Suzuki has confirmed that the new Jimny will be launched in Indonesia, making the South East Asian country one of the first nations other than Japan to get the brand new off roader. The fourth generation Jimny will be built in Indonesia and exported to nearby countries. The short wheelbase version is the one green lit for Indonesian production, and it was officially unveiled at the ongoing Indonesia International Motor Show (IIMS) of 2018. Maruti Suzuki is yet to confirm the Jimny for India even as the Gypsy is set to go out of production sometime next year. If and when launched here, the new Jimny will be the Gypsy replacement, and is expected to be positioned as a go-anywhere off roader aimed mainly at enthusiasts.
This said, Maruti Suzuki has not been very positive about the new Jimny for the Indian market. The chief of engineering at Maruti Suzuki, Mr. CV Raman, indicated that the short wheelbase Jimny may not find enough takers in India as it was too impractical for family car buyers. In the same interview, he also said that a long wheelbase Jimny may be considered for launch in India.
However, Suzuki is yet to begin producing the long wheelbase, 5 door version of the Jimny as it’s currently scrambling to meet the big demand for the short wheelbase version. Media reports in the past have hinted that Maruti Suzuki’s factory in Gujarat could be a production hub for the right hand drive version of the Jimny.
The Jimny is currently available in two engine options – one of which is specifically meant for the Japan domestic market. The JDM spec Jimny gets the 660cc, triple cylinder turbocharged petrol engine while the rest of the world gets a 1.5 litre K-Series, naturally aspirated petrol motor with 106 PS-138 Nm outputs. 5 speed manual and 4 speed automatic gearboxes are on offer with the 1.5 litre petrol engine, which drives all four wheels through a part-time four wheel drive transfer case. The 2018 Jimny gets a host of safety features, a totally redesigned interior and latest infotainment features.
Via Paultan
