Maruti Suzuki Jimny is available in only hard-top variant, something that makes this modification project a bit more challenging
While Jimny may have failed its mission to neutralize the mighty Thar, the SUV’s inherent potential remains unchanged. A relevant example is this modification project, where Maruti Jimny has been modified into a jungle safari vehicle. Jimny makes a suitable choice for jungle safari with its robust suspension, proven 4×4 setup and off-roading capabilities.
Jimny transformed into a jungle safari vehicle
The modified Jimny will be providing its services at the Similipal National Park in Odisha. While tigers are the primary attraction, there’s a wide variety of other wildlife also available to explore. The Similipal National Park is also known for its stunning natural landscapes. Jimny makes a good choice as a safari vehicle, as it has capabilities to handle the wide variations in topography, altitude and climate conditions.
Talking about the modifications, it is evident that the top section has been entirely chopped off. New structural elements have been added to support a massive canopy on top. This will provide protection from the sun and rain and any hazards that may fall from the above during the jungle safari. The canopy is made using a metal beam frame, which is then wrapped in a tarpaulin-like sheet.
Exteriors get various other modifications such as a nudge bar at the front. Both sides get strong railings that connect to the nudge bar at the front. While the front fenders seem to be the stock units, the rear fenders have been replaced with custom built units.
To ensure easy ingress and egress for passengers, wide running boards have been added on both sides of the modified Jimny. Access to the 3rd row (modified) seat is a bit tricky, especially for folks who may be physically unsteady. One has to mount the running board and then a custom footrest on the rear fender to reach the 3rd row seat.
New seating arrangement
From the images, it appears that all the original seats have been entirely removed. While the Jimny stock model has two rows, this modified version has two rows at the rear and one driver seat. It is not clear from the images if a front co-passenger seat is available. Considering the two rows at the rear, there is space to seat 6 passengers. The rear seats have been raised to ensure a better view of the forest and wildlife. The rearmost seat is the most elevated and should provide the best views of the surroundings.
Overall comfort will apparently be not as good with the modified seats. However, for short journeys of around one hour, there shouldn’t be any major issues. But evening tours in Similipal National Park are longer at around 4 hours. These can be a bit challenging, especially when negotiating some really bad patches.
