Maruti Suzuki has started the trial production of the Jimny off-roader SUV at its Gurugram facility ahead of its launch in 2021. As per the reports, Maruti has assembled 50 units of the global-spec 3-door version of Jimny in India, imported as CKD kits from Japan.
After the discontinuation of the legendary Gypsy in India, there were anticipations that the brand will bring the new generation version in our country. And later, Maruti has showcased the 4th-gen Suzuki Jimny at the 2020 Auto Expo held in February 2020. For the people not in know, the Gypsy was an extended version of the second-gen Jimny, which was quite popular in India thanks to its splendid off-roading capabilities.
The new Jimny is in consideration for Indian markets, but it is expected to come in a 5-door version. However, given the popularity of second-generation Mahindra Thar in India, Maruti may also bring a 3-door version of the Jimny, and so perhaps it has started assembling & testing its 3-door version in India. But it is also important to note that the Mahindra is also gearing up to introduce a 5-door version of the Thar.
About Maruti Suzuki Jimny
Currently, the Suzuki Jimny is in its fourth-generation avatar, debuted in July 2018 in the international market. Unlike the Vitara Brezza, it is a body-on-frame compact off-roader vehicle, whereas the Brezza is a monocoque frame-based urban SUV. Globally, the Jimny comes with a 4×4 drivetrain as standard, with a low-range transfer case to switch between 4WD-high, 4WD-low, and 2WD-high. However, to play its pricing card, the brand could also bring its 4×2 version to our shore.
Under the hood, the Indian-spec Jimny is likely to house a 1.5-liter petrol engine, that also powers the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Ciaz, Ertiga, and the XL6. In all these cars, this engine produces a maximum output of 105PS and 138Nm. As Maruti is also preparing to re-introduce its 1.5-liter diesel engine in BS6 avatar, it could also be offered in Jimny too.
As far as the design is concerned, the latest generation Suzuki Jimny looks like a tiny version of the Mercedes-Benz G Wagon. It features rugged aesthetics & a boxy silhouette with elements like heavy bottom cladding, round headlamps, huge glass areas, tailgate-mounted spare wheel, bumper-mounted taillamps, and high ground clearance.
On the inside, it gets an all-black retro-modern dashboard layout. Though it is an off-roader, still it packs a decent set of comfort features such as LED headlamps, a 7-inch Smartplay system with built-in navigation, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto connectivity support, cruise control, power windows, automatic AC, keyless entry with engine start/stop button, etc.
On the safety front, its global version comes equipped with 6-airbags, ABS with EBD, brake assist (BA), ESP (electronic stability program), traction control, hill descent control, hill hold control, seatbelts with pre-tensioners, autonomous emergency braking, and lane departure warning.
Expected Launch Date & Pricing
Maruti Suzuki is expected to launch Jimny by the end of 2021. It is likely to be retailed from Nexa premium dealerships, and its prices could start from around Rs 10 lakh. Once launched, it will take on the likes of all-new Mahindra Thar and the upcoming BS6 Force Gurkha.
