The Suzuki Jimny has steadily evolved into a favorite platform among customizers, earning a reputation as a compact SUV that lends itself perfectly to creative reinterpretation. Thanks to its angular proportions, honest mechanical layout, and unmistakable personality, the Jimny has inspired a wide range of tuning projects around the world. It was only a matter of time before the longer, five-door version followed the same trajectory. One of the most eye-catching reinterpretations to date comes from Japanese aftermarket specialist Damd, which has taken an unexpected stylistic turn by infusing the Jimny with a distinctly Italian flavor.
Italy is not typically associated with hardcore off-road vehicles. Apart from niche examples such as the charming Fiat Panda 4×4 and conceptual or military-based projects like the Fiat Oltre, the country’s automotive heritage is largely rooted in sports cars and city vehicles rather than rugged 4x4s. Damd appears eager to challenge that convention. With its latest creation, known as the Armata, the company reimagines the Jimny as a scaled-down Italian-inspired alternative to iconic utility vehicles such as the Mercedes-Benz G-Class and the Land Rover Defender.
Although the fundamental body structure of the Jimny remains unchanged, a redesigned front fascia and several purposeful off-road upgrades significantly alter its character. The most striking change is the Lancia-influenced nose, featuring round quad headlights and a distinctive grille borrowed from Damd’s existing “Little D” kit. That kit previously transformed the three-door Jimny into a rally-style homage to the legendary Lancia Delta Integrale. For the Armata, however, Damd has shifted away from motorsport cues and embraced a tougher, more utilitarian look.
Sporty elements like flared wheel arches, aggressive spoilers, and performance-oriented bumpers have been removed. In their place, the Armata adopts a more serious off-road identity. The fog lights, finished in yellow, are repositioned higher on the front end, while the newly designed bumper features an exposed metal look and incorporates a functional skid plate. Adding to the military-inspired theme is a roof-mounted accessory housing four amber LED lights that resemble traditional position lamps. Large, truck-style side mirrors further reinforce the rugged aesthetic.
The visual transformation is completed by a set of OZ Racing alloy wheels finished in a subdued, military-style color, wrapped in proper all-terrain tires. While Damd has not released detailed specifications regarding the chassis modifications, the overall posture of the vehicle strongly suggests a suspension lift, particularly when compared with the standard Jimny Nomad.
Mechanically, the Armata remains true to the stock setup. No changes are planned for the powertrain, meaning the familiar naturally aspirated 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine continues to deliver 103 horsepower. Power is sent to all four wheels through either a five-speed manual gearbox or a four-speed automatic, working in conjunction with a traditional part-time four-wheel-drive system.
According to Damd, the Armata concept is expected to evolve into a complete tuning package for the five-door Jimny Nomad by 2026. Before that, select components such as the roof-mounted light bar and the truck-style mirrors will be available for purchase at the Tokyo Auto Salon. Damd already offers several styling kits for the five-door Jimny, including the Defender-inspired “Little D.” and the Mercedes-themed “Little G.Advance” and “Little G.Traditional,” while the original Little D remains exclusive to the three-door Jimny Sierra—for now.