Lancia Never Produced This SUV, So Damd Constructed It Using a Suzuki | Carscoops

      Japanese tuner reinterprets the five-door Suzuki SUV as the Armata, a rugged off-road concept with design elements inspired by Lancia.

      Damd transforms the five-door Jimny into a vintage Italian off-roader.

      The Armata features a Lancia-style front and off-road enhancements.

      The body kit incorporates flared arches, a roof rack, and unique trim.

      The Suzuki Jimny has evolved into a favorite for tuners, with numerous modifications enhancing its angular design and simple aesthetics. It is no surprise that the five-door variant has taken a similar route. The most recent adaptation comes from Damd, which infuses a touch of Italian flair into the well-known Japanese off-roader.

      Italy isn't prominently recognized for its off-road vehicles. Aside from the resilient Fiat Panda 4×4 and the military-inspired Fiat Oltre concept, options are limited. Damd appears eager to bridge this gap. With the new Armata build, the firm envisions a compact Italian alternative to models like the Mercedes G-Class and Land Rover Defender.

      Reinterpreting the Jimny in Italian Style

      Although the Jimny's body largely remains unchanged, a Lancia-inspired front end and several off-road modifications impart a fresh character to the vehicle.

      The round quad headlights and grille are derived from Damd’s existing Little D kit, which gives the three-door Jimny a rally-inspired aesthetic reminiscent of the Lancia Delta Integrale. This time, however, the sporty bumpers, flared arches, and spoiler have been replaced with a more robust appearance.

      The yellow fog lights have been repositioned higher, and the custom bumper features a metal finish with an integrated skid plate. The Armata also includes a roof-mounted accessory housing four amber-colored LEDs, mimicking position lights, while truck-style mirrors complete the visual transformation.

      The setup utilizes OZ Racing alloy wheels in a military-style finish, fitted with adequate off-road tires. While comprehensive technical specifications have not been disclosed, the stance indicates a suspension lift, particularly compared to the standard Jimny Nomad.

      No alterations are anticipated for the engine. Under the hood, the naturally aspirated 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine continues to produce 103 hp (77 kW / 105 PS), driving all four wheels through either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission. A conventional part-time 4WD system manages traction.

      Expanding Damd’s Jimny Range

      Damd mentions that the Armata is likely to become a complete tuning kit for the Jimny Nomad by 2026. In the interim, the roof light bar and truck mirrors will be available for order at the Tokyo Auto Salon.

      The company already provides various visual kits for the five-door Jimny, such as the Defender-inspired “Little D” and the Mercedes-themed “Little G.Advance” and “Little G.Traditional.” Currently, the Little D remains exclusive to the three-door Jimny Sierra.