Suzuki has unveiled a new two-seater Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) version of its small and lightweight off-roader, the Jimny. The Japanese SUV has been a favourite for both private and professionals off-road enthusiasts since its global launch in 2018. Sadly, strict emissions regulations in the UK forced Suzuki to discontinue the sale of Jimny as a passenger car in 2020, but the removal of the rear seats now allows it to return to the market in a commercial vehicle avatar. Available in just a single variant, the new LCV model is priced at £16,796 excluding VAT (£19,999 including VAT) in the British land. However, there are two extra colour options to choose from that comes with a premium over the standard, the metallic paint (£404.17 exc. VAT) and the dual-tone paint (£541.67 exc. VAT).
The Jimny LCV looks quite similar to its passenger model in terms of design. Built on the ladder frame, with the three angles and 3-link rigid axle suspension, it has the familiar boxy rugged stance, squared grille, retro round headlamps and flared wheel arches. The wheels, however, are the exception, which comes as the only choice of 15-inch black steel units.
However, on the inside, the story is completely different, as the off-roader has gone through a big change in its rear. Suzuki has removed the back seats to classify this new offering as a commercial vehicle in order to make it eligible for sale in the UK again.
But the absence of seating arrangement at the rear means the SUV has a much larger 836-litre of boot space, which is separated from the front seating area by a new metal mesh guard. The cargo area remains carpeted, though. So fix in a few small sofa chairs yourself, and you’re good for family rides… off the public road, of course.
The LCV model offers 33 litres more than the passenger vehicle model even when the rear sear seats are folded down in the latter one. The flat floor on the commercial vehicle also offers better practicality, while the safety partition makes sure to bar the cargo from moving into the cabin. Coming to the other side of the partition, the dashboard area features a CD player with DAB radio and Bluetooth support as standard, along with air conditioning vents and controls.
Under the hood, the Suzuki Jimny LCV retains the passenger model’s naturally-aspirated, 1.5-litre petrol engine, which churns out 101hp and 130Nm of torque. The power from the engine is transferred to all four wheels through the familiar five-speed manual gearbox. The ‘Allgrip Pro’ 4×4 system remains unchanged as well, meaning it is just as capable at off-roading as the standard four-seater.
The Japanese automaker has also given the LCV the same suite of safety tech as the stand Jimny offerings. It gets standard equipment like automatic emergency braking, hill-hold assist with descent control, Dual Sensor Brake Support (DSBS), in addition to, eCall, an emergency messaging function following a collision.
The new Jimny LCV will soon be available in the UK dealerships and will be available in very limited numbers in the UK in 2021.
