The Suzuki Jimny, a small SUV with true off-road power, has reached its final days in Europe after being a popular choice in many markets. Suzuki stopped selling cars in the US back in 2012, so American buyers never got the chance to own this cool vehicle that debuted its fourth version in 2018. Its unique blend of size and ruggedness has made it a favorite, but changing rules across the globe are forcing its retirement in some key areas.
The main reason for the Jimny's exit from Europe comes down to strict environmental rules. Suzuki had to stop selling the regular passenger versions of the Jimny in Europe in 2020 because of these rules. The company tried to keep it on sale by offering a simpler commercial version with only two seats.
However, even tougher emission rules are now forcing this commercial model out too. France is the very last European market where it's still available, but it will be phased out there by the end of this year.
To mark its long and successful run, Suzuki has launched a special Jimny 55th Anniversary edition. This special model celebrates 55 years since the first Jimny was introduced in 1970. Over this time, more than three million of these tiny off-roaders have been sold worldwide, with some even known as the Samurai in the US.
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This new anniversary edition will add just 55 units to that total. It features a classic-looking grille, special body graphics, and a spare wheel cover with a rhinoceros logo. Its price in France started at €28,955 (about $33,200), which is more expensive than a basic Wrangler in the US.
Despite its small size, often found in the same category as economy hatchbacks, the Jimny is built as a serious off-roader. Unlike most small crossovers, it uses a strong body-on-frame chassis. It also features solid axles at both the front and rear, and a part-time four-wheel-drive system that includes low-range gearing, though it does not have a locking differential.
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These tough parts, combined with its short wheelbase, give it strong off-road ability, allowing it to easily handle steep slopes, rocky paths, and muddy trails. In Europe, the Jimny is powered by a 1.5-liter inline-4 engine that makes 101 horsepower and comes with a five-speed manual transmission.
Looking to the future, there was talk of an electric Jimny arriving later this decade, which could have allowed it to return to Europe. However, Suzuki boss Toshihiro Suzuki recently suggested this is unlikely. He explained that adding a heavy battery would take away one of the vehicle's best qualities: its light weight, which can be as low as 2,414 pounds. This means the charming and rugged Jimny may truly be saying goodbye to European roads for good.
