Maruti Suzuki India’s largest car manufacturer had showcased one of their most anticipated compact SUV Jimny at the Auto Expo this year. It was showcased for the first time and the audience response for this was over whelming. Maruti later on had also announced that they will be manufacturing the new Jimny for international markets. This was mainly because of the huge demand for this SUV in other markets, demand that the Japanese production facility for this off roader was unable to meet. However, the whole plan got delayed due to the ongoing pandemic and lockdown and we had not heard anything about Jimny’s production until now. According to some reports Maruti will soon be starting the production for this popular SUV.
According to Team-Bhp, Maruti has imported number of CKD kits for Jimny and the shipments is awaiting clearance from authorities. The Jimny that is now being brought as CKD kits are the meant to be exported to the international market. The chances of Indian market getting a 2-door version of the Jimny is highly unlikely. We might be getting a 5-door version of the Jimny in future.
According to the report, Maruti Suzuki plans to produce 4,000-5,000 units of Jimny for export purposes. As far as the Indian market is concerned we might only be getting it in next couple of years and the car is expected to be a premium offering and sold via Nexa chain of dealerships.
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Earlier, Japan was the only country were Jimny was manufactured. It was exported to all the other markets from a single country and that is one of the reason why Jimny has long waiting period. With production starting in India, Suzuki will be able to keep up with the demand for this small and compact off-roader.
Suzuki Jimny is a petrol only SUV. It is powered by a humble litre naturally aspirated petrol engine that generates 101 bhp and 130 Nm of torque. It comes with a proper 4WD system and is a proper compact off-roader SUV. It is available with a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed automatic gearbox. The Indian version when launched is likely to be longer and will be available with both 4WD and 2WD system to keep the costs down. The Indian version is expected to be a long wheelbase model, with five doors instead of three.
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