Major car brand forced to axe four popular models including iconic hot hatch ahead of launch of its first EV
SUZUKI are preparing for a brutal cull of some of their best-loved motors as they pave the way for their very first EV.
The Japanese car brand look set to scrap four models in the UK as they prepare for the government’s zero-emission vehicle mandate – which forces manufacturers to sell an increasing amount of EVs over the next decade.
This means the end of the road for the likes of the Ignis, Jimny LCV, Swace, and the Swift Sport hot hatchback as the arrival of their first fully electric car edges closer.
Named the eVX, the upcoming EV was presented to the world at the Tokyo motor show last year and will seemingly be released in 2025.
While little is known about the eVX, it appears to be a crossover electric SUV that will rival the Hyundai Kona Electric and Jeep Avenger, and will boast a range of 342 miles.
But its imminent arrival comes a cost to four of the brand’s most recognisable names.
That includes the Ignis, a hatchback first produced in 2000, and the Swace, a rebadged Toyota Corolla with hybrid appeal.
Worse still is the loss of the much-loved Jimny LCV – or Light Commercial Vehicle – off-roader which replaced the Jimny small SUV in 2021, and the iconic Swift Sport hot hatchback.
Adored by petrolheads for its fun-factor over the years, the Swift Sport has been on sale in the UK since 2006 – with its most-recent iteration boasting some mild hybrid tech.
Suzuki have said that all four models could be gone from showrooms by early 2025 “or sooner if dealer stock depletes.”
This will leave their hybrid model line-up with the Swift, Vitara, S-Cross and Across PHEV.
Suzuki UK director Dale Wyatt said: “The departure of these models will make room for EV and enable us to compete during a period where our sales ratio of hybrid versus EV products will drive our business.
“We’re exiting the ICE era with a focus on SUVs and the new Swift, then starting in the second half of 2025, we’ll begin a period of EV growth.”
It’s not all bad news though, as fans of hot hatches will be buoyed to know that the Swift Sport – which is praised for its “great handling” – can be picked up for a bargain price at second-hand car dealerships.
Elsewhere, Land Rover look set to revive one of its former models as an EV, eight years after it was discontinued.