Suzuki Jimny’s production will likely begin in India next year and is expected to be launched in the domestic market in the near future
The latest generation Jimny will likely be manufactured in India from next year for export markets such as Africa and the Middle East at least initially as per reports. Currently, the small off-roader is rolled out of Suzuki’s production lines in Kosai, Japan. Speculations surroundings the Jimny’s Indian market entry have been there for several years.
As the Gypsy is no more due to the tightening of crash test standards and its age factor, the arrival of Jimny, in some way a spiritual successor, has been anticipated in the near future. It is worth noting that Maruti Suzuki will commence the production of the now-defunct Gypsy for use in the Indian Amry based on their requirements as its agility has been a prime factor.
The fourth generation Jimny made its public debut as the biggest overhaul through its lifespan. The small off-roader could be sold in India as a lifestyle product targetting young band of customers. The Jimny is built on a ladder frame chassis with part-time four-wheel-drive configuration and the low-range transmission as the essential factors alongside a three-link rigid suspension for off-roading duties.
Taking an evolutionary approach to design, the latest Jimny gets round-shaped headlamps, upright pillars, flared wheel arches and a high riding stance maintaining its go-anywhere demeanour. We can expect it to sit above the Vitara Brezza in the domestic portfolio while a more premium SUV rivalling Hyundai Creta is likely on the cards as well.
Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL) could pitch the Jimny as a premium offering with upmarket features like a touchscreen infotainment system, reverse parking camera, lane departure warning technology and Dual Sensor Brake Support (DSBS) among other driver assistive and safety features. It derives power from a 0.66-litre R06A turbocharged engine in its home market of Japan.
Elsewhere, the Suzuki Jimny uses a new 1.5-litre K15B three-cylinder petrol engine good enough to produce a maximum power output of 100 PS and 130 Nm. It is connected either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission.