We all know bad news is little less disappointing with advance notice. So although everyone was aware that the Suzuki Jimny wasn't long for this world, even at its launch, confirmation today that it can't be ordered in the UK any longer remains a bit sad. Because not only did it look funky, the Jimny had a purity of purpose seldom found in any new car; it wasn't perfect in every situation - far from it - but it excelled in its specialist area in such a way that it was impossible not to admire.
Sadly, off-road prowess doesn't get you far in the eyes of legislators. And the simple fact is that the Jimny's wheezy old 1.5 just isn't efficient enough in the third decade of the 21st century. The mini G-Class's CO2 emissions are from 154g/km, with Suzuki obliged to reach a 95g/km fleet average in 2021 - it just isn't possible to keep the car on sale.
Today that news is confirmed, with the remaining cars allocated only to fulfil existing orders, though it would appear that things have been winding down for a while. A limited number of Jimnys were expected this year ahead of the decision to axe it, but new orders haven't been possible for a while. Come 2021 and the Jimny won't be in Europe any longer as a new car, as the remaining months of this year are taken up with delivering those orders already placed. There are rumours of the Jimny returning as a commercial vehicle under N1 legislation - where it just as the front two seats, and would be exempt from conventional CO2 classification - though nothing has been confirmed on that front yet.
The Jimny's demise is part of a bigger strategy for Suzuki, too, with the entire range now set to be hybrid-only. From Ignis to Vitara - and including the Swift Sport, don't forget - every single new Suzuki will be electrified to some extent with the Jimny not in the line-up. The new Across SUV, the inaugural product of the Suzuki-Toyota alliance, will be Suzuki's first foray into plug-in hybrids. And, as far as PH knows, making Suzuki the only volume manufacturer with a hybrid-only range in the UK.
So big changes are afoot for the Suzuki range over here. We've asked Suzuki UK for an idea of how many Jimnys are available in the dealer network for purchase, which we're waiting to hear back on. There are one or two lurking in the PH classifieds, however, if news of its impending demise has awoken a Jimny longing deep inside; this fetching beige example - or Chiffon Ivory, to give the colour its proper name - has been kitted out with some off-road extras yet only has 10 miles recorded. It's yours for £26,000. It isn't the only Jimny above £20k, either, showing just where the market currently sits. Indeed the only one below £20k is this black Jimny that's already covered 25,000 miles - they must be the slowest depreciating cars on sale! With supply now being curtailed and never likely to satisfy demand, it seems the Jimny may well continue being a safe place for your money. Even if you dare to use the little Suzuki as intended. Given the car's reputation, it will surely be a case of gone but not forgotten for the pint-sized off-road warrior; in fact, surely the Jimny could return one day as an EV 4x4? The campaign starts now...
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