Suzuki Jimny EV coming

The Suzuki Jimny has the kind of cult-like following that many auto brands spend millions to create, but there’s a big issue looming for its ancient petrol engine, which has already caused some countries to ban sales of the boxy little SUV.

As such, Suzuki will deploy a hybrid powertrain for the Jimny in the next few years, and an all-new EV version is expected to arrive by 2030.

A facelifted Jimny three-door is tipped to be revealed as early as January 2023 at the New Delhi auto show in India and it’s expected to be joined by the first-ever Suzuki Jimny five-door.

The updated Jimny is understood to be based on the same ladder-frame underpinnings as the current model and a more efficient petrol-electric hybrid engine will allow non-commercial versions of the pint-size SUV to return to key markets like Europe.

It’s not yet clear what sort of powertrain the hybrid Jimny will slot under its boxy bonnet, but it’s unlikely to be a mild-hybrid set-up given tightening emissions regulations.

Suzuki Australia managing director Michael Pachota recently stated that Suzuki would offer a hybrid version of every one of its models locally by 2025, but he back-pedalled when pressed on the Jimny hybrid, deliveries of which are likely to be prioritised for markets with stricter CO2 emissions laws.

“Well, I said hybrid across the range. But with that said, it doesn't necessarily mean that every single model will have guaranteed a hybrid platform by 2025,” he clarified.

“But we'd have to introduce [Jimny hybrid] somewhere across the range,” he said, confirming the petrol-electric micro mud-plugger is on track.

He also implied that a battery-powered Suzuki Jimny EV will follow the hybrid later this decade or during the early 2030s.

“It wouldn’t be unrealistic to assume that,” he responded.

While it’s likely to be heavier than the current petrol-powered rock-hopper, which has a circa-1100kg kerb weight, the all-electric Suzuki Jimny will deliver instant torque from its electric motors and should retain if not eclipse its predecessor’s go-anywhere off-road capability.

And the Jimny EV will almost certainly be based on all-new platform architecture to accommodate the radically different powertrain, which could bring significant safety advantages.  The current Suzuki Jimny has a sub-standard three-star ANCAP safety rating.

Suzuki Australia’s MD was more cautious when quizzed on timing for a fully electric Suzuki Jimny, despite it being a necessity to survive post-2030 in many countries.

“I can't confirm it. We've had nothing from the factory in regards to a confirmation around a Jimny with an EV platform. But it wouldn't be wrong to assume based on the direction and speed in which we’re heading,” he said.

Even if the new Suzuki Jimny hybrid and EV models cost a lot more than the current SUV, which starts at $26,990 for the stripped-out Lite version, it’s likely they’ll both sell like hotcakes.

The Jimny is so popular in Australia right now that the wait list stretches out to 12 months, leading to rampant price gouging and some customers paying up to $20,000 extra to get their new toy pronto.

Beyond the facelifted three-door, new five-door and electrified Jimny models in the works, there’s been plenty of talk of a Jimny ute, with Suzuki New Zealand already offering a locally-modified micro pick-up.

Pachota wouldn’t rule out a locally-engineered tray-back Jimny, but said it wasn’t a priority.

“At the moment, based on the [Jimny] wait time would I would hate to start doctoring up products that come into the country. We’ve got a customer-first policy in Australia so I'm trying to get all those back-orders filled before I start playing with Jimny,” he said.