A group of students from the Nihon Automobile College (NATS) in Japan has unveiled an inventive one-off concept that blends Dakar Rally ruggedness with kei truck charm.
The Mini Ranger, revealed at this year's Tokyo Auto Salon, is a scaled-down tribute to the Hino Ranger, known to motorsport fans as a formidable participant in the Dakar Rally.
The project began with a second-generation Suzuki Jimny ladder frame chassis, stretched slightly to accommodate the custom build. Topping this robust foundation is the cab of a ninth-generation Suzuki Carry, modified to match the aesthetic of its full-sized counterpart.
The front end of the Mini Ranger underwent a significant redesign to resemble a Dakar-ready mini ute. Key upgrades include a grille and LED headlights sourced from the Daihatsu Hijet.
To complete the rally-inspired look, the cargo area was clad in steel panels and painted in a striking red-and-white livery.
Inside, the Mini Ranger features motorsport-inspired details, including bucket seats, a sporty steering wheel and added dashboard gauges. A mounted spare wheel at the rear hints at its Dakar influences, though this kei-sized creation is unlikely to see desert duty.
True to its rugged aspirations, the Mini Ranger uses upgraded Motor Farm Leaf Type S suspension for improved ground clearance. All-terrain tyres on 15-inch wheels enhance its off-road capability, ensuring this tiny truck can handle uneven terrain.
Powered by a 657cc Suzuki engine, the Mini Ranger produces 41kW and 85Nm of torque. While modest compared to Dakar’s 10-litre diesel beasts, the kei car’s lightweight build and 4WD system ensure it remains capable and fun to drive.
Though the Mini Ranger is a one-off concept, it’s fully street-legal. NATS students could take this adorable, Dakar-inspired kei ute on public roads, showcasing their ingenuity and craftsmanship.
The Mini Ranger's unique blend of rally spirit and compact practicality might just inspire a new wave of creative custom builds.
