It’s all about the emissions Lebowski! Apparently, the Suzuki Jimny’s future in the UK is under threat. That’s because the tiny 4×4 emits rather too much CO2. Its relatively small 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine emits between 152g/km and 172g/km depending on spec. By comparison, an Audi A6 45 TFSI, Quattro S Line auto emits 154g/km. That alone suggests the Suzuki engine is not efficient for its size. In other words, Suzuki’s engine technology is becoming outdated for current emissions regulations. The Jimny would take Suzuki over the average CO2 threshold for the year meaning it could be handed a fine by the EU for exceeding CO2 emissions.

Suzuki’s biggest sales territories are in developing nations where emissions regulations not as strict as they are in Europe. Even when the UK leaves the EU, which is anticipated to be symbolic, the UK will follow many EU emissions regulations for some time to come. Suzuki UK can sidestep these regulations by registering the car as a commercial class vehicle.

Doing so will require the removal of the rear seats and essentially turning the Jimny into a panel van. This will increase tax and insurance rates. The Jimny doesn’t sell in big numbers, just 1,200 have found new homes in the UK. The easiest option for Suzuki is to remove the Jimny from sale, although Suzuki UK has confirmed it has no intention of doing so.

Is this all a storm in a tea cup? Let’s take a look at the evidence. Suzuki do look stupid here, they are aware of emissions regulations and laws. But they still decided to use old engine technology because they didn’t want to spend the extra on lowering CO2 emissions. 

A storm in a tea cup? yes and also a sign that Suzuki has limited resources. Suzuki failed here not the Jimny, but this could be a sign that Suzuki is in financial difficulties.