Maruti Suzuki recently discontinued the legendary Gypsy in the Indian market due to the new BNVSAP norms and upcoming BS-VI emission norms. We had also recently informed you that there are reports doing rounds on the internet that the maker could start the production of the latest Jimny for the Indian market as early as 2020. This new SUV is being touted as the replacement for the beloved Gypsy in the Indian market. Now there are reports on the internet stating that the Jimny will come to India under a new name and will be launched sometime during the end of 2019.
The reports doing rounds on the internet also state that the Jimny will come to India with a lot of changes. These changes will include a growth in size and a larger engine (a 1.5L petrol unit). The global models of Jimny as of now come with a smaller engine and small size. However, the Indian version of the Jimny will be a lot closer to the Jimny Sierra and will borrow the engine and transmission from the same model. The global models of Jimny come with a 2-door setup but the Indian version of the same is expected to come with a 4-door setup as the former setup has never gone down well with the Indian public. The same reports also mention that the company may sell the upcoming rebadged Jimny through its NEXA dealerships as the Jimny will definitely be more premium and expensive than the current Vitara Brezza which is sold through Arena dealerships. Also, the Indian version of Jimny may not initially come with a 4WD setup but the later months will see the maker offer the same on the SUV. Also, the earlier reports had stated that the maker will manufacture the Jimny in India.
Ever since Suzuki launched their Jimny in their domestic market in 2018, the SUV has managed to earn heaps of praise in both domestic as well as global markets. The maker mostly imports the Jimny as it is not manufactured in any other country of the world. India may become the lone country to manufacture Jimny, if the move to bring it to the Indian market comes through. The tax on importing cars to India is very high and if the maker is even half-serious about launching the car in India, it will have to be built in the country.
As of now Suzuki Jimny comes with the option of either a 660 cc, 3-pot turbo petrol engine or a 1.5L, 4-pot petrol engine rated for 104 Bhp and 138 Nm. The engine comes with a 5 speed manual or a 4 speed torque converter automatic gearbox. Jimny is a rear wheel drive SUV that comes with a four wheel drive transfer case with high and low ratios as standard. In the end, an official word from Maruti Suzuki on the development or launch of the vehicle in the Indian market still is awaited.