The Suzuki Jimny is returning to Europe, but this time in the guise of a small LCV.

The new Jimny light commercial vehicle

Much loved since its launch, the small offroader was pulled from sale earlier this year due to its high emissions that would have hit Suzuki with big fines under EU emission laws.

Reshaping it as an LCV, which are subject to less harsh emission limits, helps swerve the penalties and ensures it remains a viable proposition in the Suzuki line-up.

It does mean the car loses the rear seats, replaced with a large luggage compartment with a flat floor and safety cargo partition. Some 863 litres of load space are up for grabs, 33 more than the passenger vehicle with the seats folded down.

The LCV does, however, carry over the Jimny’s 1.5-litre petrol engine and its offroad capabilities, including its ladder frame, three angles, three-link rigid axle suspension and part-time 4WD system with low range transfer gear.

The Jimny LCV also comes equipped with the same safety features as the passenger vehicle including Dual Sensor Brake Support (DSBS) which employs automatic brake to help avoid a collision, and hill hold and descent control that support driving on slopes.

Prices are yet to be revealed.