New-gen Maruti Gypsy (Third-gen Jimny) Trial Production Reportedly Kicks Off In India

Suzuki Jimny made its global debut back in 2018. Since then the car has attracted a lot of attention from the global audience, especially the off-roading enthusiasts. The suite is similar in India as well. Given that the Maruti Gypsy is now discontinued, the car fans are hoping that Maruti will fill the void with the Suzuki Jimny sometime soon. Earlier this year, Maruti showcased the Jimny at the Auto Expo 2020 to gauge the customer response. As per the September production record of Maruti Suzuki, one unit of the Maruti Jimny was manufactured at the carmaker's Gurgaon-based facility. Also, recent reports suggest that it is likely that Maruti has finally decided to commence with the trial production of the Maruti Jimny.

Maruti Suzuki is reported to start the trial production for the India-spec Jimny last month 

It is suggested that Maruti is testing on the pre-production version of the locally-assembled Jimny on the Indian tarmac. Last month, Maruti was reported to import a few Complete Knocked Down (CKD) kit of the Jimny. Apparently, the pre-production Jimny must be one of these import units. It is likely that Maruti will import the Jimny components from its Japan, while the assembling process will be done at the Gujrat-based plant.

On the other hand, Maruti is also currently in discussion with the local providers to locally source the components. In Maruti’s plan, its manufacturing facilities in India will be in charge of producing the Jimny for export by 2023. Recently, Suzuki Jimny is manufactured solely at Suzuki’s plant in Kosai, Shizuoka, Japan.

At the moment, the Suzuki Jimny is on sale in a three-door configuration only. It is reported that the Japanese-Indo carmaker is planning to launch a five-door version of the Jimny. According to multiple reports, the five-door model is believed to be developed exclusively for the Indian market. In all likelihood, the Maruti Suzuki will not launch the three-door Jimny in the Indian market. If launched, the five-door Jimny is likely to inherit the Gypsy nameplate.

It is expected that Maruti will launch a five-door model of the Jimny on the Indian market

In the global market, Maruti Suzuki Jimny is powered by a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated 4-cylinder petrol engine. This engine is capable of making 102 PS and a maximum torque of 130 Nm. There are two choices of transmission, a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed torque converter automatic. The all-wheel-drive system is offered as standard across the range. If the Jimny makes it to the Indian market, it is likely to be powered by a K-series unit with 105 PS and 138 Nm of rated output. The same engine can be found on the Maruti Ciaz, Vitara Brezza, S-Cross and Ertiga.

Maruti Jimny is likely to enter the Indian market next year. In India, Maruti Jimny will rival the likes of Mahindra Thar and Force Gurkha.