Second-Generation Suzuki Hustler

Since 2013, Suzuki made an oddball kei crossover called the Hustler and it's hard to describe why the mini-me Toyota FJ Cruiser became a hit among young outdoorsy people across Japan. With the arrival of the second-generation model, expect big things to come on the all-new Suzuki Hustler.

2020 Suzuki Hustler

This is the all-new Suzuki Hustler, the second generation model, and it's yours for 1,280,400 (around $13,000) which is rather cheaper to own than its big brother, the Ignis, but before you get your hands on this nearly affordable kei crossover that loves to poke fun against the Daihatsu Cast Activa, let's observe a little about how much has changed since the previous model.

2020 Suzuki Hustler

By the looks of it, the front and the rearview look pretty much the same as the previous model it replaces but look closely on the side and you can spot an extra window on it, meaning that it really is a new model and not a minor change whatsoever.

2020 Suzuki Hustler interior

Speaking of all-new, have you noticed the new Hustler's interior? The dashboard has three circles on it and that's something the folks from Mini should learn from it while making their next model but enough encouragement because while the new three-ringed dashboard adds a nice touch to the Hustler's new interior, it really fits through any kind of lifestyle they see fit. It can be a four-seater, a two-seater with the rear seats folded, and a nice little sleeper in case you forgot to bring a tent for the camping trip to the woods. It's all about utility in such a little car and you can give credit to Suzuki for that.

2020 Suzuki Hustler

Running on a HEARTECT platform, the new Hustler promises to be more lively to drive, safer, and more efficient than the previous model and they really mean it as demonstrated by its 4.6m turning radius. City car handling aside, the Hustler's optional 4WD system comes with Grip Control, Snow Mode, and Hill Descent Control, making it capable of getting itself dirty while taking shortcuts in case of traffic jams, which will make you look like a sweet potato when they see you taking it offroad online.

The Hustler is powered by a new 660cc R06D engine with mild hybrid technology, Eco Cool, and idling stop, and when mated to a CVT, it delivers a 25kmpl fuel economy based on WLTP standards for front-wheel-drive variants. On the turbo variants with the 660cc R06A turbo engine with the same fuel-efficient tech mentioned above, it returns with a 22.6kmpl fuel economy.

In the interest of safety, the new Hustler comes with the Suzuki Safety Support suite of driver aids, which makes this kei crossover a certified Safety Support Car S rating.

The second-generation Hustler may look the same as the previous generation model it replaces but this all-new model really ticks the right boxes of what a city car should and by taking it on the dirt course, this baby elephant knows how to roll in style and substance no doubt. Well done, Suzuki.

Photo: Suzuki Motor Corporation