Maruti Gypsy to be officially replaced by the Jimny: Launch SOON

Maruti Suzuki Gypsy, which was earlier discontinued in the Indian market due to the stricter norms has left quite a few enthusiasts in a grim state. However, a Japanese news report earlier this month said that the car will be launched in the Indian market soon and the manufacturer is already working on it. The latest news report from NDTV Auto says that the all-new Jimny will be rebadged for the Indian market and will be launched later this year.

The report also claims that the Jimny, which will be rebadged for the Indian market will be different from the global models. The Indian-spec model will be bigger in size than the global models and will share the engine, transmission and other components with the Jimny Sierra, which is powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine.

The article also mentions that Maruti Suzuki will sell the all-new SUV through the premium Nexa channel. Currently, the Nexa offers vehicles like Ignis, Baleno, Ciaz and the S-Cross. Soon, Maruti Suzuki will introduce the first MPV in their Nexa lineup in the form of XL6. Even though the S-Cross is marketed as an SUV in India, it is more of a crossover in terms of design. The addition of the Maruti Suzuki Jimny in the Nexa line-up will make the vehicle first SUV in the Nexa catalogue. It will also ensure diversity in the line-up. The Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, one of the best-selling SUVs in the country currently sells through the Maruti Suzuki Arena network alongside all other Maruti Suzuki cars in India.

The all-new Jimny, which will get the Gypsy moniker will not be as exciting to the off-road enthusiasts as the now-discontinued Gypsy. That’s because the all-new Jimny may not get the 4WD option initially. However, within six months, the manufacturer may launch the 4WD version of the vehicle too.

The Indian-spec Jimny will get quite a lot of changes to suit the Indian market. Currently, Suzuki offers the Jimny and Jimny Sierra in the international model. The Jimny Sierra is a three-door and wide-body version of the Jimny. The Indian version will be based on Jimny Sierra’s body but it will get a longer wheelbase. The vehicle will be specifically developed for the Indian market. Internationally, Suzuki only offers a 3-door version of the vehicle. The Indian market will get the 5-door set-up, which will entice the mass segment market. It should be noted that the discontinued Maruti Suzuki Gypsy offered a 3-door set-up.

Like the Gypsy, the upcoming all-new car will not offer a diesel engine option. It will get the same 1.5-litre petrol engine that powers the vehicles like Ertiga and Ciaz in the Indian market. Just like many other Maruti Suzuki cars, the all-new Gypsy will be manufactured at the manufacturer’s Sanand, Gujarat plant and will be exported to various markets. It is not known if the 3-door version will be manufactured in India too.