Maruti Suzuki has indicated that marketing preparations for the Jimny 4X4 are being finalised in preparation for the SUV’s release in early 2023. In the meantime, a Suzuki Jimny 4X4 has been seen on Mumbai streets. But don’t get too excited, since the Jimny sighted in Mumbai is a private import from Dubai, where the SUV is already on the market.
The Jimny that will be sold in India will have a right-hand drive dashboard and will be built in one of Maruti Suzuki’s many factories here. Notably, a long-wheelbase Jimny has been sighted testing abroad. It remains to be seen whether Maruti Suzuki introduces a long wheelbase, 5 door vehicle or sticks with the 3 door, short wheelbase model. The Jimny is intended to be launched as a Gypsy replacement in India.
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The 1.5 liter-4 cylinder K15C petrol engine is slated to power the India-spec Jimny, which will be mated to either a 5 speed manual or a 4 speed torque converter automatic transmission.
A four wheel drive transfer case is likely to be standard fare. In India, the Jimny will square off against the Mahindra Thar – available with turbo petrol and turbo diesel engines – and the Force Gurkha – sold with a turbo diesel engine.
The Jimny is one size smaller than the Gurkha and Thar and is supposed to be reasonably priced. While the Gypsy was priced at Rs. 6 lakh until it was discontinued, the Jimny is likely to be closer to the Rs. 10 lakh figure. In practically every way, the Jimny is a few generations ahead of the Gypsy, and the price premium should reflect that.
The Jimny, like the Gypsy, will ride on a ladder frame chassis, which should provide outstanding off-road and rough-road performance. The small wheelbase, light weight, and four wheel drive configuration with low and high ranges, like the Gypsy, should make it a’mountain goat.’ The Jimny will be distinguished from the Gypsy by its superior on-road comfort, creature comforts, and safety features.
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Six airbags (as mandated by the government), ABS+EBD, ESP, hill-hold and hill-descent control are among the several safety features that the India-spec Jimny is anticipated to include. The Jimny will be far more useable as a daily car with independent suspension on all four wheels as opposed to the Gypsy’s leaf springs. The new 4X4 SUV will be a tempting everyday drive thanks to a touchscreen entertainment device with Bluetooth connectivity, satellite navigation, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay.
