Suzuki Jimny to Return to Europe as a 2-seater Commercial Vehicle

Suzuki Jimny is one of the best-selling 4x4 SUVs across the globe. The off-roader is loved for its terrain-negotiating capabilities, which come packed in compact dimensions and at an affordable price tag. While the car is yet to go on sale in India, it has been enjoying success in other international markets. However, in Europe, it was pulled off from the showroom floors due to its emission levels. The Jimny in Europe is sold with a 1.5L 4-cylinder naturally-aspirated petrol motor. This engine puts outs a peak power output of 105 PS and max torque of 138 Nm. These figures are not mind-numbing by any manner, but it emitted out 170g CO2 every kilometre, which is way higher than the value prescribed by the governing authorities.

Now, in order to get it back on the showroom floors, Suzuki has removed the second row of seats from this tiny-cutesy off-roader. With this change, the Jimny will now be sold as a light commercial vehicle in the European market. Although, Suzuki has to work around the engine a little to bring in the CO2 emission value lower than 147 g/km, which is the state specified limit for a light commercial vehicle. Also, with the second row removed Jimny gets 33 litres of extra boot space in comparison to the situation when second-row seats were folded flat. The total usable volume now stands at 863 litres. The changes on the inside include the addition of a cargo net, behind the front row of seats.

With these changes, Jimny will continue to be on sale in the European market. However, Suzuki has not revealed the prices yet, but the commercial version will be a potential bargain as the buyers will be able to claim for the VAT back on Jimny commercial in the UK. The compact off-roader will continue to be as capable as it was in its private vehicle iteration. It will continue to come with the same ladder-frame chassis, rigid axles at both the ends, low-range transfer case, autonomous braking, and eCall emergency messaging function. However, if Suzuki would sap the power and torque output to meet the smaller values of CO2 emission, it is not yet known.