Posted on December 30th, 2022.

If you know what the Suzuki Jimny is, you probably know—nay, feel, deep down—that it's awesome. (And, unfortunately, not sold in America.) And it keeps getting more awesome. There's an aftermarket pickup conversion that is gleefully toylike. There's a factory-built work van version. And that's just the tip of the iceberg. But surely a lil' SUV with a sub-scale wheelbase couldn't moonlight as an adventurous camping and overlanding rig, right? Think again.

This Jimny looks like an honest-to-goodness pop-top camper at first glance, but what you're actually looking at is a sleek, form-fitting roof-top tent that is clamped to the Jimny's exposed rain rails. (Hat tip to Carscoops for the find.) No cutting involved here, and it takes a ladder (which conveniently folds to a very compact size, to store inside the Jimny) to climb up to the tiny sleeping berth. Since the Jimny's roof isn't long enough for a typical adult to stretch out, the tent has a clever fold-out extension. Unfurled, the tent is 6.9 feet long—which should provide enough room for anyone who can fit inside a Jimny's cabin to stretch out.

Kamado of Japan produces the Canotier J3—a "canotier" is a french word for a type of hat, which is a good way to think of how this tent rests on the Jimny's roof. The company engaged Mooncraft, a design outfit led by racing car designer Takuya Yura—who is responsible for a whole bunch of neat (mainly Japanese) motorsport and concept vehicles, as well as interesting side projects like a famed and highly collectible Seiko Speedmaster chronograph—to design the product. Kamado wanted something lightweight, with a low center of gravity, quite unlike some rack-mounted RTTs.

Seems like the companies succeeded. The Canotier J3 weighs 99 pounds and is made of aluminum and fiberglass. The retail price is $5,790 at today's exchange rates, and that includes installation.  

Source: Motor Trend