30yrs, Suzuki Motor Corporation has been involved in the 4x4 landscape in Japan and most definitely made a difference to 4x4s across the globe.

Among the more notable creations today has to be the Jimny and the Vitara (aka Escudo). To most, Suzuki 4x4 presents the most affordable entry into the world of 4x4 and the associated lifestyle. Specifically the city-dwellers who saw the chunky urban "off-roaders" as statements of an active lifestyle - aspired or actual.

Taking the theme of creating a fashion lifestyle statement further, the one important accessory to having a chic "off-roadable" vehicle has to be some form of wind-in-hair-motoring capability. As seen in resale markets in many countries, "soft-top" version of the Vitara often commands higher premiums against their hardtop variants.

And now that the new-look Jimny has been around for a while, it seem only right to take the very capable "smart in city" off-roader and shave off the roof. Ala, the Jimny Soft Top.

Already available in many export markets, Australia being the nearest one to us, the Jimny ST is little different from its hardheaded version. Typical of 4x4 "soft-tops" the Jimny ST maintains a central roll-over hoop, so in effect front occupants experience a more "targa-top" like motoring than a true-blue messy hair drive. The people at the rear don't get a much better deal either. In striving to offer occupant safety, the already high-waist Jimny offers a rather misery aperture to the outside world.

The usual kit on the hardtop Jimny remains, so off-road capability should be business as usual.

But when it comes to posing for the clubs and the boulevards, it would seem like the old school cabriolets and even the Vitara ST will do a better job. Peeping out of a tiny hole just don't cut it for the chic brigade.