2018 Suzuki Jimny long wheelbase likely for India: What it’ll look like

In a recent interview, Mr CV Raman, Maruti Suzuki’s engineering head said something to the effect that the demand for the three-door Jimny is low in India and that the vehicle’s only potential here was as a lifestyle vehicle. What this also implies is that the Jimny’s long wheelbase version could be built and sold in India. Here’s a render that shows what a long wheelbase of the Jimny could look like.

As the render indicates, the longer wheelbase version of the Jimny will feature a conventional, five-door SUV design. The longer wheelbase will also allow Suzuki to offer five seats. Such a version will be more suitable for those who want a practical off-roader that can ferry families during the week and be taken trail driving during the weekends. This Jekyll and Hyde behaviour is what the long wheelbase Jimny is expected to offer. Of course, it’s expected to be pricier than the smaller, three-door model.

As for mechanicals, the long wheelbase version of the Jimny will share many similarities with the more off-road oriented, short-wheelbase version. The rugged ladder frame will be lengthened and the suspension beefed up to handle the additional load of a long wheelbase and additional passengers. The 1.5-litre petrol engine, currently offered on the Jimny Sierra variants, is likely to be offered as standard on the long wheelbase variant as well. Power and torque outputs are unspecified for now.

Five-speed manual and four-speed torque converter automatic gearboxes will be offered on the off-roader, along with a four-wheel drive transfer case. Safety features such as airbags and ABS will be standard. Suzuki could add more creature comforts to the long wheelbase version. The SmartPlay touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay is expected to be standard on both variants.

Via XTomiDesign