Introduction

The Suzuki Jimny has always been a beloved small SUV, known for its rugged capabilities and off-road prowess. When its fourth-generation model was discontinued, many enthusiasts were disappointed. However, Suzuki has brought it back in an unexpected way—as a light commercial vehicle (LCV). In this new Jimny LCV, all the off-road features we loved remain intact, making it the van you didn’t know you needed.

A Surprising Return

When Suzuki discontinued the fourth-generation Jimny SUV after only 18 months on the UK market, it seemed like the end. The decision came due to stringent emissions regulations, with the 1.5-liter petrol engine impacting Suzuki’s CO2 fleet average. However, someone at Suzuki found a loophole—the N1 light commercial vehicle category, which allows certain vans to bypass these CO2 fleet averages. This discovery led to the rebirth of the Jimny as an LCV, allowing it to stay on sale in the UK, and fulfilling the demand for this rugged vehicle.

On-Road vs. Off-Road: Where the Jimny Shines

Let’s be clear—the Suzuki Jimny isn’t for everyone. If you’re primarily looking for a city vehicle, you may not appreciate it. The Jimny’s ride can feel rough on urban roads, with noticeable body roll through tight corners due to its tall and boxy shape. However, what it lacks in city comfort, it more than makes up for in off-road capability. Once you leave the tarmac, the Jimny truly comes to life, and its lightweight design allows it to tackle terrains that would stump larger, more expensive SUVs.
The engineering behind the Jimny LCV makes it the only lightweight, small 4×4 on the market. It offers three driving modes: two-wheel drive, four-wheel drive, and a four-wheel-drive low mode for those serious off-road challenges. With a ladder-frame chassis, three-link rigid axle suspension, and extras like Hill Descent Control and Emergency Brake Support, it’s a fully equipped off-roader in every sense.

Design: Function Over Flash

Visually, the Jimny LCV looks almost identical to its passenger car sibling. It retains all the signature features that fans love—flared wheel arches, bold side panels, and the iconic spare wheel mounted on the tailgate. Suzuki has stayed true to the Jimny’s rugged personality, keeping elements like the round headlights and simple grille design.
However, because it’s now a commercial vehicle, some things have changed. For instance, the rear seats have been removed to make room for a more spacious cargo area. With a total usable load space of 863 liters, the Jimny LCV offers 33 liters more than the passenger version with its seats folded flat. Though the footwells are tight and space can feel limited, the cabin’s functional design keeps things simple and easy to use.

Practicality: How Much Can It Carry?

As a commercial vehicle, the Jimny LCV was designed to meet specific requirements. To qualify as an LCV, Suzuki had to create a load length of over 900mm, which led them to push the front seats forward slightly. The total load capacity stands at 0.86 cubic meters, making it suitable for lighter commercial tasks. However, the Jimny LCV does have limitations when it comes to payload. With a maximum payload of 150 kg, it’s not built for hauling heavy loads, unlike some of its larger van competitors.
While the Jimny LCV excels in off-road environments, its modest load capacity means it’s more suited for smaller jobs rather than industrial use. Compared to other commercial vehicles, such as supermini-based vans that can carry up to half a ton, the Jimny’s payload is quite limited. However, it remains an attractive option for those who need off-road capability with some cargo space.

Pricing and Features

Suzuki prices the Jimny LCV starting at £16,796 (excluding VAT), making it one of the more affordable options for those seeking off-road capability. It comes in six different colors and offers a range of accessories, including roof bars and underbody protection for harsher terrains. Keep in mind, though, that while these extras enhance the vehicle’s off-road abilities, they’re unlikely to boost resale value significantly.
In terms of equipment, the Jimny LCV comes with everything you need. Standard features include 15-inch steel wheels, a basic DAB radio with Bluetooth, a multifunction steering wheel, and air conditioning. It also carries over many safety features from the passenger model, such as Suzuki’s Dual Sensor Brake Support system for automatic emergency braking. The system provides audio and visual warnings and applies strong automatic brakes when necessary to avoid collisions.

Running Costs and Efficiency

Given that the original Jimny’s discontinuation was due to emissions concerns, you might wonder how the LCV version performs in terms of fuel efficiency. Despite its 1.5-liter petrol engine and 4×4 capabilities, the Jimny LCV manages a respectable 36.7 MPG on the combined WLTP cycle. Its CO2 emissions stand at 173g/km, which isn’t class-leading, but it’s manageable for a vehicle of this type.
Like its predecessor, the Jimny LCV is built to be durable and practical, rather than highly economical. Suzuki offers a fixed-price servicing package after three years, which includes parts, labor, and VAT. Additionally, the Jimny LCV comes with a three-year, 60,000-mile warranty and one year of European breakdown cover. Although Suzuki may want to consider extending the warranty to match some of its rivals’ offerings, the Jimny still stands as a reliable option with low running costs.

Conclusion: A Unique Commercial Vehicle

The Suzuki Jimny LCV may be a temporary reprieve for the fourth-generation Jimny design, but it’s a welcome one. This compact 4×4 stands in a league of its own, offering unparalleled off-road ability in a small, affordable package. While it may not attract mainstream commercial buyers due to its limited payload and compact cargo space, it’s perfect for those who need a rugged, off-road-ready van that can take on tougher terrains.
Suzuki has only released 400 units of the Jimny LCV in the UK, so this might be your last chance to own one. Even if you weren’t initially in the market for a commercial vehicle, the Jimny LCV offers something special—combining the charm of the original Jimny with the practicality of a small van. If you’re interested in learning more about this unique vehicle, check out this full review: NEW Suzuki Jimny LCV 2023 | Full Review.