In a world where off-roading continues to grow in popularity, Suzuki’s Jimny is a cult phenomenon. In three-door and now five-door format, it has proved immensely popular, but in some markets, emissions regulations prevent or limit sale of the wee SUV.

Now, Australian media are reporting medium-term plans to release both a hybrid and an all-electric variant of the SUV.
The news comes via Aussie publication CarSales, which spoke with Suzuki Australia’s Michael Pachota. The Jimny is the second-most-popular small SUV behind the Mazda CX-3.

Pachota recognized the need for more efficient powertrains. Jimny’s current 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine has already been barred from entry into a number of markets due to its emissions levels, with tighter regulations coming in many regions.

Jimny’s engine options will likely continue to follow its Swift range, which provides the current 1.5-litre engine. Swift has now launched its latest range, including a hybrid.

A hybridised version of the Jimny would be a logical stop-gap while Suzuki develops an EV platform, expected by 2030. Suzuki has already committed $1.5 billion to EV development for critical markets like Japan, India, and Europe, and will launch its first electric vehicle in 2025, with more to follow by 2030. In the meantime, it is ending UK sales of Swift Sport, Ignis and Jimny to focus on the launch of its first EV in H2 of 2025.

Suzuki is also reportedly mulling over the idea of a pickup variant of the Jimny, which was first teased back at the 2019 Tokyo auto show. In addition to a colour-coded tray and a new grille design, the concept included many changes to help it off the beaten track: raised ride height, taller off-road tyres, integrated tow hooks in the front bumpers, and LED lights built into the style bar.

While that design concept has yet to find its way to production, Suzuki in New Zealand has already been offering flatdeck-converted Jimny utes.