Suzuki Jimny will remain on sale 'in very limited numbers'

Suzuki has responded to speculation that its Jimny off-roader could be axed in order to reduce average CO2 emissions across its range.

All car manufacturers are set to be hit with heavy fines if their cars emit more than 95g/km CO2 on average in Europe from 2021. This has led to accelerated roll out of electrified models, while more polluting cars are being dropped. It's also resulted in price increases for some vehicles in order to counter the penalties.

Suzuki has recently introduced 48V mild-hybrid technology on its Swift Sport, Vitara and S-Cross models in order to improve its fleet emissions - but the Jimny, with its WLTP CO2 emissions of 178g/km (190g/km for the auto), skews the brand's average.

While some media outlets are reporting that the Jimny will be removed from sale in the UK, Suzuki has said that the model will remain on sale in the UK in very limited numbers throughout 2020. In a statement, the brand says "Suzuki GB PLC will make every effort to ensure delivery to its customers who have already placed an order."

It's understood that Suzuki has already sold most of its annual allocation of 1,200 Jimnys, with as-new examples changing hands for significantly more than list price.

It's not clear what will happen after 2020, with rumours suggesting it could be sold as an N1 class commercial vehicle to avoid impacting Suzuki's fleet CO2 emissions.