events. Lake Macquarie, located about 150 km (93 miles) north of Sydney, is one of the largest regional centers in the state.

      Local officials believe that the “friendly design” of the Jimny makes it an ideal choice for building trust within the community.

      “Sergeant Jim’s livery is intended to spark conversations while on display and help more individuals, particularly younger ones, feel at ease when approaching their local police,” said local Superintendent Tracy Chapman (not the singer…). “This vehicle was acquired at no expense to the community, thanks to the generosity of Suzuki Australia in providing it for our community engagement initiatives.”

      Regarding the specifications, don’t expect much. Like the two-door version available in Australia, the four-door model comes solely with a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine. This small engine generates a modest 100 hp (75 kW) and 96 lb-ft (130 Nm) of torque and is paired with a four-speed automatic transmission.