Maruti Suzuki pulled the plug off the Gypsy because it lost the orders from Indian army, and also, because it is not going to meet the upcoming crash safety and emission norms. The brand has not launched a small SUV for a long time and now new reports are suggesting that a Jimny based product is on cards for India. The reason for this product consideration might have been the sales numbers which have seen a dip in recent months.
The new model is supposed to be a replacement for the Gypsy, so this gives us a fair idea what the price range would be. There is no official update on this development, but most likely, since this would be a niche product, the Jimny based SUV could also be sold via Nexa showrooms. The Gypsy which started journey in 1985 is now off the shelves. So there is surely space for a new product.
This mini sports utility vehicle will be unique in the segment, if it is based on the Jimny. Maruti Suzuki already has a compact-SUV in the form of the Vitara Brezza. But the latter is just road-only SUV, and does not get 4×4 capability. While the source claims that this car would be launched for the rural market, on the contrary, this new SUV will fetch urban buyers who want a lifestyle vehicle which is unlike no other. The Jimny based SUV is not confirmed to be 4×4 capable, but we know that the car is sold that way in international market.
The new mini-SUV will be locally manufactured for cost effectiveness. Launch could be on schedule for 2019-20, and we can expect a prototype to be displayed at the Auto Expo 2020.
Also, a point to note, the old Gypsy was based on the original Jimny from the international market.
