Ever since it was launched in Japan last year, Jimny has been a wanted car by many SUV enthusiasts in India. Though there have been no official confirmations from Maruti about the launch of Jimny in India, there have been enough indications from Maruti’s parent Suzuki Motor, about their plan to launch the Jimny in India.
Latest report by Nikkei, confirms that Suzuki will launch a new mini SUV in India, as early as this financial year (most likely at Auto Expo 2020). This new mini SUV 4×4 will be based on the Suzuki Jimny.
The fourth generation Suzuki Jimny boasts of an evolutionary design. It is based on a ladder frame chassis with a four wheel drive configuration and low range transmission along with a three link rigid suspension for enhanced off roading performance.
The Jimny will enter production at the Suzuki new plant in India, located near Ahmedabad, Gujarat. It will receive rounded headlamps, fog lamps and upright pillars. True to its off roading stance, it will sit on flared wheel arches and get high ground clearance. Its interiors will be seen with premium features such as a touchscreen infotainment system, reverse parking camera, lane departure warning and dual sensor brake support.
It will feature SmartPlay infotainment unit, compatible with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and Sat-Nav. Safety features will include dual SRS airbags in the front, ABS and EBD as standard along with ISOFIX child seat mounts. It will also get vehicle stability control and brake enabled Limited Slip Differential System.
Powering the Suzuki Jimny in India could be a 1.2 liter petrol engine, which also powers other Maruti cars like Swift, Dzire, etc. To keep costs low, Maruti could also offer an even smaller petrol 1 liter engine, which powers the likes of Alto K10. Diesel engine will not be on offers, as it will not be cost effective. Expect the Jimny to get BS6 petrol engine from day 1.
Apart from manufacturing Jimny for India, the Suzuki Gujarat Plant could also export Jimny to countries in the Middle East and Africa. This will help Suzuki boost their sales in India, as well as in other countries.
Maruti Suzuki India is facing one of its worst sales period. Launch of Jimny could help the company boost sales. Gypsy, which was basically the 2nd gen Jimny, has been discontinued from India, as the car did not meet safety norms. But the new Jimny, now in its 4th gen, meets all safety norms of India. If the Jimny goes on sale within the country, expect prices to be in the Rs.5-7 lakhs range.
