Suzuki’s president has suggested the brand has no plans to build an electric or hybrid version of the Jimny, given that electrifying the 4x4 “would ruin" it.
The car has had a strong following in the UK since its launch in 1970, with its fourth generation – and mini reboot – in 2018 rubber-stamping its cult classic status.
Calls have been made to bring the Jimny back to the UK since it was pulled from sale in 2020, but strict emissions regulations has in reality meant only with an electrified powertrain would it be able to return.
These regulations mean that, in both the UK and Europe, the Jimny is only able to be offered as an LCV.
Hopes were raised when official silhouette images of Suzuki’s next electric cars seemed to suggest the Jimny would gain a fully electric counterpart. A hybrid variant has also long been mooted.
However, speaking to reporters at the launch of the eVitara, the brand’s first EV, Toshihiro Suzuki appeared to dash any speculation. “If you talk about the Jimny EV, I think it would ruin the best part of the Jimny,” he said. “I think the core strength of the Jimny is the right weight.”
Instead, Toshihiro Suzuki wants to focus on continuing the Jimny line with “professionals”. “If we want to keep providing the Jimny to the market as tools for the professionals, maybe the e-fuel, or biofuel utilising the ICE technology would be the way to keep Jimny supported in the future,” he said.
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It's a great mystery as to why Suzuki didn't change the engine to a modern small turbo fuel efficient one. This would comply with regs and they'd keep selling it all over Europe. Instead they decide to stick with the old NA engine and kill production, only selling it as a commercial vehicle. Bizarre business logic.
The core strengths of the Jimny are that it's small and looks cute. Both of which could still apply to an EV version which would be better off-road anyway, due to the nature of 4wd electric powertrains. The comments by the Suzuki boss are opinions, not facts.
I realised that I spent 95% of my time driving alone but still needed a true 4x4 capable car and so switched from a Ford Ranger to a Jimny after having driven pick ups for the past 20 years plus. I was very apprehensive about the change but find it to be an absolutely purposeful and brilliant little machine and don't regret the change. No wonder Suzuki don't want to compromise this model. My apprehension has now become concerning how I could replace it in the years to come. Hopefully Suzuki can find a way to update but not dilute this formula.