Small Dakar Kei truck built around Suzuki Jimny is perfect

This one-off kei truck was invented by students at Japan’s NATS Academy and is road legal

The Dakar Rally and the Tokyo Auto Salon are two highlights of the month for car enthusiasts. While these two events are completely unrelated, there is one concept that unites them in the best possible way. The Mini Ranger is a miniature Dakar truck built by college students at NATS using Suzuki components.

While the Lexus-inspired LFA-II GT concept grabbed most of the attention at the Japan Automotive School (NATS) stand in Tokyo, the Mini Ranger certainly stole the show. The kei truck is designed to emulate the majestic Hino Ranger behemoth that dominated the Dakar Rally, only in a smaller, more glamorous package.

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The student team began the project using the ladder-frame chassis of the second-generation Suzuki Jimny, with a slightly extended wheelbase. For the upper body, they turned to the ninth-generation Suzuki Carry, retaining its iconic flat-top design.

To better mimic the Hino Ranger, the concept’s front end has been completely redesigned, with a truck-style grille and stylish LED headlights borrowed from the Daihatsu Hijet. Additionally, the cargo area is enclosed with steel panels and features a striking red and white racing livery, completing its rally-inspired appearance.

Tokyo Auto Salon, NATS

Inside the Mini Ranger, you’ll find a pair of bucket seats, a sport steering wheel, and additional gauges on the dashboard, all of which contribute to a motorsport-style atmosphere. The students even installed a spare tire in the back, just in case you happen to get a flat tire while pretending to be in the middle of the Dakar desert.

Sturdy chassis, tiny engine

The Suzuki Jimny’s sturdy ladder-frame chassis forms the backbone of the Mini Ranger. To enhance its off-road capabilities, the students installed an upgraded Motor Farm Leaf Type S suspension, which includes new shock absorbers and springs to increase ground clearance. Meanwhile, its compact 15-inch wheels are wrapped in all-terrain tires for extra grip when tackling rough terrain.

True to its light car origins, the Mini Ranger is powered by a 657cc Suzuki engine producing 55 hp (41 kW / 56 PS) and 85 Nm (63 lb-ft) of torque. While these figures pale in comparison to the massive 10-litre diesel engines found in Dakar-winning Hino Rangers, the Mini Ranger makes up for it with its lightweight construction. Of course, power is sent to all four wheels via an all-wheel-drive system, giving it plenty of power for its size.

Unfortunately, the NATS Mini Ranger is a one-off product. However, it may inspire similar custom projects in the future. On the bright side, the concept is completely street-legal, meaning NATS students can drive it on public roads after class.