Maruti Suzuki at the Auto Expo 2020 showcased the fourth-generation Suzuki Jimny for the first time in India to assess consumer response from the mini-SUV. According to sources, Maruti Suzuki might be planning to launch the Jimny in our country around the end of this calendar year.
The Suzuki Jimny features a boxy timeless design language with an upright front fascia that has rounded headlights, rectangular grille, a wide rectangular air dam, rounded bumper integrated fog lights, a skid plate, a flat bonnet, 15-inch alloy wheels, black cladded muscular wheel arches, sideways opening spare wheel mounted tailgate and bumper integrated combination taillights.
Speculations are that the ‘Indian Version’, of the SUV is likely to be a 5-door car with other cosmetic changes made to it to make it more palatable to our SUV market. If such is the case the Jimny will lose its rugged go-anywhere charm and will become another practical car. Other aspects of its design are likely to remain the same but if the brand plans to bring a ‘Practical’ version of the Jimny to India it may only be offered in a front-wheel-drivetrain and chrome treatment to it. Do keep in mind that these are just speculations from unconfirmed sources and details will only be revealed closer to its launch.
The Japanese-spec utilitarian off-road capable Jimny is 3550mm in length, 1645mm in width, 1730mm in height with a wheelbase of 2250mm. The Jimny has short overhangs which allows the mini-SUV to traverse tough terrain with ease. The off-road friendly design has a 37-degree approach angle, 28-degree ramp break-over angle, 49-degree departure angle and a 210mm of minimum ground clearance.
Powered by a 1.5-litre K15B series 4-cylinder, 16-valve engine that produces 102 ps of power and 130 Nm of torque matched to a 5-speed manual gearbox and an optional 4-speed automatic transmission. The Suzuki Jimny also comes with a 3-link rigid axle with coil spring suspension on both the front and rear and an ALLGRIP part-time 4-wheel-drivetrain with a low ratio gearbox.
Its predecessor in our country, the second-generation Jimny which was the popular Maruti Gypsy SJ-410, though discontinued, is still a popular three-door SUV in the Indian market liked by enthusiasts and off-roaders alike. If the brand launches the Suzuki Jimny (international-spec) in the Indian market the SUV is likely to revive its reputation again.
