Suzuki Jimny, one of the most loveable 4x4s on the planet, has officially made its return to the UK in the form of a light commercial vehicle, which is already available in Europe since early 2021. The Jimny, first revealed in 2018 was dropped from the UK and European markets in 2020 due to the strict emission standards. However, its return as an LCV didn’t take too long by popular demand.
The Jimny LCV looks identical to the now-discontinued passenger version, with the exception of the 15-inch steel wheels finished in black giving it a purpose-built look. The exact same specification is available as the passenger-oriented Suzuki Jimny Lite in Australia. The only difference from the previously available passenger model is the two-seater cabin. The rear seats are gone, allowing for a larger 863-liter cargo area (+33 liters compared to the passenger version with folded seats) complete with a flat floor and a safety partition grid.
There is only one trim level so there is not much of a choice here. Standard equipment includes air-conditioning, Bluetooth connectivity, DAB radio (no fancy infotainment touchscreen), MP3 player, 2 speakers, cruise control, speed limiter, eCall, ABS, Hill Descent Control, and Dual Sensor Brake Support. As expected, there are no changes under the bonnet where you find a naturally aspirated 1.5-liter petrol engine producing 101 hp and 130 Nm of torque. As usual, a 5-speed manual gearbox with an additional low-range shifter sends power to all four wheels through the AllGrip Pro selectable 4WD system.
The Jimny retains its compact dimensions, ladder-frame, 3-link rigid axle suspension, and the proven off-road credentials with 210-mm ground clearance and impressive approach (37°), departure (49°), and breakover (28°) angles. This makes it ideal for those who like off-roading with their panel van since there is no commercial vehicle more capable than the Jimny.
According to Suzuki, the new Jimny LCV will be available in very limited numbers in the UK in 2021, prompting prospective buyers to place their orders as soon as possible. Pricing starts at £ 16,796 (US$ 23,197) excluding VAT or at £ 19,999 (US$ 27,621) including VAT. This makes it more expensive than the passenger version which used to start from £ 15,370 (US$ 21,212) before it was discontinued.
