Suzuki will re-launch the Jimny next year as a commercial vehicle, after it was taken off sale in July to mitigate the brand’s emissions penalites.

The model, which launched in 2018, attracted high demand from the moment it was revealed, but was limited to just a few thousand units.

Due to its high CO2 emissions, the Jimny put Suzuki at risk of fines from the EU average fleet emissions targets so it was withdrawn from sale.

By homologating it as a commercial vehicle, it is subject to a less stringent target figure of 147g/km (versus 95g/km for passenger cars), which will help Suzuki reduce potential EU fines.

When the Jimny Commercial goes on sale next year it will have no rear seats, providing up to 863 litres of cargo space.

Suzuki says the light commercial vehicle model features the same “authentic, uncompromising off-roading performance” as the passenger vehicle model with key essentials – a ladder frame, the three angles, 3-link rigid axle suspension and ALLGRIP PRO, a part-time 4WD system with low range transfer gear.

It is powered by the same 1.5-litre petrol engine, which emits 174g/km of CO2 (WLTP) and returns around 45mpg.

Prices are yet to be confirmed but Suzuki has said volumes of the new Jimny will continue to be limited.

Swift facelift

Suzuki has updated the Swift for the 2021 model year with a higher standard specification and mild-hybrid engines across the range.

Standard equipment for all models in the range is even more comprehensive than before and the new SZ-L model includes air conditioning, rear view camera, Radar Brake Support with Adaptive Cruise Control, Smartphone link display audio with DAB radio, leather steering wheel, privacy glass, LED Headlamps, LED rear combination lamps, front fog lamps, polished 16-inch alloy wheels and front electric windows.

The SZ-T adds grey painted 16-inch alloy wheels, Dual Sensor Brake Support, Lane Departure Warning and Weaving Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Monitor, Traffic Sign Recognition and rear parking sensors.

SZ5 adds Navigation, 16-inch polished alloy wheels, automatic air conditioning, keyless entry and start, telescopic steering wheel adjustment, rear electric windows and door mirror side turn indicators.

Available as standard equipment for all Swift models, the 12V Hybrid system has been revised with a larger battery. The system has a power output of 2.3kW with a torque figure of 50Nm and the components of the system add just 6.2Kg to the overall weight of the car.

For the Swift with 2WD and manual transmission the Hybrid system returns a CO2 emissions figure of 111g/km and a fuel consumption figure of 57.2mpg on the combined cycle.

Prices start at £14,749 for the Swift SZ-L.