Jimny-Based Yomper Pickup Is a Tiny but Rugged Utility Vehicle • Professional Pickup

A West Yorkshire firm has created a built-to-order vehicle to answer a demand for utility-focussed SUVs in the trade, agricultural and sports and leisure markets: the Yomper 4×4.

The Yomper is based on a Suzuki Jimny, but built on a specially adapted long wheelbase chassis developed to deliver both load space and off-road capability. Available in tray back ‘Bergan’ or alloy drop side ‘Commercial’ specifications, and also in 225cm or 275cm wheelbases, the manufacturer assures us that the Yomper is ideal for farm applications, off-road utility or sports and leisure pursuits.

A product of Elland-based Samson Engineering Ltd – a firm with a reputation in the design, development and manufacture of bespoke commercial trailers and construction equipment – the Yomper is built around a brand new chassis and bespoke alloy body, with a Jimny body shell converted into a chassis cab, complete with a strengthened rear bulkhead. The engineering ensures that payloads of up to 500kgs are possible.

Under the bonnet, the Yomper uses the standard Suzuki 1.3-litre petrol engine. As part of the purchase cost, the engine and running gear are comprehensively overhauled and rebuilt in-house with many new components and upgrades to ensure its ability as a workhorse.

“We’ve always worked in an environment where we apply advanced engineering principles to meet the specific demands of a job, so when I heard from a lot of people in my local community – many of whom are farmers – about the lack of a suitable small utility SUV on the market I decided it would be a great opportunity to create one,” explains Giles Walker, Yomper 4×4 CEO. “You can’t buy an inexpensive go-anywhere working vehicle anymore, so I decided to make one.

“As an off-road and trials bike enthusiast myself, I know what makes a good SUV, so the natural choice for the base vehicle was the Suzuki Jimny – cheap, affordable and reliable, yet small enough to go where other off-roaders can’t and with exceptional off-road capabilities, without the issue of a heavy off-road ‘tyre print’.”

Pricing for the Yomper is negotiable, depending on personal specification, but it is possible to have a model on the road for below £20,000.

“There are other companies who have done Jimny pick-up conversions,” adds Giles, “but none have gone as far as to create a bespoke body and chassis like that of the Yomper, which is essentially a ground-up vehicle that uses the Suzuki running gear and front bodywork more as components to create a full vehicle than as a basis for conversion.

“Those are the key engineering differences, and the fact we can offer both body style variants shows the flexibility and bespoke nature of our design. The fact all our vehicles attain IVA approval is proof that our design and manufacturing approach is the correct one to take.”

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Phil Huff

Phil Huff, a seasoned automotive journalist since 2011, specialises in new car and van launches for national and regional newspapers, magazines, and online platforms. As the editor of light commercial vehicle publications Professional Van and Professional Pickup, Phil delivers high-quality content for a UK audience of LCV owner-operators and small business users.