The beloved Suzuki Jimny off-roader is set to exit the European passenger vehicle market with a special "55th Anniversary Edition," limited to just 55 units for France. This retro-styled variant marks the end of the current generation's availability as a passenger car in Europe, primarily due to strict emissions regulations. While the three-door Jimny is departing Europe, the model continues to be produced and sold in other global markets, including the popular five-door version in India and Japan.
Enthusiasts of the compact and highly capable Suzuki Jimny are bracing for a bittersweet moment as the iconic off-roader prepares its final bow in the European passenger car market. Suzuki has announced a limited run "55th Anniversary Edition" exclusively for France, serving as the current generation's last hurrah before stricter emissions regulations force its official discontinuation as a passenger vehicle in the region.
The European Exit and Its Reasons
The Suzuki Jimny has faced a challenging environment in Europe due to increasingly stringent CO2 emission limits. For much of its recent life on the continent, the three-door Jimny was reclassified as a two-seater Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) to circumvent these rules. However, even this workaround is coming to an end, with Suzuki officially phasing out the Jimny (along with other models like the Ignis and Swace) from Europe starting in 2025.
The 55th Anniversary Edition is a direct response to this regulatory pressure, allowing Suzuki to offer a final, collector-focused variant before the model is no longer available for general passenger car sales.
The "55th Anniversary Edition": A Collector's Item
Limited to an exclusive run of just 55 units in France, the 55th Anniversary Edition pays homage to the Jimny's rich history, which dates back to 1970. This special variant is based on the Privilège trim and features a host of retro-inspired aesthetic upgrades:
- Distinctive Exterior: It boasts a custom grille with bold "Suzuki" lettering, retro side decals, and signature red mud flaps. A soft spare wheel cover adorned with the iconic "Rhino" emblem, a symbol associated with the Jimny since the 1980s, completes the look. The edition is available in classic colors such as White, Jungle Green, Bluish Black, and Medium Gray, all riding on black steel wheels.
- Unique Interior Touches: Inside, owners will find rubber floor mats in both the passenger compartment and trunk, alongside a commemorative plaque on the center console, marking its limited-edition status. To further enhance the ownership experience, Suzuki France is including a special key ring and a beautifully embossed leather travel journal for owners to document their off-road adventures.
- Under the Hood: Powering this special edition is the familiar naturally aspirated 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 101 horsepower (75 kW / 102 PS) and 130 Nm (96 lb-ft) of torque. It comes paired with a five-speed manual transmission and Suzuki's renowned AllGrip Pro 4WD system, complete with a transfer box and short gear range, ensuring its continued off-road prowess.
Jimny's Global Future
While the current generation of the three-door Jimny is bidding adieu to Europe, this is not the end of the Jimny story globally. The model continues to be a strong seller and is produced for markets across Australia, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, India, and Latin America. Notably, the five-door Jimny, manufactured by Maruti Suzuki in India, has seen immense popularity, including in Suzuki's home market of Japan, where demand has been so overwhelming that bookings were temporarily halted.
Suzuki has indicated that it is exploring options for the Jimny's future, including potential electrification or the use of alternative fuels, which could potentially pave the way for its return to Europe as a passenger vehicle in a different form. For now, the 55th Anniversary Edition stands as a fitting tribute to a small but mighty off-roader that has carved out a cult following worldwide.
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