Suzuki Jimny 5-Door To Launch In India By 2022-23

While the Suzuki Jimny has been an extremely popular mini off-roader in the global markets, it comes as no surprise that the car becomes one of the most-awaited launches in the Indian space. Earlier this year, Maruti Suzuki shed a buzz of excitement as it showcased the Jimny at the Auto Expo 2020 and hinted at the imminent launch of the vehicle. The plan was cancelled by the Covid-19 pandemic sadly but now reports suggest that Maruti Suzuki will restart the production of the Jimny in India again, both 3-door and 5-door versions.

The Indo-Japanese automobile manufacturer is aiming to increase the export market share from 7% to 20%. The company will start the production of the 3-door Jimny at its plant in Gurugram for the export purpose in the next few months. Maruti Suzuki will import the Jimny’s components via the CKD route at the initial stage but it is expected that the company will start producing the Jimny with locally-sourced components at a later date.

Alongside the 3-door Jimny, the 5-door version of the Jimny will be developed exclusively in India. From this, there’s a higher chance that the Suzuki Jimny will go on sale in India in the future. Media reports suggest that the locally-developed 5-door Maruti Jimny will hit the domestic market sometime in 2022-23. In fact, both the 3-door and 5-door Jimny might be introduced in our country. Once launched, the new model could be branded as the next-gen Maruti Gypsy in India and will be placed under the new-gen Mahindra Thar in the pricing range.

In terms of engines, the Suzuki Jimny will come with a single petrol engine under the hood. We expect that the Indian-spec Jimny will be powered by a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol burner that also powers other cars of Maruti Suzuki. The upcoming Suzuki Jimny will be available with both MT and automatic transmission along with an AWD system but there will be a 2WD configuration on offer in the lower trims for a more competitive price. The Maruti Jimny (Gypsy) will come to take on the likes of 2020 Mahindra Thar and BS6-compliant Force Gurkha in India.