Suzuki has introduced its first electric vehicle, the eVitara, marking a new chapter in the automaker’s history. Yet, for fans of the compact off-roader Jimny hoping for an EV variant, Suzuki’s President Toshihiro Suzuki has cast doubt on that possibility, citing concerns about the impact on the vehicle’s defining characteristics. “If you talk about the Jimny EV, I think it would ruin the best part of the Jimny,” Suzuki stated, emphasizing that the battery weight could undermine the off-roader’s agility and distinctive lightness.
This stance appears to contradict Suzuki’s official electrification roadmap announced earlier in 2023, which hinted at a fully electric Jimny for Europe, even previewing a teaser image featuring new LED headlight designs. The apparent discrepancy has fueled speculation about the company’s plans, suggesting a potential disconnect between corporate strategy and Suzuki’s leadership. Autocar reports that the president also dismissed the possibility of a hybrid Jimny, instead emphasizing that for Europe, the Jimny would continue as a light commercial vehicle (LCV).
Rather than adopting electric or hybrid powertrains, Suzuki hinted at alternative fuels like e-fuel or biofuel to retain the internal combustion engine (ICE) for the Jimny. “If we want to keep providing the Jimny to the market as tools for the professionals, maybe the e-fuel or biofuel utilizing ICE technology would be the way to keep Jimny supported in the future,” Suzuki said, indicating a potential pathway for the off-roader amid evolving emissions regulations.
The Jimny has faced challenges in Europe due to emissions rules, which led Suzuki to limit it to a two-seater LCV configuration. Some have speculated that a mid-cycle refresh could see the return of a passenger version, possibly with mild-hybrid technology similar to that used in other Suzuki models. However, with no timeline confirmed for a facelifted Jimny or additional variants, the off-roader’s future remains uncertain. In markets outside Europe, such as India and Australia, the Jimny is available as a five-door model, and rumors persist of a possible pickup version.
Meanwhile, Suzuki has kept Jimny enthusiasts engaged with limited-edition releases, like the Jimny Mata in Italy and the Jimny Horizon in Germany, both marketed as special editions. These releases hint that a refreshed Jimny could be on the way, although official details have yet to be confirmed.
Source: Autocar
