Suzuki Jimny hybrid-electric variant to launch in 2024 – Report [Update]

Update – ‘Suzuki Jimny Hybrid specifications’ section revised.

The gasoline-powered Mk4 Suzuki Jimny was re-homologated and moved to a commercial vehicle classification in Europe in 2020 as the passenger model pushed Suzuki’s average CO2 emissions beyond the 95 g/km (for passenger vehicles) limit in the region. However, the company is working towards relaunching the passenger variant with a hybrid powertrain in a few years, as per the Austrian motoring site Die Motorprofis.

The Suzuki Jimny enjoys a cult status in the automotive industry, with more than 2.85 million units sold worldwide over 51 years. It offers ruggedness and off-road capability in ultra-compact dimensions and at a very affordable price. Given Jimny’s brand strength and desirability, it had to make its European return at some point, but the wait prolongs until 2024 when it gets comprehensively revised, as per the Austrian report.

Suzuki Jimny Hybrid specifications

Die Motorprofis said that the Suzuki Jimny will feature a full-hybrid powertrain developed in-house and based on a 1.5-litre engine. In a related development, Suzuki has just launched the 2022 Vitara Hybrid, which combines the new 1.5-litre Dualjet engine with a 24 kW/33 hp electric motor, a powertrain which this report might be referring to. If so, this system would allow driving the Jimny over short distances in electric mode.

Die Motorprofis speculated that the next-generation Vitara, expected to launch in 2024, will feature a PHEV powertrain with an improved electric range. Speculations could be made that the Suzuki Jimny would benefit from it. 

Suzuki will also expand the styles in the Jimny range when it inducts the ‘long body’ version by 2023, as per international media reports. It would make the Jimny suitable for rear seat occupancy and increase the commercial appeal with an expanded cargo section. It remains to be seen if the lengthened Jimny would come to Europe.

How about a badge-engineered Toyota Compact Cruiser EV?

Toyota and Suzuki have proven they have no problem sharing vehicles. Suzuki borrowed the RAV4 and Corolla for the A-Cross and Swace. Toyota has taken Suzuki’s Baleno and called it the Starlet for South African sales. This leads to an interesting question: During the December 14, 2021 press conference, Toyota showcased over a dozen EV concepts, and the Compact Cruiser EV (Toyota LiteCruiser) caught the attention of the automotive media thanks to its appearance reminiscing the FJ Cruiser, a cult classic, just like the Jimny.

The Compact Cruiser EV is confirmed for production, and based on its appearance, Toyota seems to have entered the development phase, where a launch could take place in mid-decade. If Suzuki does not have an electric Jimny in mind, it could look to its ally to have a ‘Suzuki’ branded version in showrooms. If it joins the Suzuki lineup, the tough little LiteCruiser looks to have the mettle to take the Jimny brand upmarket and deep into the urban jungle.

Competitors

Suzuki will have to take this segment seriously as rival Jeep is planning a small, rugged SUV with an electrified powertrain. Jeep teased a couple of its models during the Stellantis EV day presentation in July 2021, with designer Mark Allen commenting that EVs will have design traits like short bonnets and wheels pushed out to the corners, giving a squat, boxy shape, similar to the Jimny. Codenamed Jeep 516, production is expected to start next 2023, and the model could revive the ‘Jeepster’ nameplate.

Suzuki Jimny EV imagined by an automotive designer

The GMC Hummer EVs signal the switch to pure electric powertrains even for the toughest of off-roaders, and the pint-sized Suzuki Jimny would be no exception in the future. Below are speculative renderings of a Suzuki Jimny Electric, a no-frills all-electric off-roader we might see in the showrooms as the next-gen model during the EV-only era, designed by the talented automotive designer Aryan Hosseinalipour.

We got Aryan to take us through his new concept, and here’s what he told us. Note that the Jimny Electric on this page is not an official/company project and is the work of an auto enthusiast:

Concept

I remember reading when growing up that the Jimny was one of the first cars in that size class to conquer altitude. It was always the car which I liked. A few years ago, when they finally released the new Jimny, I had an idea of an electric version of the compact SUV.

An electric powertrain for an off-road-oriented SUV would be exciting because torque is essential for them. Electric powertrains deliver torque in abundance, right from the word go. So, I thought, why not design a neo-retro Jimny with an electric heart.

I first considered how the switch to a pure electric powertrain would affect the whole vehicle. The original Jimny has a ladder frame chassis, and most of the new-age electric cars coming out these days have a skateboard chassis.

Design Overview

I first made the chassis and then started designing the body. Thanks to visibly small overhangs, the Suzuki Jimny has excellent approach and departure angles. Many other characteristics are similar design-wise, including the boxy look. I kept the windows large and dipped the shoulder line for occupants to get a better view outside. I gave it the panoramic sunroof, considering urban customers demand such features even in utilitarian SUVs.

At the front, you will see many neatly designed LED modules that provide bright illumination efficiently. There is no need for an air vent for cooling, so I’ve used a fancy glass panel designed to replicate the look of the signature five-slot grille. I left a small gap on the sides for cooling. That makes the front-end appealing compared to a typical EV with a body-coloured nose cone.

I went for a bit futuristic design for the next-gen Suzuki Jimny for the rims. As for the pillars, I tried to put them behind glass panels to generate a distinctive look. As a result, it looks like there is a seamless glass panel going around the SUV. At the rear end, I kept a spare wheel as the Suzuki Jimny has always had the spare wheel there. The tail lamps are all-LED units and much slimmer.

Specifications

I see this Suzuki Jimny Electric featuring a quad-motor eAWD drivetrain layout, with each wheel spun by a dedicated motor. Practically, though, two electric motors, one on each axle, sounds perfect. These two motors could generate around 140 kW or 190 PS of power and approximately 300 Nm of torque. That’s double the power and more than double the torque of the Mk4 Suzuki Jimny’s K15B internal combustion engine.

The battery pack is placed on the cabin floor to lower the centre of gravity. So, one can expect better driving dynamics despite the familiar boxy body.

Featured Image Source: Suzuki