Suzuki has finally confirmed the coming all-electric Jimny, thanks to a silhouetted image of the iconic small off-roader that dropped last week… that’s the good news.
The bad news is: will it be for Europe only? That’s the million-dollar question, at least, according to Suzuki itself.
Rendered among a host of upcoming electric vehicles revealed by Suzuki in a press release on January 27, the Jimny EV is unmistakably represented, with the image boasting a boxy shape, pert proportions, (LED) circular headlights, wheels-at-each-corner stance and high ground clearance.
There can be little doubt that this is a Jimny.
However, Suzuki seems to only be limiting the electrified version of the legendary 4×4 to just one market – Europe. All other major regions – including Japan, India and ASEAN – look set to miss out, at least for now.
We’ve reached out to Suzuki Australia for clarification on this and other future-model related questions, so we’ll let you know when we hear back.
Likewise, we’re also in the dark about what could possibly be under the bonnet of the Jimny EV, as well as battery size, power outputs, range capability and – not least of all – pricing.
In fact, we don’t even know whether the electric model will even sit on the same ladder-frame chassis as the petrol one.
So, what can we ascertain about this not-so-stealthy outing?
In the European Union and UK, Suzuki has had to cease sales of the regular four-seater Jimny since 2020, due to its failure to meet stringent emissions standards; as a result, only two-seater commercial van versions have been made available, limiting both the series’ appeal and versatility.
As a result of this, Europe is naturally a prime market for the Jimny EV, especially as government incentives have long favoured the uptake of electrification compared to other parts of the globe – especially in Australia right up to last year’s federal election.
Indeed, as a graph in another part of the Suzuki press release shows, the mix of Suzuki EV to Suzuki hybrid vehicles for Europe by 2031 will be 80:20; that compares to 20:80 for the Japanese home domestic market over the same time period, which appears to also miss out on the Jimny EV.
That said, it’s not all doom and gloom for Jimny fans in this country.
It is understood that Australia is now in line to receive a mild-hybrid version of the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol version sometime after next year, as well as the recently-unveiled five-door Jimny; both are sure to boost the popularity of an already in-demand proposition.
Of course, we’ll keep you posted as more Jimny-related news drops, so stay tuned.
Keyword: Suzuki Jimny EV revealed!