Suzuki Jimny saved with new commercial version

Suzuki Jimny van sidesteps Europe’s latest emissions regulations by becoming a light commercial vehicle

Suzuki has unveiled a commercial version of the Jimny. It’s pretty much identical to the standard off-roader – and, most importantly, it will allow Suzuki to continue selling the car in Europe, even in the wake of the EU’s more stringent emissions regulations. Sales are expected to start early next 2021.

From the outside, the Suzuki Jimny commercial looks the same as the passenger carrying model. However, to fulfill its new-found brief as a light van, Suzuki has swapped the standard Jimny’s tiny rear bench seat for a partitioned 863-litre load bay – which is 33 litres more than the passenger model offered with the back row folded.

This new commercial variant allows Suzuki to exploit a loophole in the current European emissions regulations. The standard Jimny was recently removed from sale, as its engine bumped Suzuki’s average fleet-wide CO2 emissions figure over the European Parliament’s recently introduced 95g/km threshold.

However, that 95g/km figure only applies to passenger vehicles. Commercial vehicles have a far more lenient target figure of 147g/km of CO2 which, rather conveniently, the Jimny’s 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine comes closer to matching – allowing Suzuki to eke a few more sales out of its ever-popular off-roader.

The Jimny commercial features a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, which produces 101bhp and 130Nm of torque – and, like the standard car, the unit is mated to a four-wheel-drive system, which features a five-speed manual gearbox and a low-range transfer case.

Suzuki also says that Jimny commercial buyers will receive the same level of standard equipment as the passenger model. Standard kit, therefore, will include air conditioning, cruise control, a full-size spare wheel and a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Looking for an electric van? Check out the best electric vans on sale here...

Recommended

BYD Atto 3 review
BYD Atto 3 - front tracking
In-depth reviews

BYD Atto 3 review

New kid on the block BYD has hit the ground running with its all-electric family SUV, combining quirky design with a comfortable ride in the Atto 3
5 Dec 2023
Used Car of the Year 2023: Dacia Duster
Dacia Duster - Used Car of the Year 2023
Best cars & vans

Used Car of the Year 2023: Dacia Duster

The Dacia Duster is our 2023 Used Car of the Year thanks to its bargain price, frugal engines and impressive amount of space
22 Nov 2023
New MINI Countryman JCW aims to deliver performance and practicality
MINI Countryman JCW - front
News

New MINI Countryman JCW aims to deliver performance and practicality

The new MINI Countryman JCW gets 296bhp and four-wheel drive
10 Nov 2023
New Polestar 4 coupe SUV: prices, specs and that missing rear window
Polestar 4 - front
News

New Polestar 4 coupe SUV: prices, specs and that missing rear window

The Polestar 4 is coming soon and it’s destined to be the brand’s top selling model. Here’s everything you need to know…
9 Nov 2023

Most Popular

New Nissan Qashqai to get radical look and all-electric power
Nissan Qashqai exclusive image - front
News

New Nissan Qashqai to get radical look and all-electric power

Major investment in Nissan’s Sunderland plant underpins the new fourth-generation Qashqai
8 Dec 2023
New Omoda 5 to take on the Nissan Qashqai and Hyundai Tucson when it arrives in early 2024
Omoda 5 - front
News

New Omoda 5 to take on the Nissan Qashqai and Hyundai Tucson when it arrives in early 2024

The new Omoda 5 SUV will only be available with an all-electric powertrain when it hits the UK next spring, but a hybrid option is expected later
8 Dec 2023
Polestar 4 awarded Car Design of the Year by Car Design News
Polestar 4 - front studio
News

Polestar 4 awarded Car Design of the Year by Car Design News

Car design’s most auspicious peer-awarded prize goes to Polestar 4, while Dacia Manifesto wins Concept Design of the Year
7 Dec 2023